Summer is the time to shine in the sunshine, roaming around freely with your four-legged friend. While you take them for hiking trails, beach visits and playtime in dog parks; ensure you protect them from probable summer health dangers. Summer heat can be harmful to pets in many ways. Your fur buddy can contract diseases, some of which can be fatal if not taken care of. So, how do you keep your dog safe while enjoying the vibrant summer with them? Let’s find out.
This blog provides you with information about common dog diseases in summer and the ways to protect canines from summer heat. Read on to learn everything about dog care in summer.
Common Summer Dog Diseases
Your canine companion is susceptible to the following common dog diseases in summer:
1. Heatstroke
Long-term exposure to scorching heat leads to an increase in dogs’ body temperatures, resulting in heatstroke. It is more worrisome for them as dogs do not have sweat glands, which makes it difficult for them to cool down. Common symptoms of heatstroke are excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, seizures, and coma in severe cases. Immediate medical attention is a must to bring the dog back to normal.
2. Flea & Tick Infestations & Tick-Borne Diseases
Though fleas and ticks are a constant threat, these pesky parasites are the most active in summer. Your furry companion’s visits to bushy areas increase the possibility of them coming back home with fleas and ticks. These parasite infestations can compromise your dog’s overall health in addition to causing itching and irritation. Besides, these creatures can also transmit various diseases to your fur friend, including:
3. Lyme disease
It is transmitted when an infected black legged/deer tick bites your dog. The effects of this disease cause lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, lameness, swollen joints, etc.
4. Anaplasmosis
Another disease caused by black-legged ticks carrying the anaplasma bacteria, anaplasmosis can cause problems like fever, lethargy, joint pain, etc. in dogs.
5. Ehrlichosis
The bacteria Ehrlichia canis cause this disease in dogs. Infected dogs display symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, abnormal bleeding, etc.
6. Worms & Heartworm Disease
Your ever-curious fur buddy can ingest the feces of a worm-infected animal during their outdoor summer trips. They can ingest worm eggs in the process, leading to worm infections. The symptoms of worm infections include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, swollen abdomen, bloody stool, etc. Summer is also a thriving time for mosquitoes. And, just a bite from a mosquito infected with heartworm larvae can infect your pooch with potentially fatal heartworm disease.
7. Leptospirosis
It is a serious illness that can lead to kidney and liver damage in dogs. Your pooch can get the disease by coming into contact with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals in the wild. Common symptoms of this disease include excessive thirst and urination, pain in muscles, jaundice, bloody diarrhea, etc.
8. Kennel Cough (Canine Tracheobronchitis)
This airborne disease is highly contagious. Dogs catch this respiratory infection by inhaling the bacteria or virus from a contaminated environment. Some of the symptoms are dry honking cough, nasal discharge, lack of appetite, etc.
9. Canine Parainfluenza
This highly contagious respiratory virus is a common reason for kennel cough. It is spread through airborne particles from the coughing of infected animals and through contact with contaminated food and water bowls. Its symptoms include cough, loss of appetite, lack of energy, nasal discharge, fever, etc.
10. Parvovirus
This contagious disease is especially dangerous for young puppies and unvaccinated young dogs. It spreads through contact with feces of infected dogs or anything the infected animal has come in contact with, like food bowls, human hands or bedding. This disease affects dogs’ intestines and causes vomiting, diarrhea, extreme lethargy, fever, etc. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
The outside adventures in rising temperatures of summer can also expose your fur friend to other health problems and dangerous situations. Immediate care needs to be provided to handle these summer pet emergencies like dehydration, sunburns, burned paw pads, allergic skin reactions from pollen or grass, dog or snake bites, car accidents, etc.
Ways to Protect Dogs from Summer Heat & Diseases
Instead of depriving your furry companion of the outdoor adventures and fun in summer, you can take the following steps to keep them safe in hot weather:
- Provide your fur friend fresh and clean drinking water at all times to ensure they remain hydrated.
- Create a shaded area and equip it with an air conditioner and cooling mats. Let your pooch rest here on sunny days.
- Avoid taking your dog outside on hot days or hotter parts of the day. Reschedule their toilet break walks to early mornings or late evenings when the sun is not very harsh.
- Never leave your dog alone in a locked car. The rising temperature in the car can lead to heatstroke and be fatal in worst-case scenarios.
- Trim your dog’s fur periodically and groom their coat regularly to avoid matting and reduce the chances of overheating. Grooming is especially important for dogs with a double coat and thick, long fur.
- Use sunscreen solutions like Petkin Doggy Sunmist SPF15 Sunscreen, Sunstick or Sunwipes before taking your dog outside to save them from sunburns.
- Take the help of your veterinarian and start with your pet’s parasite protection before the onset of summer. Treatments like NexGard Chewables protect against fleas and ticks and also prevent diseases such as Lyme disease. For worm control, treatments like Triworm-D come in handy. Heartgard Plus for Dogs is also a good option for heartworm prevention for dogs.
- Avoid taking your pet to crowded areas like dog parks to play to save them from contracting contagious diseases. As an alternative, give your fur friend toys and puzzle games to provide mental stimulation and keep them engaged and entertained.
Wrapping up
Summer time is an ideal time for warming up with your four-legged family member. However, this outdoor fun time also requires dog parents’ attention towards the probable health problems their pooches may face. The understanding of various dog diseases in summer helps identify their symptoms early and provide prompt care for your dog. Also, taking preventive measures to ensure their safety from summer heat goes a long way in keeping your beloved canine companion healthy and happy.
