Common Dog Diseases in Summer and how to prevent them?



As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, summer presents a unique set of challenges for our canine companions. While the warm weather offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, it also brings an increased risk of various health issues for dogs.

Understanding the common diseases that affect dogs during the summer and knowing how to prevent them is crucial for every pet parent.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the differences in dog care between summer and winter, identify the common problems and diseases dogs face in summer, and provide essential pet care tips for keeping your furry friend healthy and happy during the hottest months of the year.

How Is Dog Care Different in Summer Compared to Winter?

Dog care requirements vary significantly between summer and winter due to the distinct environmental conditions of each season. In winter, the primary concerns include keeping your dog warm, preventing hypothermia, and ensuring they get enough exercise despite the cold.

Protective gear like sweaters and booties, as well as shorter walks, become part of the routine. In summer, the focus shifts to preventing overheating, ensuring hydration, and protecting against parasites.

Understanding these seasonal needs and implementing appropriate pet care tips is essential for maintaining your dog's health throughout the year.

Conversely, summer care focuses on protecting dogs from heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and sunburn. Adequate hydration, providing shade, avoiding hot surfaces, and scheduling walks during cooler parts of the day are essential.

Additionally, the summer months bring a higher prevalence of parasites such as ticks and fleas, requiring vigilant prevention measures such as specific dog shampoos that deal with such problems. Dogsee offers a wide range of dog shampoos that help deal with various problems.

Common Problems Dogs Face in Summer

Heatstroke: Heatstroke is a severe and often fatal condition that occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Dogs are more prone to heatstroke due to their inability to sweat and regulate their body temperature effectively. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and collapse.

Dehydration: Dehydration happens when a dog loses more fluids than they consume. Hot weather increases the risk of dehydration, which can lead to serious health issues if not addressed promptly. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy.

Sunburn: Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned, especially those with short or light-colored coats. Sunburn can cause painful red patches on the skin, peeling, and in severe cases, skin cancer.

Burned Paw Pads: Hot pavement and sand can burn a dog’s sensitive paw pads, leading to pain, blisters, and reluctance to walk. This is a common yet preventable problem in the summer.

Allergies: Summer allergens such as pollen, grass, and molds can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Symptoms include itching, scratching, red eyes, and ear infections.

Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more active during the summer months. These parasites can cause various health issues, from skin irritations to serious diseases like Lyme disease and heartworm.

Common Diseases Dogs Get in Summer and How to Prevent Them

Summer, with its warm temperatures and abundant outdoor activities, can expose dogs to several diseases. Understanding these common diseases and taking preventive measures is crucial to ensuring your dog remains healthy throughout the season. Here are some of the most common diseases dogs get in summer and how to prevent them:

1. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks). Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and swollen joints, leading to lameness.

Prevention: To prevent Lyme disease, use tick preventatives recommended by your veterinarian, such as spot-on treatments, collars, or oral medications. Regularly check your dog for ticks, especially after outdoor activities in wooded or grassy areas. Remove any ticks found promptly and properly.

2. Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of affected dogs. It is spread by mosquitoes and can lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs.

Prevention: Administer monthly heartworm preventatives prescribed by your vet. These can come in various forms, such as chewable tablets or topical treatments. Additionally, reduce your dog's exposure to mosquitoes by keeping them indoors during peak mosquito activity times and using mosquito repellents safe for pets.

3. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected animals and can contaminate water or soil. It can cause kidney and liver damage, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice.

Prevention: Vaccinate your dog against leptospirosis, especially if they are at high risk due to exposure to potentially contaminated environments, such as stagnant water or areas with wildlife. Avoid letting your dog drink from unknown water sources and ensure they have access to clean water at all times.

4. Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abnormal bleeding.

Prevention: Like Lyme disease, the best prevention method is to use tick preventatives and regularly check your dog for ticks. Keep your dog away from areas known to be infested with ticks and maintain a clean yard to reduce tick habitats.

5. Anaplasmosis

Another tick-borne disease, anaplasmosis is caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, joint pain, and neurological signs.

Prevention: Use effective tick control measures and perform regular tick checks on your dog. Early removal of ticks can help prevent transmission of the bacteria.

6. Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion occur when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels, often due to excessive exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, collapse, and, in severe cases, seizures or coma.

Prevention: Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water and shade. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day and never leave your dog in a parked car. Provide cooling aids such as wet towels, cooling mats, and fans to help keep your dog cool.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Dogs During Summers

Hydration: Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water. Consider using a pet water fountain to encourage more frequent drinking. During outdoor activities, carry a portable water bowl and offer water breaks regularly.

Exercise: Adjust your dog's exercise routine to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Opt for early morning or late evening walks. Provide mental stimulation and indoor play to keep them active without the risk of overheating.

One great way to provide mental stimulation for your dog is by giving them Dogsee Himalayan Cheese Chews. Our textured chews are perfect for keeping your dog busy for hours and also help keep their teeth clean.

Cool Spaces: Create cool resting areas for your dog indoors with fans, air conditioning, or cooling mats. Ensure they have a shaded spot in your yard if they spend time outside.

Grooming: Regular grooming helps remove excess fur and allows better air circulation to your dog’s skin. For dogs with thick coats, consider a summer trim to keep them cool.

Diet: Adjust your dog’s diet to ensure they are getting proper nutrition for the summer. Fresh fruits and vegetables can provide hydration and essential vitamins. Avoid overfeeding, as excess weight can contribute to overheating.

We at Dogsee understand the importance of hydration and nutrition for dogs, and that’s why we offer the Dogsee Crunch Range of treats that are nothing but freeze-dried fruits and veggies, providing all the essential nutrients that help in the overall growth and development of your dog.

Vet Visits: Schedule a summer check-up with your vet to discuss any specific health concerns related to the season. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations and parasite preventatives are up to date.

Conclusion

Summer can be a wonderful time for you and your dog to enjoy the great outdoors, but it also requires extra vigilance to keep your furry friend healthy and safe.

By understanding the unique challenges of the season and taking proactive measures, you can prevent common summer diseases and ensure your pup stays happy and healthy.

For valuable pet care tips, Dogsee's range of natural, high-quality products can aid in maintaining your dog's well-being, offering both preventive care and enjoyable treats.

Remember, a little preparation and care can go a long way in making this summer a safe and enjoyable season for your beloved pet.

Additionally, be sure to look at the wide range of products we provide, including toys, hard bars, cookies, and crunch treats.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How long does a Hard Bar last?

Answer: Hard Bar approximately lasts for 8 - 10 hours of chewing. The duration may vary as per the chewing capacity of your pet and the size of the bar.

2. How effective is Hard Bar in cleaning my pet's teeth?

Answer: Dogsee Hard bars are specifically designed to maintain your dog's dental health. For added hardness, these hard bars are smoke-dried for around 35 days. The rich cheesy flavor keeps bad breath at bay, while the hardness fights plaque and tartar, proving beneficial in keeping your dog's teeth clean.

3. How long does a Hard Bar last?

Answer: A Hard Bar approximately lasts 8 - 10 hours of chewing. The duration may vary as per the chewing capacity of your pet and the size of the bar.

4. Hard Bar is too hard for my dog to chew, so what should I do?

Answer: If you feel the hard bar is too hard for your dog, microwave it for 40 - 60 seconds before giving it to your dog. This will soften the hard bar slightly, making it easier for your dog to bite.

5. Are your products certified? What certifications do you have?

Answer: Yes! our products are certified with various certifications such as :

• ISO 22000:2018

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