With the summer holidays already upon us many of you will have been treating and pampering yourself to make sure your're in tip top condition. But it's not just people who need special attention during the summer months - our pets do too!

To ensure that your furry freinds have a great summer Jollyes Petfood Superstores has given us its top ten tips for healthy pets during this season....

1. Ensure your pet is wormed on a regular basis. A puppy should be wormed every two weeks until 12 weeks, then every month until 6 months old and every three months thereafter. Jollyes has various types of wormers available, one dose wormers being the most popular as one dose treats both Round Worm and Tape Worm, the most common worms found in cats and dogs.
   
   
2. Always try to feed your dog or cat a dry complete food as the protein source is usually from high grade meat or poultry. Super premium complete foods often have additional benefits, such as Lincolic acids, borage oils, joint care or dental care. Your pet's health will improve significantly, skin and coat will improve, general vitality will increase and the risk of oral and dental problems
   can lessen. Many tinned foods contain around 80% moisture (water) and their source of protein is usually from meat by-products. As well as this, dry complete food will save you money. Try not to give your pet the scraps from the evening meal.
   
   
3. As we are now in flea season regular grooming and checking of the coat can highlight the fact your pet needs treated for fleas. Fleas can be detected by parting the pet's coat and examining the skin for signs of life. If fleas are not visible you may see black droppings of flea dirt. Frequent scratching or excessive grooming can also highlight flea infestation. It is better to prevent an infestation than cure it and this can be done by treating the dog and its bedding at the start of the flea season. You can do this with flea shampoo, flea collar, flea drops, tablets, spray or powder. If you do have an infestation you will have to treat the soft furnishings and carpets in the house, with several sprays available for this.
   
   
4. Oral care is vital to our pets. Ensure that your pet's teeth are checked regularly. Toothpaste and finger brushes are available and can be supplemented with any number of dental treats for cats and dogs. Tooth decay and oral problems are more common in smaller breed dogs and cats as they have a tendency to live longer. Feeding a dry food can also help in this area.
   
   
5. If you are travelling in a vehicle with your pet please ensure you have adequate supplies of drinking water, travel water bottles are available for this, and you will also have to make sure there is suitable ventilation in the car for the journey. Your pet can dehydrate very quickly in hot temperatures so do not leave your pet in a car on a hot day. Dog car harnesses, which are easily attached to car seat belts, are also available to keep your dog under control while travelling.
   
   
6. If your pet is suffering from joint problems such as arthritis why not supplement its food with a product containing glucosamine and chrondroitin or better still purchase a food containing them. Glucosamine, originating from shellfish, helps the rebuilding of joint tissue and chrondroitin helps ease stiffness and soreness. For fussy dogs Jollyes has a meaty tasting treat which helps to prevent or cure joint problems.
   
   
7. Flies can pose a huge risk for rabbits during hot weather. Flies are attracted to a rabbit's rear because it appears damp in hot weather. The moistness means that the flies lay their eggs there which then hatch into maggots which attack the flesh. Make sure your rabbit is checked on a regular basis as fly strike can be a very serious condition. Fly strike treatments are available.
   
   
8. If your pet gets stung by a bee or wasp you may need to seek veterinary advice as animals like humans can be allergic to bee stings.
   
   
9. Ensure that your dog is getting adequate exercise. Depending on the breed two twenty minute walks a day should suffice. This will benefit the dog and yourself. However, you should refrain from walking your dog immediately after having fed it, especially if it is a large breed or deep chested dog as the potential for a contortion of the stomach is increased.
   
   
10. Lastly, ensure your pet has a warm and clean bed to sleep and shelter in at all times, especially in times of bad weather. This can help reduce the risk of several of the issues mentioned before.