Summer Hound Care Tips
Summer is all about sunny days, outdoor fun, and good times with our furry friends. But with the heat, humidity and pesky bugs, summer can also pose some serious health risks for our beloved hounds. As responsible parents, it's our duty to keep our furry pals safe and happy no matter what the season. In this post, we'll share some essential dog care tips to keep your four-legged friend in top condition from nose to tail this summer!
Hydration is Key
Like humans, dogs need plenty of water to stay hydrated during hot weather. Ensure your furry pal has a constant supply of fresh, clean water, and refill it frequently throughout the day. Consider investing in portable water bottles and sturdy, lightweight dog bowls for outdoor adventures. Most importantly, avoid leaving your dog outside in the heat for extended periods, and make sure they have access to shade.
Protect Against Parasites
Warm sunny days are the prime time for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can transmit various diseases to your dog, such as heartworm, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all their flea, tick, and worm preventatives. In addition, consider using natural insect repellents and essential oils to keep bugs away. Some ideal pet products for parasites include K-9 Advantix, Frontline and PetArmor.
Don't Leave Them in a Hot Car
We all enjoy taking our hounds for a joyride when we're off to the shops, but temperatures inside a parked car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes, even if it's only mildly warm outside. Leaving your furry friend in the car, even with the windows cracked, can put them at risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even death. If you need to run errands or make a pit stop, take a leash with you and ensure the places you are going are dog friendly. Alternatively, leave your hound at home in a comfortable, cool place.
Protect Paws from Hot Pavement
Walking on hot pavement or sand can burn your dog's sensitive paw pads and cause pain and discomfort. Before heading outside, touch the pavement to gauge if it's too hot for your dog's paws. Usually, summer hound walking is best done during cooler times of the day.
Provide Plenty of Shade
Like their human pet parents, dogs can get sunburned, especially on their ears and nose. Provide your hound access to shaded areas, and consider using a sunblock specifically formulated for dogs. Avoid shaving your dog's fur too short, as it can increase their risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Keep Your Dog Cool
One of the biggest risks for dogs during summer is overheating, which can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. To keep your dog cool, provide them with a cool, moist towel to lie on, put a small pool in your backyard, and keep your home well-ventilated with fans or air conditioning, aka summer dog accessories!
Practice Good Water Safety
Swimming can be a great way to keep your hound cool and active during summer, but water safety is important. Not all dogs are good swimmers, and even strong swimmers can get tired or overwhelmed in strong currents. Supervise your dog in the water at all times, and consider using life-saving dog accessories like a life vest to keep them safe. Also, be aware of potential hazards in the water, such as sharp rocks, broken glass, or fishing lines.
The Final Pant on the Matter
Hot summer days can be fun and exciting for you and your dog if you take the necessary precautions to keep them safe and healthy. Following these essential dog care tips, you can enjoy the season together without any worries. Remember, your furry pal relies on you to keep them cool, hydrated, and protected from the elements, so make sure you're equipped with the right dog accessories and heat knowledge to give them and you the best summer ever!
Image by Andi Pixabay
