During the warm summer months, many Canadian families spend their time at the cottage. For pets, trips to cottage country can be an exciting adventure. To ensure a safe and relaxing holiday at the cottage for everyone, keep the following tips in mind:

Visit Your Veterinarian

Take your pet to the veterinarian for a check up before you leave for the cottage. Protect your pet from rabies and other diseases by ensuring its vaccinations are up to date. If your dog isn't already taking preventative heartworm medication, mosquitoes will be more than a minor nuisance-they could prove fatal. Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites. Discuss heartworm, flea and tick medications with your veterinarian.

Be Prepared For Emergencies

Learn how to handle heatstroke, animal bites, snakebites or other injuries. Your cottage's emergency phone list should include a local veterinary clinic. You can find a list of Ontario veterinary clinics at the web site for the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.

Rein In Your Pet

Letting your pets run loose in cottage country is never a good idea. Unleashed pets can get lost, stolen or injured. Free roaming cats and dogs will chase, frighten or kill local wildlife. They can also irritate your neighbours by ruining gardens or fighting with other pets. Ensure your pet is restricted to your cottage property at all times. Dogs and cats should be microchipped and wearing proper identification tags. Contact information for local animal shelters and animal control offices should be on your cottage emergency phone list.

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