Canine care during the summer months

Pets are considered family. We appreciate them for their playful, light-heartedness, and we enjoy spending the summer with them at the lake, campground, and around the house. But this year is different. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are itching to fulfill their summer bucket-lists following mandated quarantines. Please take a moment to read the following information so you may be best prepared when it comes to protecting your dog’s health for the remainder of this summer.

During the summer months, dogs are prone to heat exhaustion and dehydration if they are not given the proper amount of water daily. For many, this is exceptionally critical as some dogs have long hair and thick layers of fur. Additionally, it is important to groom your dog regularly. Doing so will not only increase your bond with them but may prevent the spread of ticks. It is essential to regularly check your dog for ticks, especially if they have been thick, grassy or wooded areas. Ticks are known to cause Lyme disease, arthritis, and other ailments within dogs if they are not removed.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has posted the following eight tips for protecting your dog during the summer months:

1. Never, ever leave your dog in the car.
2. Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water.
3. Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside.
4. Take walks during the cooler hours of the day.
5. When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog’s paws.
6. If you think it’s hot outside, it’s even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off.
7. Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet.
8. Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it’s appropriate for your pet), and apply sunscreen to your dog’s skin if she or he has a thin coat.

For additional information and solutions designed for a more personalized canine healthcare, visit vet.Neogen.com today.