ANIMAL ANECDOTES With Dr Katherine Hansen from Tauranga Vets

Skin issues are a common problem for pet owners, especially during warmer months.

Animals scratching, chewing, and licking are not only distressing for the animal but for owners too. Good flea control is an important starting point. As weather gets warmer flea populations can multiple quickly, survive and reproduce outside.

It's important all pets in the house are treated with an effective, long-lasting flea control product.

Pets can continually pick up new fleas from infested environments, so it's important to treat your house and outside areas. In the garden, clean up leaf litter that can harbour flea nests and consider treating with an outdoor insect treatment.

Another common reason a pet is itchy is due to an allergy. A common allergy occurring in the Bay of Plenty for pets is groundcover weed, Wandering Dew. Hairless contact points such as paws and abdomen are affected. Fortunately, we have anti-itch medication without the side effects of steroids.