Keep your dog safe and healthy this summer

Scratching, ear problems and heatstroke are some of the common health issues dogs face during summer. Learn how to keep your dog safe and healthy while having fun during the warmer months by preventing these problems:

Dehydration

It’s a good idea to put out a second water bowl or water fountain during the hot season to encourage your dog to drink enough water and stay hydrated, especially if your furbaby is active and enjoys running around the garden. You can also feed hydrating treats such as small pieces of watermelon to prevent dehydration. Look out for common dehydration symptoms such as panting, a dry nose or thick saliva.

Heatstroke

Dogs don’t have sweat glands all over their body the way we do, which makes cooling down more difficult for them. Provide a comfortable place in the shade where your dog can cool down and sleep during the day. If you enjoy going for walks around the neighbourhood, only go early in the morning, as dogs are much closer to the tar and pavement and really feel the scorching heat from the road, which we don’t notice as we wear shoes and walk upright. If you notice your pup breathing rapidly, drooling excessively or feeling hot to the touch, you need to cool your dog down slowly by spraying them with cool water and letting them lie inside under the fan. 

Sunburn

Exposed areas or places where the fur is very fine or short such as the nose, tongue and ears are susceptible to sunburn. Don’t leave your dog in the full sun for long periods to prevent sunburn, which can be painful and lead to skin cancer. You can also speak to your vet about special sun screen for dogs, if your dog is prone to sunburn.

Heartworm

Besides ticks and fleas, mosquitoes are probably the worst summer pest and a major health hazard to dogs as they can carry heartworm, which affects your furbaby’s heart and can be fatal. When choosing your tick and flea treatment, make sure to check that it also protects your pets from heartworm. Keep up to date with the treatment, especially during summer or if you are in an area where mosquitoes are common.

Ear infection

If your dog shakes his head often, tries to scratch his ears or yelps when you touch them, he probably has an ear infection. Yeast ear infections are a particularly common problem in the warmer months, especially in areas with a humid summer. If your dog enjoys swimming, chances of some moisture being trapped in the ears is high, which makes them even more susceptible to an ear infection. Typical signs to look out for are: reddish/brownish waxy discharge; a cheesy smell in the ears, red or irritated looking skin inside the ear. As ears are very sensitive, you want to first consult your vet to find out what treatment to follow.