Summer Dog Care

With summer fast approaching it's time to remind ourselves of the unique challenges posed to dogs and puppies by the hotter weather. I'll list some of the more obvious and common tips but remember this list is not exhaustive, it's just a refresher on summer pet care.

This one always blows me away when I see it, which is unfortunately more common than you might think: Please never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, period. Vehicle temps quickly rise and can potentially reach 130 degrees. By the way, cracking the windows won't help much.

Water! Water! Water! Make sure your dog or puppy is properly hydrated in the summer months. If you bring along some Gatorade for yourself on that long walk, make sure you bring along some clean water for your best friend.

And speaking of walking your dog, remember you have the benefit of those spiffy new Nikes you're wearing, your best friend doesn't. Make sure you always remain conscious of the heat level of the surface you're walking on. Asphalt and concrete can get dangerously hot and burn a dog's feet. If you don't believe me try walking barefoot across a Wal-Mart parking lot in July!

Remember humans aren't the only species that can get sunburned. If your dog is of a lighter-skinned variety and has a light-colored nose or ears, you might consider applying sunscreen to those areas if you're going to be outside for an extended period, such as a trip to the beach.

Scratch! Scratch! Scratch! That's right, flea and tick season heats up along with the weather.
All flea and tick remedies are not created equal, so check with your veterinarian for his or her recommendation. Also keep in mind that just because your yard may be presently free of fleas,
they can rapidly spread from property to property if any neighbors near you suffer an outbreak or are not as vigilant. If you enjoy long walks or hikes in wooded areas with your best friend don't forget to check for the presence of ticks afterward. This can be especially challenging with the longer-haired breeds.

If you hate mosquitoes, dogs hate them more. Mosquitoes spread heartworms and are much more active in the summer months. Please be sure to use a vet-recommended heartworm prevention regimen.

Good luck and enjoy your summer!