With beach season upon us, it’s prime time to grab the leash and run into the sunset with your beloved pup. Along with packing sunscreen and an iced coffee for yourself, don’t forget to also prepare your pet for a fun-filled adventure that centers on safety. From tick prevention to beating the heat, Dr. Christie D’Andrea, founder and CEO of Veterinary Urgent Care Center, offers expert insights on making the most of the season – plus news of the center’s newest location right in the heart of Narragansett.
Dr. D’Andrea: In 2017, I started our first Veterinary Urgent Care Center (VUCC) in Quincy, MA. I saw how people were struggling to get their pets convenient and appropriate care for minor to moderate injuries and illnesses. I specifically remember a family whose dog had an ear infection, and they had to wait a few weeks to get their pet seen or wait for hours at an emergency medical center. I felt terrible for both the dog and his dog mom. I decided to create a better option, so we opened our first hospital – the need was definitely there. In the eight years since we started VUCC, we’ve opened seven more hospitals and now have more than 200 people on our team.
Dr. D’Andrea: Tick prevention. Preventing tick-borne diseases in dogs and cats is a critical component of veterinary care, particularly in regions where ticks are prevalent, such as New England. Proactive prevention strategies – such as the consistent use of veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives, routine tick checks, and minimizing exposure to tick-infested environments – are essential to protecting pet health. Early detection through regular veterinary screenings and client education on the risks and signs of tick-borne illnesses also play pivotal roles in reducing the incidence and severity of these diseases. Through a combination of prevention, monitoring, and prompt treatment, we can significantly reduce the impact of tick-borne diseases in dogs and cats.
Dr. D’Andrea: Make a plan when you are out and about with your dog. For instance, if you know you have to stop by the grocery store or run errands and you have your pet, drop them off at home or plan to do those things at a different time. Always have plenty of water with you, and do your very best to monitor your pets if you are at a backyard BBQ or other family event. A lot of problems we treat in the summer are from heatstroke or from pets ingesting something they should not have, leading to potentially serious health outcomes.
Dr. D’Andrea: The telltale signs of heat exhaustion in pets include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, rapid heart rate, vomiting, and even collapse. Your pet may also appear disoriented or have difficulty being on their feet. To protect them, always provide shade and fresh water, and avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day. Never leave pets in a parked car – even for a minute. Early intervention can prevent heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Dr. D’Andrea: We are incredibly excited to open our eighth urgent care hospital, and second in the state of Rhode Island, on Monday, June 2, in Narragansett! We have a great team of veterinarians ready to go and will be accepting walk-ins daily (as we do at all locations!). We are open 9am-10pm on weekdays and 11am-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Book online at VetUrgentCare.com or just walk in seven days a week!
NEW: 91 Point Judith Road, Narragansett
73 Highland Avenue, East Providence
Learn more and find additional MA
locations at VetUrgentCare.com
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here