Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Summer
The summer is fraught with danger for dogs, and most of them are easily preventable if owners are conscious of them and take a few preventative steps:
1. The biggest threat to dogs in the summer is hyperthermia, or in other words heat stroke. Dogs get hot, especially in the summer months, and with those fur coats. So, it is important that you realize your dog can over heat. Make sure they have a space available to them that is well shaded and cool, or keep them indoors during the day from about 10am-4pm. In addition, never leave them in a car, even if the window is cracked, it can get extremely hot. Keep them well hydrated with water always available to them. This will help keep them at far less risk in those miserable summer months.
2. Foxtails are another big threat for dogs. They are a dry grass that has barbs on it. If it gets caught in your dog, or under its skin, it burrows in, and generally causes infection. They are particularly problematic in dog's ears and paws, but can get in their noses and eyes as well. So, do not let your dog tromp through dry grasses as they are often riddled with foxtails. In addition, check their ears, eyes, nose, and paws regularly so that if they have come upon a foxtail you can get them into a vet to have it removed before further problems are caused. Watch your dog's behavior, if they are favoring a paw, or batting at an ear etc. it generally means there is a problem.
3. Insect stings and insect bites are also a problem. The warmer summer months generally bring the insects out in droves. Insects bother dogs as much as they do humans. An insect sting can cause an allergic reaction, a bite can cause infection, etc. so, keep your pets away from areas that insects tend to hang out, like woodpiles, water, and dry grasses. If you see a lot of bees or wasps in your yard, keep your dog indoors so that it does not get stung.
4. Another big danger for dogs in the summer is burns. Just like your skin can get burned, so can theirs if you are not careful. If you can, keep them inside during the hottest parts of the day. In addition to sunburns, there is the risk of their little paws getting burned on hot sidewalks and parking lots.
5. Lastly, dogs run the risk of ear infections during the summer. The summer months can be perilous for dogs because of all the fun they have in water. If the water remains in their ears it can cause infection, so make sure you get something from your vet to help clean and dry their ears after water play.
If you can do these things, your dog should be safe this summer.
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