Tag: summer

A Taste of the Wild Guide: Help Your Dog Survive the Summer

Posted on September 19, 2023 - 1:35 pm by
A dog panting while lying on the ground in the sun.

Dogs in the summer. Is there a better combination of our favorite things? Dogs in the summer just seem to go hand-in-paw with fond memories. Whether they’re galloping on a beach, lazing in the sun or leaving a trail of drool from the water dish to the shade of your hammock, dogs in the summer are our happy place.

But that summer sun is no joke for our best pals. Our four-legged friends wear fur coats all year round, so extra precautions should be taken for dogs in the summer sun. That’s why we’ve put together this Taste of the Wild Guide to Summer Dog Safety. Read on for all sorts of hot weather safety tips for you and your dog, from diet issues to “how hot is too hot for walking the dog?”

Hot Weather Safety Tips for Dogs

A dog panting while lying on the ground in the sun.

How does hot weather affect dogs? In a number of ways. Most of them are good, too! More exercise, more outdoor time, more sunny spots to sleep in. But the sun and your dog don’t always mix; hot weather affect dogs negatively as well. Car rides with your dog become more short-term affairs, unless that A/C is ice-cold. Walkies might need to be taken in the mornings and evenings, after the sun has turned in for the day, especially if asphalt or other heat-absorbing surfaces are involved. And when the temperatures race toward triple digits, there’s no such thing as “too much water.”

But how do you tell when “just right” has veered into “too hot” territory? Here are some signs that your dog is too hot, and what you can do to avoid getting there in the first place.

READ MORE HOT WEATHER SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS

For Many Dogs, Summer Is Ear-Infection Season

A dog walking on green grass with his ears perked up.

Ear infections aren’t the first things that come to mind when we think about summer. But contrary to somewhat popular belief, ear infections aren’t always seasonal. And when you have large, furry or floppy ears, any season can be prime ear infection season.

A dog’s ear infections are often caused by environmental allergies. Warm air allows, pollen, mold spores and other allergens to explode in population and swim around on the wind, causing allergies to flare up. These allergies can inflame the skin that lines the ear canal, opening the door for secondary bacterial and fungal infections.

If your dog is an avid swimmer, excess water in the ear canal can create a dark, moist environment where yeast and bacteria thrive. (Food allergies can cause ear infections, too, but in these cases, the infections tend to occur all year long rather than seasonally.)

So how do you prevent ear infections in dogs this summer? And if prevention doesn’t work, what is the best ear infection treatment for dogs? Flap your ears and listen to our advice!

READ MORE ABOUT DOG EAR INFECTION AND TREATMENTS

Should My Pet’s Diet Change for Summer?

A dog eating kibble out of a metal bowl on the ground outside.

Many dogs seem to lean out when the weather gets warmer. More activity and less lazing around can naturally lead to weight loss. There’s just so much running and hiking and swimming to do! But does a change in season mean a change in diet for your dog?

It’s a good question: What should you feed your dog in the hot weather months? Do active dogs need more calories? Should couch potatoes get the same amount as always? Is a drastic change in your dog’s diet necessary when summer hits? Don’t sweat it, because we have some answers for you!

READ MORE ABOUT WHAT TO FEED DOGS IN HOT WEATHER

Summer Care for Dogs with Heavy Coats

A husky standing outside in the sun in long grass and flowers.

A husky is clearly a dog suited for colder weather. But have you ever considered how other breeds with heavy coats fare in the summer sun? Think of that golden retriever who loves to soak in the kiddie pool. It’s not just our classic winter dogs who might need different care in the summer.

But what can you do to keep dogs cool in the summer? Is a shave in the cards for our fluffier friends? And for dogs who seem to leave a second dog behind every time they shake, how do you keep shedding under control? Here are a few tips about how to keep dogs cool in the summer, from grooming tips to best practices for outdoor fun in the sun.

READ MORE ABOUT HOW TO KEEP DOGS COOL IN THE SUMMER

How to Protect Dog Paws from Hot Pavement

Two people walking a small dog on pavement in the sun.

Your dog’s favorite thing about summer? More walkies! It feels great to get out multiple times a day with your best pal, walking the neighborhood or hiking the trails. But a hot topic you should think about all summer long is “How hot is too hot for your dog?” We’re specifically talking about your dog’s feet, because hot pavement can be dangerous for paw pads.

Walking your dog in the summer heat can be pleasurable for both of you, especially with plentiful shade and water. But even as the sun drops below the horizon, that pavement can hold a LOT of heat. You’re probably wearing shoes or sandals, but your dog’s paws are exposed, and a lot more sensitive than you might think.

READ MORE ABOUT PROTECTING DOG PAWS FROM HOT PAVEMENT

Keep It Fun and Safe for Your Dogs in Summer

A dog jumping through a shallow pool of water.

Summer is a fun time for dogs. The kids are out of school, the days are a lot longer (which means that the walks should be a lot longer, too!), and the options for fun in the sun are nearly unlimited. With just a little care and change in behavior for you and your dog, you can make sure that dogs in summer stay safe and, most importantly, stay happy.

Should My Dog’s Diet Change for the Summer?

