Cat owners usually don’t see anything wrong with their furry companions hunting mice in the backyard. After all, it’s what they do best! But many parasites lurk in the soil, including the dreaded warble.

Wouldn’t life be so much easier if you could read your pet’s thoughts? For one, you’d know right away if something was wrong with their health. Unless you’re a dog or cat whisperer, pet owners usually don’t realize parasites have taken root until their poor furry friend starts getting an upset stomach on a regular basis. By then, parasites have long since made themselves at home in your dog’s or cat’s intestinal tract.

If you’re going to let your cat partake in the great outdoors, it’s important to recognize the greater responsibilities that come with it. In letting them out of the house—especially to roam free—you’re opening them up to a wave of new concerns. Some you have no control over; others, like protecting them against parasites, are your responsibility.

On warm, summer days, many pet owners like to let their pups take a dive in a nearby body of water to splash around and cool off. Although this can be lots of fun for your furry friend, not all bodies of water are safe for pets to swim in. A number of potential risks await in these water features and could cause your pet harm if you’re not careful.

Ear problems are somewhat common in cats and are generally easy to spot. If your cat is constantly pawing or scratching at their ear, shaking their head and acting otherwise unwell, there’s a pretty good chance that something is going on in their ears.

During the spring and summer months, pet owners are on high alert for signs of pests like fleas and ticks. When your furry friend is spending tons of time outside, their chances of picking up a pest and bringing it home are much higher.

One of the most commonly discussed dangers to pets is heartworm—a disease caused by parasitic worms that affect the heart, lungs and blood vessels of animals. Unlike worms that live in the gastrointestinal tract, heartworms find their way to your cat’s heart, blood vessels and lungs, where they can grow to around a foot long and cause damage. 

With warmer temperatures comes more frequent trips outdoors, from the park to hiking trails to the wilderness. If you’re the type of dog owner who loves bringing Fido along for every outdoor excursion, you should know about the health risks that await.

Although many people consider cats to be “inside” animals, an increasing number of pet owners are allowing their cats to roam around outside or are taking them on outdoor adventures. This can be great, as long as your cat’s temperament allows for it.