Dogs need constant care to stay healthy and happy, but over the summer that becomes a little more difficult. Give your four-legged friend the best summer ever by following these simple suggestions from Nina Ottosson from Dog's Best Friend.
How to Care for Dogs in the Summer
Dogs are just like people - they need extra care in the summertime. Here are some tips on how to keep your furry friend cool and comfortable during the dog days of summer:
- Give your dog plenty of fresh, clean water. Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure their water bowl is always full. Add some ice cubes to their water on particularly hot days.
- Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. The pavement can get incredibly hot and burn your dog's paws. Stick to early morning or evening walks when it's cooler outside.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for just a few minutes. It can quickly turn into a deadly situation - cars heat up quickly in the summer sun.
- Keep your dog well-groomed. A regular brushing will help remove any excess fur that could trap heat next to your dog's skin.
- Give them a cool place to rest. Set up a shady spot in your yard with a comfy bed for your dog to relax in during the day. Indoors, make sure they have access to a cool room or air conditioning.
By following
What Is Hot and Shouldn't Be Applied to Your Dog
As the weather gets warmer, you may be tempted to put lotion or sunscreen on your dog to protect their skin. However, many of these products contain chemicals that can be harmful if they're ingested or if they come into contact with your dog's eyes or mucous membranes. Instead, opt for a pet-safe sunscreen that's specifically designed for dogs.
Another thing to watch out for in the summertime is hot pavement. The pavement can get incredibly hot during the day, and this can burn your dog's paws. If it's too hot to walk on with bare feet, it's too hot for your pup. Put booties on them or take them for walks on cooler surfaces like grass.
Finally, make sure you're providing your dog with plenty of fresh water. They'll likely be spending more time outside in the heat, so they'll need more hydration than usual. Place several water bowls around your yard and fill them up regularly throughout the day.
When Do You Apply a Salve?
You might be wondering when the best time to apply a salve to your dog is. The answer is that it depends on the situation. If your dog is going to be spending time in the sun, you'll want to apply the salve before they go outside. This will help protect their skin from the sun's rays. If your dog has already been out in the sun, you'll want to wait until they're back inside before applying the salve. This will give their skin a chance to cool down and absorb the salve more effectively.
How Often Should Your Dog Get A Bath?
It’s no secret that dogs love to get dirty. They roll around in the mud, dig through the trash, and basically just enjoy being messy. But as the weather gets warmer, you might be wondering how often you should be giving your dog a bath.
The frequency of baths will depend on a few factors, such as your dog’s activity level, coat type, and skin sensitivities. For example, if your dog spends a lot of time outside playing in the dirt, you’ll probably want to give them a bath more often than if they’re an indoor dog with a short coat.
As a general rule of thumb, most dogs can be safely bathed once or twice a week during the summer months. However, if your dog has sensitive skin or is prone to allergies, you might need to cut back on the frequency of baths. Consult with your veterinarian to see what’s best for your pup.
When it comes to actually bathing your dog, make sure to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for dogs. Human shampoo can be harsh on their skin and cause irritation. And always rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap from their coat
What About Those Doggy Feet?
We all know that hot pavement is no fun for our bare feet, so it's definitely not comfortable for your pup's paws either. Put yourself in your dog's shoes (literally) and think about how hot the pavement must feel! To help prevent burned paw pads, try to walk your dog on grass whenever possible. If you must walk on hot pavement, do it during the cooler hours of the day and avoid walking for too long. You can also try using paw balm or petroleum jelly to create a barrier between your dog's paws and the hot pavement.
Preventing Flea Problems
As the weather gets warmer, fleas become more of a problem for dogs and their owners. Fleas are tiny insects that bite animals and humans, and they can cause a lot of discomfort. In extreme cases, fleas can even cause anemia in dogs.
There are a few things you can do to prevent flea problems:
- Keep your dog well-groomed. Regular brushing will help remove any loose hair and dirt that could be providing a home for fleas.
- Give your dog a bath regularly. This will help kill any fleas that may be on your dog's fur. Be sure to use a mild shampoo so as not to dry out your dog's skin.
- Talk to your veterinarian about using a monthly Flea & Tick preventative. There are many different products available, so be sure to ask which one would be best for your dog.
Getting Rid of Ticks on Your Dog
It's that time of year again! The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. That means it's time to start thinking about how to care for your dog in the summertime.
One of the most important things you can do for your dog in the summer is to make sure they are free of ticks. Ticks can carry diseases that can be harmful to your dog, so it's important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
There are a few different ways you can get rid of ticks on your dog. You can use a tick collar, which will prevent ticks from attaching themselves to your dog. You can also use a tick spray, which will kill ticks on contact.
You should also check your dog for ticks on a regular basis, especially if they spend time outdoors. If you find a tick on your dog, you can remove it with a pair of tweezers. Be sure to dispose of the tick properly so that it doesn't have a chance to bite someone else.
By taking some simple precautions, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy all summer long!
Conclusion
With the hot summer months upon us, it's important to take some extra care of our furry friends. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke and dehydration just like humans, so it's important to make sure they have plenty of water and shade available at all times. Additionally, avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day, as the pavement can get incredibly hot and burn their paw pads. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your dog happy and healthy all summer long!