Posted on May 21, 2020 - 3:00 pm by
A dog standing on a sand dune on the beach.

Many dogs, like their owners, are more active in the summer — especially those who tend to hibernate during the snowier months. Simple logic might tell you that more activity means your dog needs more calories. So, should you switch to a summer dog diet? In most cases, it’s not necessary.

Do Dogs Eat Less in the Summer and More in the Winter?

Ever notice how you crave heavier “comfort” foods like lasagna in the winter but opt for lighter salads in the summer? The same phenomenon can occur in dogs, too.

In the winter months, dogs that are outdoors a lot tend to need more calories as the temperature drops to help them generate heat. The opposite is also true: in warmer temperatures, they tend to need fewer calories as the temperature increases.

That said, if your dog is involved in any high-intensity sports or competitions over the summer, it’s best to confer with your veterinarian about your dog’s nutritional needs.

In Most Cases, No Summer Dog Diet Changes Are Necessary

Rather than switching your dog to a “lighter” diet, a better option might be to feed them a slightly smaller amount. Again, your veterinarian can help you determine how many calories your dog needs in the summer.

You generally want to keep your dog’s diet consistent unless he or she has a special health condition such as allergies, obesity or arthritis that can be helped with a dietary change. In those cases, you want to make a gradual switch to the new diet because abrupt changes can lead to tummy upset, vomiting and diarrhea.

Monitor Your Dog’s Figure

One of the best ways to tell if your dog is eating the right amount is by using a body condition scoring system. Ideally, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs, and there should be an obvious waist just after the rib cage when viewed from above. If your dog has lost its waist or the ribs are hidden under a thick layer of body fat, it’s time to cut back on the extra table scraps.

While it can be common for dogs to eat less food in the warmer months, a loss of appetite can also be a sign of disease. If you notice your dog’s ribs are showing and his or her appetite seems to have vanished, call your veterinarian.

Don’t Forget the Water in a Summer Dog Diet

Many people don’t realize that water is an important part of every dog’s diet. During the warmer months, make sure your dogs have plenty of fresh water available. That way, they’ll be well hydrated for all those outdoor adventures you’ll take together.

So, Should My Dog’s Diet Change for the Summer?

In most cases, your dog’s diet is probably fine as is, especially if they were healthy and happy heading into the summer season. If you ever have any questions about your dog’s diet, be sure to ask your veterinarian.

For Many Dogs, Summer Is Ear-Infection Season

Posted on May 11, 2017 - 4:11 am by
Ear infections in dogs

For dog owners, the only sound that epitomizes summer more than the shhh-tik-tik-tik-tik of a lawn sprinkler is the jangle of ID tags as their dogs shake their heads and scratch their ears. Why all the racket? Because summer often means ear infections for our canine companions.

WHAT CAUSES EAR INFECTIONS IN DOGS?

In dogs, ear infections are often caused by environmental allergies. When the air gets warm, pollen, mold spores and other allergens begin to thrive and waft around on the currents, causing allergies to flare up. These allergies can make the skin that lines the ear canal inflamed, opening the door for secondary bacterial and fungal infections.

And if your dog loves to swim, excess water in the ear canal can create the kind of dark, moist environment where yeast and bacteria thrive. (Food allergies can cause ear infections, too, but in these cases, the infections tend to occur all year long rather than seasonally.)

Dogs with pendulous ears, such as cocker spaniels and basset hounds, may be predisposed to ear infections because it can be harder for air to circulate in their ear canals. Health conditions such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) and tumors or masses in the ears may also lead to ear infections.

While ear infections aren’t nearly as common in cats, outdoor cats can pick up ear mites in the summer, which can irritate the ears and lead to infection.

HINTS THAT YOUR DOG HAS AN EAR INFECTION

If the musky odor emanating from your dog’s ear doesn’t tip you off to an infection, your dog may resort to rubbing their ear on the floor. Other signs may include red, inflamed skin lining your dog’s ear canal, waxy discharge, constant head shaking, ear-scratching and obvious pain. In fact, your dog may shy away from having their head touched at all.

TIME TO SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT YOUR DOG’S EAR INFECTION

Left untreated, the skin may become cobbled or cauliflower-like in appearance and the ear canals can become swollen and permanently calcified. If the eardrum ruptures, the infection can enter the middle or inner ear and lead to hearing loss, loss of balance and neurological signs.

Your veterinarian will give your pet a full physical exam and most likely swab the ear canal for a sample. By viewing the ear debris under a microscope, they can determine if bacteria and/or yeast are involved. In some cases, they may recommend culturing the sample to identify the exact organisms and the best medications for treating them.

For some dogs, the ears may be so painful that a course of steroids may be required to help reduce swelling and inflammation before the ears can be handled. In severe cases, the dog may need to be anesthetized for a proper ear exam.

Your veterinarian may perform other diagnostics, such as blood or allergy testing to check for underlying health conditions. In some cases, X-rays or computed tomography (a CT or CAT scan) may be recommended to help determine if the middle ear is involved.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR DOGS’ EAR INFECTIONS

Treatment usually includes topical therapy with antibiotics, antifungals and/or steroids. Your veterinarian will be happy to show you how to clean your pet’s ears so the medication can reach deep inside the ear canal. In more severe cases, oral medications may be needed, and chronic cases can even require surgery.

