Dogs & summer: preventing big and small dangers
🐶☀️ Dogs & summer: preventing big and small dangers
Hydration first
In summer, dogs quickly become dehydrated, especially if they're active or out in the sun.
- Always carry a portable water bottle and a collapsible silicone bowl, handy for the road or for hiking. https://dogbudz.ca/products/portable-dog-water-bottle-foldable & https://dogbudz.ca/products/flip-top-water-bottle
- Change the water regularly and encourage your dog to drink after exercise.
Avoid giving your dog ice-cold water, especially after exercise or in hot weather: it could cause thermal shock or digestive problems.
A dehydrated dog may have :
- Dry mouth
- Pale gums
- Loss of appetite
- Amorphous or lethargic
👉 If you notice any of these signs, consult your vet.
In case of heat stroke, cool your dog gradually with lukewarm water, starting with his paws and working up to his body. Avoid ice-cold water, which could aggravate the situation.
Car & heat: beware !
Dogs pant to regulate their temperature, but this can become insufficient in the car, even with the windows ajar.
- Provide a cooling mat to help stabilize body temperature.
- Also protect your seats with a suitable car cover, more hygienic and comfortable, especially after swimming or muddy rides. Make sure your cover has a window to allow air conditioning to reach the back seat. https://dogbudz.ca/collections/automotive
Watch out for spikelets
These small, dry weeds can seep into the ears, nose, between the pads or even under the skin.
- Inspect your dog thoroughly after every walk, especially in grassy or overgrown areas.
- Good brushing on return reduces the risk of infection.
Parasites: ticks, fleas, mosquitoes & more
Parasites are much more active in summer. They can transmit diseases or cause itching that turns into hot spots (infected areas caused by excessive scratching or licking).
- Mosquitoes aren't just a nuisance: they can transmit heartworm, a serious disease for your dog. That's why it's so important to keep them away.
- Use a natural spray like NaturPet Outdoor Spray to repel ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. https://dogbudz.ca/products/outdoor-spray-repels-pests-for-outdoor-adventures
- You'll also need a complete kit to remove ticks and fleas, which is always handy when you're out and about. https://dogbudz.ca/products/complete-tick-lice-fleas-removal-kit
- An insect bite can happen so quickly: quickly apply an ointment like Dr. Maggie's, natural and disinfectant, to relieve the pain and limit complications. https://dogbudz.ca/products/dr-maggie-skin-ointment
Insect bites
Watch out for bees, wasps and hornets. A sting on the muzzle or in the mouth can be serious.
If your dog suddenly becomes swollen or has difficulty breathing, consult your vet immediately.
Swimming: stay safe
Before letting your dog swim in an unfamiliar lake, make sure there's no blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which is dangerous for him.
See government maps of lakes and beaches in Quebec.
https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/eau/baignade/
Once in the water, always keep an eye on your dog to prevent him from swallowing too much water or becoming exhausted. If your dog is not used to water and swimming, think about getting a life jacket.
Have a safe summer!