7 Summer Care Tips For Your Pet Dog

With summer being around the corner, it is time you looked after your pet dog; this is essentially very important for those living in hot parts of the United States of America.

7 great summer tips to care for your pet dog: 

1) It is best to be aware that your pet dog could suffer from heat stroke; this could arise when the dog is left in the car for a long time or he exercises in the heat. Leaving your pet dog outside in the shade would help, as this would help the pet to cool down with panting.

2) Protect the foot pads of your pet dog from burns arising out of walking on patio, street, sand, sidewalk and other surfaces. Make sure you take your pet for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening or nights when the outer surfaces have cooled down. Check the surfaces by pressing your hand over these surfaces for 30 seconds; any pain felt means it is undesirable to take the pet out.   

3) Sunburn with peeling of skin and pain is another risk that your pet carries; pet dogs that are white, light colored or thin coated contain an increased risk. Sunburn could be prevented by using a waterproof sunscreen formulated particularly for your pet; use the sunscreen liberally on the tips of the dog’s ears, nose, on the back and the skin around its mouth.  

4) Summers are significantly peak months for parasites like ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, flies, and other insects; your pet dog’s vet would be the able to advice you appropriate protection in the form of dips, shampoos, sprays, collars and other products.

5) Adequate hydration is one of the most important things that pet dogs need; make sure your pet dog has adequate supply of cool drinking water both indoors and outdoors. Also ensure you give your pet dog ice cubes and wet dog food; include frozen chicken or beef broth to encourage your dog to take in enough fluids.

6) Fleas, molds, and flowers are some of the potential allergens during summer; they cause itching, coughing, sneezing, discomfort, and other problems for your dog. Observe the allergens and keep your pet dog free from these allergens; if necessary your vet could be able to suggest any canine antihistamine or other medication.

7) Lastly most dogs love to swim and help prevent heat stroke; but the chlorine in the water could irritate your dog’s skin and upset its stomach. Make sure you rinse your pet dog with fresh water after swimming; also ensure the pet does not drink much of the water. Avoid letting your pet dog near puddles due to the presence of dangerous antifreeze or other chemicals.

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