Summer is a season of adventure, sunshine, and time spent outdoors with your furry family members. And after our long winters in Ontario, summer feels like a rare and fleeting treat!

But while it’s easy to get caught up in vacations, park days, and backyard BBQs, it’s important not to overlook your pet’s health during the warmer months.

Regular vet visits—yes, even in summer—are essential to keeping your furry friend happy and healthy. Here's why the team at Parkside Animal Hospital wants to remind you to make time for a pet wellness check in Ontario during the summer.

4 Reasons Why Regular Vet Visits Still Matter In The Summer

1. Heat Can Worsen Hidden Health Issues

High temperatures can put extra stress on your pet’s body, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Heart disease, arthritis, and respiratory issues might not be obvious to you or your vet until the heat triggers them.

A summer vet visit gives your veterinarian the chance to catch potential issues before they become serious.

2. Parasites Thrive in Warm Weather

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are most active in the summer (as anyone in Ontario is well aware!), and they can carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and heartworm. During your annual pet exam, your vet will check for signs of infestations and update any preventives.

If this visit happens to fall in the summer, skipping it puts your pet at risk of all sorts of icky diseases, especially if they’re spending more time outside.

3. Travel and Boarding Plans

If you’re planning a trip and your pet will be boarding with a sitter or traveling with you, a current health record is typically a requirement. Scheduling a pet wellness check before your vacation makes sure your pet is up to date on vaccines and safely ready for travel.

Some airlines and boarding facilities even require proof of an annual pet exam. It’s best to plan ahead and schedule this type of appointment sooner rather than later.

4. Behavior and Diet Adjustments

Summer often means changes in routine for your pet: more exercise, more socialization, and sometimes more new foods or treats. A summer vet visit is a great opportunity to talk to your vet about adjusting your pet’s diet, managing summer anxiety, or addressing any unusual behaviors that have popped up.

Prevent Problems Before They Start

The goal of veterinary care isn’t just to react to problems. As they always say, an ounce of prevention is worth ten million pounds of cure. Or something like that.

But in all seriousness, routine exams can catch early signs of illness in your pet, and save you stress, time, and money in the long run.

Even in the busy, fun-filled days of summer, don’t skip the vet. A quick annual pet exam can make all the difference in your pet’s well-being.

Ready to schedule your summer vet visit? Call our friendly team at Parkside Animal Hospital today at (705) 223-3404.