Puppy and Kitten Care 101: Building a Healthy Start That Lasts a Lifetime

Expert summer pet care tips from Castle Hills Animal Hospital in Lewisville, TX. Learn how to prevent heatstroke, keep pets cool, and recognize emergency signs. Same-day appointments available!

Protect your pets from fleas and ticks year-round. Learn expert prevention tips and treatment options from Castle Hills Animal Hospital in San Antonio, TX

Is your pet suffering this allergy season? Learn how to spot spring allergy symptoms in dogs and cats and explore effective treatment options from Castle Hills Animal Hospital.

Microchipping is a simple and effective way to keep your pet safe. Learn why microchipping is a must-have for any responsible pet parent and how it can help reunite you with your pet.

Discover the benefits of dental care for your pet, from preventing bad breath to avoiding heart disease. Learn how regular checkups and at-home hygiene keep your pet healthy.

Pet emergencies can happen at any time. Learn how to recognize urgent care needs and the importance of having an emergency plan for your furry friend.

Preventative care is key to your pet’s health! Learn how regular checkups, vaccinations, and screenings help catch issues early and keep your furry friend happy.

As the seasons change, so do the needs of your furry friends. Whether it’s the shift from summer to fall or from winter to spring, seasonal transitions can present a variety of challenges for your pet’s health and comfort. From changes in temperature to the blooming of new allergens, it’s important to stay ahead of potential issues to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy all year round. In this blog post, we'll share some essential tips to help your pet thrive during seasonal changes, focusing on grooming, diet adjustments, and precautions against allergies or parasites. Let’s dive in and keep your pet feeling their best through every season! 1. Grooming Tips for Seasonal Coat Changes As the weather cools down or warms up, your pet’s coat will naturally undergo changes. During these transitions, proper grooming can help prevent discomfort and health problems. Here’s how you can help: Brush Regularly : Seasonal shedding is a common issue for pets, especially dogs and cats. Brushing your pet’s coat not only helps manage shedding but also prevents mats and tangles. Plus, it helps reduce allergens in the home. Bathing : Bathing your pet during seasonal changes can help keep their coat and skin healthy. Use gentle, pet-friendly shampoos to avoid irritating their skin, which can become more sensitive due to temperature changes. Trim Nails and Fur : Regularly trimming your pet's nails and any excess fur around their paws or eyes can improve comfort, especially if they spend more time outdoors during the cooler months. 2. Adjusting Your Pet’s Diet for Seasonal Changes A change in temperature and activity levels can influence your pet’s dietary needs. For example, your pet might require more food during the winter months to maintain body heat, while they may need less food if they’re less active in the summer. Consider these tips: Hydration : During hot weather, pets can easily become dehydrated, so always ensure fresh water is available. In cooler months, pets may drink less water, so keep an eye on hydration levels. Increased Caloric Intake in Winter : Cold weather can increase your pet’s energy expenditure, especially if they’re more active in the winter months. Consider increasing their food intake or providing high-energy meals to keep them warm and healthy. Weight Management : Keep an eye on your pet’s weight, particularly as their activity level may fluctuate between seasons. Overfeeding during the winter months or underfeeding in the summer can both lead to health problems. 3. Protecting Against Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies can affect both pets and their owners, and pets are no exception. Just like humans, your furry friend can develop sensitivities to pollen, mold, or dust, which tend to peak during certain seasons. Watch for Symptoms : Look out for signs of allergies in pets, such as excessive itching, watery eyes, sneezing, or ear infections. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your vet for guidance. Limit Outdoor Time : During peak allergy season, try to limit your pet’s exposure to allergens by keeping them inside when pollen counts are high. If they must go outside, wiping down their paws and fur can help reduce the allergens they bring back inside. Consider Allergy Medications : Your veterinarian may recommend allergy medications or supplements to help alleviate your pet’s discomfort. Antihistamines, allergy shots, or other treatments may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. 4. Protecting Against Seasonal Parasites The warmer months bring a surge in parasites, like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can pose a serious threat to your pet’s health. Here’s how to protect your pet from seasonal pests: Flea and Tick Prevention : Fleas and ticks are more active during warmer months, so it’s crucial to ensure your pet is on a year-round flea and tick prevention regimen. Speak with your veterinarian about the best options for your pet, such as topical treatments or oral medications. Mosquitoes and Heartworm : Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease, which can be deadly if not prevented. Be sure your pet is on a heartworm prevention medication, particularly during mosquito season. Regular Vet Checkups : Seasonal transitions are a great time to schedule a vet checkup to ensure your pet is free of parasites and up-to-date on vaccinations. 5. Stay Active with Your Pet Even though your pet’s exercise needs may change with the weather, it’s still important to keep them active to maintain a healthy weight and boost their mental health. Here are some ideas to keep them moving: Shorter Walks in Hot Weather : During the hot months, opt for shorter walks in the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening) to avoid heat exhaustion. Winter Playtime : If your pet enjoys the cold, winter can be a great time for outdoor activities like playing fetch in the snow. Be sure to check your pet's paws for ice and snow buildup, and avoid long outdoor periods in freezing temperatures. Indoor Games : During rainy or cold weather, indoor games like tug-of-war, fetch, or puzzle toys can help keep your pet engaged and active. Conclusion Seasonal transitions are inevitable, but by following these tips, you can ensure your pet stays happy, healthy, and comfortable through every change in the weather. From grooming and diet adjustments to protecting against allergens and parasites, taking these proactive steps will make all the difference in your pet’s well-being. If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health during seasonal changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to Castle Hills Animal Hospital. Our experienced team is here to help keep your furry friends in top shape all year round.

