Best dog care tips during summer
Soaring temperatures and the scorching heat can make the summer seem relentless. This can make it a tough time for you and your dog. Summer is a tricky season, and your dog will need to adjust to the surrounding temperature. All you need is to keep an eye on what your dog eats or drinks during this time and care for his skin. Don’t worry! Here is a pretty guide for any dog owner on how to take care of your dog in summer.
Like how change of season affects your skin and body, it also has the same impact on your dog despite the fur or skin coat your dog has. You do not want your dog affected by heat, sunburns or fleas and other parasites. Different remedies like use of different flea treatments, shampoos and sprays during grooming or, consult your vet for advice, if this will help out your dog.
Common dangers dogs face during summer
We have several common dangers your dog can face during summer to name but a few.
- Dehydration
- Mosquito borne diseases
- Sunburn
- Heat stroke
- Flea infections and insect bites.
- Skin allergies and rashes
Solutions for your dog
To keep your dog comfortable and adjust during summer you can implement the following solutions for the above dangers:
- Regular bathing
The summer heat increases perspiration, which can lead to skin infections, rashes and red patches which can make your dog itch. When bathing your dog especially when outdoor on the beach or in an event you can use our pressurized shower :Rinsekit to keep him clean and cooled up. You could add a few drops of natural oil or bathing oil to the bath to naturally disinfect your dog’s skin and keep it radiant.
- Ventilate your home and dog space
Ventilate your home by keeping windows open, unless the hot dry wind (loo) is blowing. Throw away stagnant water that has collected in open vessels, like flower pots or coolers to avoid an increase in mosquitoes which can bite your dog making it sick. Ensure your dog crate is well ventilated to keep your dog cool and comfortable.
Most summer diseases can be avoided by staying indoors in a cool clean environment. When you go out with your dog for a walk, exercise or a trip to the store ensure you do this early morning or late evening when the temperatures are down.
- Pest control
Fleas, mosquitoes and pest are common during the warmth season and use of pest control can also protect your dog against all kinds of disease-causing insects, like fleas, ticks and flies. Use good quality disinfectants to clean your dog and keep his hygienic on top. If it becomes problematic consult your vet for more guidance.
Mosquito or Bug bites are common in the summer. Some hide in long grass and can bite your dog when it’s wandering through. In case of bites consult your vet who will advise you on the right kind of insect/flea/tick spray to use for your dog and keep mosquitoes away. Natural ingredient flea sprays are available in the market. Make sure that you use them if your dog is allergic to factory made sprays due to their ingredients.
- Heat Rashes
Heat rashes are common during summer. These tiny red bumps show up on your dog skin, neck and coat and are uncomfortable and tend to be itchy. Your dog might be affected greatly which might require you to take your dog for check up with your vet. To avoid this use mild shampoo during grooming for your dog delicate skin. Cool surroundings will be preferable in summer for you and your dog.
Decrease the amount of hanging out in hot places. Air condition your dog’s environment, it does not cause harm especially when the temperatures are soaring hot. A soothing temperature of 25 degrees is perfectly healthy for your dog.
Your dog is likely to sweat a lot in the heat. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to bathe him more often but giving your dog more frequent baths, if she enjoys them, can be a good way to cool her down. Ensure also she takes a lot of water to avoid being thirsty and dehydrated.
- Sunburn
A little sunscreen can help your dog. Sunburn can affect your dog paws and skin if exposed to scorching sun during summer. Harmful sunrays can leads to health issues for your dog. Protect your dog by applying oils that avoid the skin to be itchy.
- Social events burns.
During summer you are mostly outdoor or on road trips with your dog. This time most family members are together at the beach to cool off or having family barbeques. Ensure your dog is far off from the fire to avoid burning as they are pulled near the cooking area by the sweet food aroma. As you salivate for the yummy chicken even your dog will be salivating and might rush to the fire to grab hot chicken burning itself in the process. You can train your dog to behave in a crowd and not to misbehave. This will be explained in our training article.
Precautions you need to take to keep your dog cool during summer
It might be unavoidable to keep your dog indoors always hence take the following precautions to keep her cool and healthy:
- Keep your dog away from crowded places, where the chances of catching a flea or tick infection are high.
- Keep your dog away from direct sunlight and hot temperatures, especially the hot dry winds that can be harsh to their skin.
- Use a skin disinfectants to protect your dog skin or coat from harmful insect bites.
- Keep your dog clean. Regularly wash your dog to keep him cool and clean.
- Use sunscreen or oils to protect your dog from the sun’s harmful rays as advised by your vet.
- Water intake should be frequent to keep your dog hydrated. As sweating leads to loss of fluid in body causing your dog to pant a lot and have dry skin.
- When you are going for a family outing or road trip, try to take food such as dry food, since cooked food can get spoiled due to heat and make your dog sick ending your vacation.
- Ensure your car is well ventilated to allow your dog comfort while travelling with you. A pressurized shower can be an accomplishment in this journey to bathe your dog when temperatures are high to cool him down.
- You do not want your dog to suffer heat stroke due to your car condition. Ensure it is heatstroke compliant for a lovely ride.
Despite your best efforts to keep your dog cool and healthy, your dog may fall sick during summer. If this happens then contact your veterinary for immediate remedy.
