As summer approaches, keeping our pets safe becomes a top priority. Veterinarian Dr. Tiffany Kay of Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital spoke with American Community Journals about the most important precautions pet owners can take during the warmer months, and what she had to say could make all the difference for your four-legged family members.
Dr. Kay brings 12 years of veterinary experience to her practice, specializing in general and rehabilitative medicine. She serves patients at Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital in Plymouth Meeting, a trusted, family-founded institution that recently merged with Cove Animal Health and Metropolitan Veterinary Associates to expand their reach across the greater Philadelphia region. With 24/7 emergency and specialty care alongside general practice services, Hickory is uniquely positioned to support pet owners at every stage of their animal’s health journey.
Here is what Dr. Kay wants every pet owner to know heading into summer.
Beat the Heat
Heat exhaustion tops Dr. Kay’s list of warm-weather concerns. Because dogs cannot sweat, they are far more vulnerable to overheating than their owners realize. Dr. Kay advises walking dogs early in the morning, ensuring constant access to shade and water, and avoiding dog parks on especially hot days. If you notice heavy panting, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, she recommends applying ice packs under your dog’s arms to cool major blood vessels and getting to a vet immediately. The team at Hickory is available around the clock for exactly these kinds of emergencies.
Parasite Prevention
Dr. Kay strongly recommends moving beyond older flea and tick products like Frontline, which have seen growing resistance over the years. She prefers newer veterinarian-prescribed options like Bravecto and Credelio, both of which are available directly through Hickory. She also urges owners to vaccinate against Leptospirosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection spread through wild animal urine that is particularly prevalent in this region. Hickory treats Leptospirosis prevention as a core part of their vaccine protocol.
Fireworks and Anxiety
With a big summer of celebrations ahead, Dr. Kay encourages owners to speak with their vet about prescription anti-anxiety medications for noise-sensitive pets. She also endorses thunder vests and white noise machines as helpful supplements. Hickory’s veterinary team can help identify the right solution for your pet’s specific needs.
Travel and Boarding
Before boarding your pet this summer, Dr. Kay advises ensuring all vaccines, especially Bordetella, are administered at least two weeks ahead of drop-off for full immune protection. Hickory’s general practice team can make sure your pet is up to date and travel-ready before you head out.
The professionals at Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital bring decades of expertise, genuine compassion, and comprehensive care to every patient they see.
Do not wait until there is a problem. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kay and the Hickory team today or any of the veterinary hospitals in the Cove Animal Health network, and give your pet the expert care they deserve all summer long.
If your pet is due for a checkup, now is the perfect time to meet the Hickory team. New patients at both Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital and Hickory Veterinary Primary Care receive $50 off their first primary care wellness exam.
Schedule your appointment today at Metro Vet.