As the seasons change, so do the needs of your furry friends. Whether it’s the shift from summer to fall or from winter to spring, seasonal transitions can present a variety of challenges for your pet’s health and comfort. From changes in temperature to the blooming of new allergens, it’s important to stay ahead of potential issues to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy all year round. In this blog post, we'll share some essential tips to help your pet thrive during seasonal changes, focusing on grooming, diet adjustments, and precautions against allergies or parasites. Let’s dive in and keep your pet feeling their best through every season! 1. Grooming Tips for Seasonal Coat Changes As the weather cools down or warms up, your pet’s coat will naturally undergo changes. During these transitions, proper grooming can help prevent discomfort and health problems. Here’s how you can help: Brush Regularly : Seasonal shedding is a common issue for pets, especially dogs and cats. Brushing your pet’s coat not only helps manage shedding but also prevents mats and tangles. Plus, it helps reduce allergens in the home. Bathing : Bathing your pet during seasonal changes can help keep their coat and skin healthy. Use gentle, pet-friendly shampoos to avoid irritating their skin, which can become more sensitive due to temperature changes. Trim Nails and Fur : Regularly trimming your pet's nails and any excess fur around their paws or eyes can improve comfort, especially if they spend more time outdoors during the cooler months. 2. Adjusting Your Pet’s Diet for Seasonal Changes A change in temperature and activity levels can influence your pet’s dietary needs. For example, your pet might require more food during the winter months to maintain body heat, while they may need less food if they’re less active in the summer. Consider these tips: Hydration : During hot weather, pets can easily become dehydrated, so always ensure fresh water is available. In cooler months, pets may drink less water, so keep an eye on hydration levels. Increased Caloric Intake in Winter : Cold weather can increase your pet’s energy expenditure, especially if they’re more active in the winter months. Consider increasing their food intake or providing high-energy meals to keep them warm and healthy. Weight Management : Keep an eye on your pet’s weight, particularly as their activity level may fluctuate between seasons. Overfeeding during the winter months or underfeeding in the summer can both lead to health problems. 3. Protecting Against Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies can affect both pets and their owners, and pets are no exception. Just like humans, your furry friend can develop sensitivities to pollen, mold, or dust, which tend to peak during certain seasons. Watch for Symptoms : Look out for signs of allergies in pets, such as excessive itching, watery eyes, sneezing, or ear infections. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your vet for guidance. Limit Outdoor Time : During peak allergy season, try to limit your pet’s exposure to allergens by keeping them inside when pollen counts are high. If they must go outside, wiping down their paws and fur can help reduce the allergens they bring back inside. Consider Allergy Medications : Your veterinarian may recommend allergy medications or supplements to help alleviate your pet’s discomfort. Antihistamines, allergy shots, or other treatments may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. 4. Protecting Against Seasonal Parasites The warmer months bring a surge in parasites, like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can pose a serious threat to your pet’s health. Here’s how to protect your pet from seasonal pests: Flea and Tick Prevention : Fleas and ticks are more active during warmer months, so it’s crucial to ensure your pet is on a year-round flea and tick prevention regimen. Speak with your veterinarian about the best options for your pet, such as topical treatments or oral medications. Mosquitoes and Heartworm : Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease, which can be deadly if not prevented. Be sure your pet is on a heartworm prevention medication, particularly during mosquito season. Regular Vet Checkups : Seasonal transitions are a great time to schedule a vet checkup to ensure your pet is free of parasites and up-to-date on vaccinations. 5. Stay Active with Your Pet Even though your pet’s exercise needs may change with the weather, it’s still important to keep them active to maintain a healthy weight and boost their mental health. Here are some ideas to keep them moving: Shorter Walks in Hot Weather : During the hot months, opt for shorter walks in the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening) to avoid heat exhaustion. Winter Playtime : If your pet enjoys the cold, winter can be a great time for outdoor activities like playing fetch in the snow. Be sure to check your pet's paws for ice and snow buildup, and avoid long outdoor periods in freezing temperatures. Indoor Games : During rainy or cold weather, indoor games like tug-of-war, fetch, or puzzle toys can help keep your pet engaged and active. Conclusion Seasonal transitions are inevitable, but by following these tips, you can ensure your pet stays happy, healthy, and comfortable through every change in the weather. From grooming and diet adjustments to protecting against allergens and parasites, taking these proactive steps will make all the difference in your pet’s well-being. If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health during seasonal changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to Castle Hills Animal Hospital. Our experienced team is here to help keep your furry friends in top shape all year round.