Summer has arrived, and it’s time to prioritize your dog’s grooming needs once more. High temperatures can affect dogs just as much as humans, and the possibility of heat strokes, respiratory issues, and skin irritation are all dangerous consequences that can occur.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns pet owners that dogs can easily get dehydrated during summer. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also lists out a number of other important pointers to keep in mind during summer. Thus, it is essential that you take the necessary steps to protect your dog from the summer heat.
While it would seem that many of the dog-care tips should be common knowledge, you would be surprised at how oblivious some pet owners can be.
Thus, in today’s article, we will look at some important tips that dog owners should pay attention to during these dangerous summer months.
Proper Brushing is Important in Keeping Your Dog Comfortable
Brushing your dog’s coat has a number of benefits when it comes to keeping your dog healthy. For one, it ensures that fur doesn’t get matted and clumped together. Matted fur reduces air circulation, which can be uncomfortable for your dog during the summer. Matted fur is particularly problematic for long-haired breeds like Tibetan Terriers.
When you fail to regularly brush your dog, the matter fur acts as a magnet for dust, dirt, and other debris that get tangled up in your dog’s coat. This increases the stuffy feeling that your poor dog experiences. Thus, brushing your dog needs to happen regularly, preferably every few days.
Depending on the breed of your dog, you will need to find a suitable brush before you begin. Finding good grooming equipment is important, and brands like Pride+Groom offer a wide range of great dog grooming utilities.
These days, you can find grooming products for even the most specific needs. From dog bath brush options to light, moisturizing shampoos, you really don’t have an excuse not to groom your pet properly.
Avoid Walks and Exercise in the Hot Sun
Walking your dog is important even during the summertime, and just because temperatures are hot, you shouldn’t get lax with exercise. Some dog breeds require vigorous exercise to expel their energy, and suddenly switching to a sedentary life can be a shock. At the same time, as an owner, it can be difficult to know if you are harming your dog by exercising them in hot temperatures.
Let’s clear this up for good. Unless your vet has advised otherwise, you will still want to exercise your dog during summer. If you switch to a sedentary lifestyle and forget to make diet adjustments, it is easy for your dog to start putting on weight.
Walking and exercising should continue but at cooler times. If you have been walking your dog during the afternoons, try switching to a nice, early morning walk.
Alternatively, you could even choose to take a few shorter walks rather than a single long one. Another option would be to find a route with more shade, such as a park with a lot of green canopy. It would also be a good idea to bring along some water so that your dog can stay hydrated.
If you absolutely need to walk your dog when it is hot outside, consider investing in a dog paw balm that will help protect your dog’s paws against potential cracks and dryness.
Watch Out for Fleas and Ticks
During summer, fleas and ticks become even more common. Fleas, in particular, love to breed in temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If your dog has ever had a flea or tick infestation before, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of them.
Thus, you will need to be extra cautious when walking your dog and ensure he or she doesn’t wander too deep into bushes and other leafy areas. Ticks tend to hang around such areas and attach themselves given the slightest chance.
Dog owners should remember that keeping your dog tick and flea free is a year-round endeavor. During the summer, trimming your dog’s coat (for double-coated breeds) can be a great way to reduce the chances of infestation. You can also choose to apply anti-flea and anti-tick powder before you go for a walk for added peace of mind.
As you might be aware, ticks can be quite dangerous for dogs and have the ability to carry Lyme disease. If you notice a lot of ticks on your dog and you can’t seem to get the infestation under control, contacting your vet should be an immediate priority.
Conclusion
Taking care of your dog during summer isn’t as complicated as it sounds. You just need to be a little more consistent and careful with how much you expose your dog to the heat. By choosing cooler times to exercise and maintaining proper grooming standards, the hot summer months should pass with ease.
As always, ensure you have a talk with your vet anytime you want to make changes to your dog’s care routine.
