If you are a dog parent, you know how problematic the summer season can be for your little fur baby. And as the temperature soars up, there is a constant tension of potential dangers that can harm your canine. So being a parent of a canine, you need to know these most common health problems of dogs in summer. Good thing is, we are also citing the best available home remedies –
Ticks and Fleas – The Most Common Summer Health Problem in Dogs
The chances of getting infected with ticks and fleas are higher in summer and once infested they can cause serious health issues. So, make sure you check the coat of your dog regularly for fleas and ticks, especially after the daily walks in and around –
- the neck (under the collar)
- below the tail
- under the front legs
- on the eyelid
They are drawn towards the dark and moist area of a pet’s body – so regular grooming of your dog is recommended. Also, avoid taking them to bushy grassy areas as the fleas and ticks hide there and can easily enter your dog’s body through their thick coat. Besides, there are various tick-killing products available in the market that you can use only after you consult with a vet.
Meanwhile, applying virgin cold compressed coconut oil on the coat of your dog can help in getting rid of ticks and fleas. And even if they lick it, it won’t be an issue!
Lyme Disease in Dog – If Ticks Remains Untreated
A bite of the tick can cause Lyme disease in your dog resulting in fever, joint problems, fatigue, loss of appetite, joint swelling, and lameness.
Prevention is to check for ticks on a daily basis, keep your yard ticks free, and do not take your dogs to the tick-infested areas – the ones where there are tall bushes. For remedies and treatment, call your vet immediately and always ensure you follow the tips mentioned above to keep your dog away from these most common dog health problems in the summer season.
Dehydration and Heatstroke – The Most Common Health Problems of Dogs in Summer
These two again are some real threats to dogs especially those that have dark thick coats, are overweight, and/or in those dogs that have a short nose like bulldogs and pugs. While dehydration happens due to a shortage of water in the dog’s body, heatstroke is common too due to the rising temperature that is almost not so bearable for the fur baby.
If your dog is refusing to eat, is being lethargic, has sunken eyes and dry gums, most probably they are suffering from dehydration and/or having a heatstroke. Dogs do not sweat like humans but they may pant heavily. So, in order to get rid of dehydration and heatstroke, make sure they have the coolest place in the home. In case, your dog is too pampered and wants to visit the sunny areas of the house too often, ensure there is fresh and cool water in his bowl always.
You can also cool them off with a wet towel, ice packs, ice water, and or bathe them with a hose pipe – cooling them off their heat and high temperature.
Bee Stings – One of the Most Common Dog Health Problems in the Summer Season
The last time our dog was stung by a bee, the huge swelling on his face and ears didn’t just make him go sick and sad, but his terrible condition literally made us cry on a daily basis. That’s how dangerous the bee stings can be. So, make sure your residential premises is wasp and bee-free, especially honey bee and hadda.
If your dog is bitten by a bee, call your vet immediately so they can recommend some oral antihistamine to minimize swelling and decrease the hitching. Meanwhile, you can apply an ice pack on the affected area and according to the American Kennel Club, a paste of baking soda and water at the site of the sting. If you do not have ice, a wet towel works too. Moreover, if your dog has multiple bites or stings, an oatmeal bath is a way to go.
For your Canine Summer Safety – Avoid Walking them on Asphalt Pavement When the Sun Goes Up
An asphalt pavement and sidewalks can become as hot and fiery as it can and that can surely damage or hurt your canine’s paws. So, ideally, it is best to take your dogs before the sun goes up or the sun goes down so as to avoid the heated sidewalks and black pavements. If you have a dog walker, guide them too about the timings and ask them to take your dogs to smooth routes – so as to avoid any type of problems in the dog’s paw and thereafter his body.
In case, you see rashes or bruises, you can apply cold compressed coconut oil to bring your pet some relief.
These are some of the most common health problems of dogs in summer – so make sure you are aware of these problems and are ready to keep your canine summer safety to the top level with home remedies as well as precautions well in place!