Of course, treating the ear alone won’t solve the problem if you don’t also treat the underlying allergy or other condition that may be behind the ear infections. If your dog’s ear infections keep coming back, talk to your veterinarian about additional testing to help identify the underlying problem.

Solving an ear infection can be a big relief for your dog. Then they can get back to their favorite summer activities — like running through the sprinkler.

OTHER SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS

The dog days of summer can be tough on an unprepared pooch. To help dogs and dog owners navigate those steamy summer months, we’ve put together a Taste of the Wild Guide to helping your dog survive the summer. Inside, you’ll find summer safety tips, advice about dog diets, how to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement, and more!

Summer Care for Dogs with Heavy Coats

Posted on August 6, 2015 - 2:56 pm by
Caring for heavy coats in summer

It’s hot. So you shed a couple layers and slick on some sunscreen before you jump in the pool. Lucky you. Summer clothing choices are easy for those of us without double coats of fur, like Aussies, collies, German shepherds, golden retrievers, huskies, malamutes, sheep dogs, Pomeranians and most herding dogs and terriers.

But before you get too concerned that your dog’s fur is causing them to sweat, remember that nature put all that hair there for a reason (well, that and the fact that dogs don’t sweat). However, there are a few things to consider for keeping your fur-loaded friend comfortable in the heat of summer.

Will Grooming Double-Coated Dogs Prevent Shedding?

Double-coated dogs will shed their undercoats in the summer. A good brush and a good deal of patience can go a long way.

By brushing your dog, you help get rid of the fluffy undercoat and allow air to circulate around the dog’s skin, which is one of your dog’s natural cooling mechanisms.

Helping your dog shed his or her undercoat can also help the skin stay drier, which in turn can help prevent skin complications from insect bites and hot spots. Give your buddy a daily brush to help keep him or her cool and comfy.

Should You Shave a Double-Coated Dog in Hot Weather?

Although it may seem contrary to logic, shaving a dog with a double-layer coat can actually do more harm than good.

A dog’s undercoat serves as insulation. That’s why they naturally shed it in the spring and summer. The topcoat allows cooling air to reach a dog’s skin while also protecting it from the elements, such as the sun’s UV rays. Shaving this outer layer removes your dog’s built-in cooling device and may expose his or her skin to the harmful effects of the sun and other elements, like biting insects.

So while it may be hard to imagine how all that fur could actually be keeping your pet cool, remember that dogs don’t sweat anywhere other than their nose and paws. They shed excess heat through panting. So put down the shears and fill up the kiddie pool.

That all being said, there are a few occasions when a trim can be beneficial. You may want to consider a canine haircut if your dog:

  1. Has long fur (1” or longer)
  2. Has a single-layer coat
  3. Lives primarily outdoors
  4. Has matted or knotted fur
  5. Gets wet often (including swimming in the pool or lake)
  6. Has a dark-colored coat
  7. Suffers from hot spots

How to Shave a Double-Coated Dog

  1. Never shave a double-layered coat.
  2. Hire a professional. Paying for this service is much less expensive than paying to mend a lesion or a burn caused by inexperienced clippers.
  3. For dogs with a single-layered coat, never cut the hair shorter than 1”. Anything shorter subjects your dog to sunburn, ingrown hairs or even cancer.
  4. Take care to remove any matted spots, as these can serve as hotels for pests, parasites or bacteria. But prevention is still key. Proper brushing and maintenance of long-haired dogs should prevent the need for drastic haircuts.

How to Cool Double-Coated Dogs in Hot Weather

WATER CAN HELP YOUR DOUBLE-COATED DOG COOL DOWN

The main way dogs regulate their body temperature is through their mouths. Panting allows them to circulate the necessary air through their bodies to cool down. So keeping cold water available for them to drink is imperative to prevent dehydration.

GET YOUR DOUBLE-COATED DOG A POOL THIS SUMMER

If your dog likes water, let him or her swim. Purchase a wading pool just for your dog, or take your dog to a dog park with a lake for swimming. Just remember to always put safety first. Use a flotation device if you take your dog on a boat, and never leave your dog around bodies of water unsupervised. Also, rinse your dog of chlorine or salt after a swim and make sure his or her coat dries thoroughly to prevent skin infections.

KEEP YOUR DOUBLE-COATED DOG OFF HOT ASPHALT

Hot asphalt can wreak havoc on any dog’s sensitive paw pads. When walking your dog, try to keep him or her on the grass and limit your time outdoors in the heat of the day. Take walks in the early morning or evening and always carry water.

SHADE IS A DOUBLE-COATED DOG’S BEST FRIEND

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, ensure it has access to plenty of shade. But even in the shade, temperatures can soar (especially for dogs that were built for cold weather) so keep cold water available at all times and limit outdoor time if possible.

If you have concerns about your heavy-coat dog overheating, contact your vet. Also talk to your vet before trying any new cooling techniques, including a haircut.