Summer Time and Not Always Easy Living

Summer is definitely here and Mother Nature has really been doling out the heat and humidity.  

While this is a great time of year to get out and enjoy some outdoor fun with your special fur baby, the hot and humid weather also brings a higher risk of ear and skin infections for your pup.  

Skin and ear infections are extremely uncomfortable for your pup, but they can also become chronic and this can mean multiple trips to your vet.

Seeing your furry friend constantly scratching himself, or continually licking various areas of his body, is the main reason we seek our vets’ help.  Ear infections follow closely behind.

Retrievers and Spaniels and other such breeds generally love to swim and are quite prone to ear infections, especially when they have floppy ears which will hold moisture creating a perfect place for infections to set in.

Other breeds of dogs such as short muzzled pups like Bulldogs, Shih Tzu’s and Pugs are also especially prone to itchy, painful infections, but any breed of dog can be affected.

If your pup does love to swim and you have access to safe water, be sure that you dry and wipe the ears thoroughly every time he is out of the water.

You should also consider applying a sun screen to your pup, especially if you will be outside for a long period of time and, most importantly, if your pup has “pinkish” coloured skin under its fur.

When you are out with your pup during these extremely hot and humid days, always make sure that he has access to fresh, cool water at all times, and keep him in the shade as much as possible.

If you tend to run or jog with your pup, only do so early in the morning before the sun gets too hot, or later in the evening when the sun has gone down and the outside temperature decreases.

Remember, keeping your pup outside in these hot conditions without access to shade and plenty of water can result in your pup experiencing heat stroke.  

Symptoms of heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling, pacing, becoming agitated and vomiting.  You should also check for red gums or tongue and an increased heart rate.

Some dogs may be more predisposed to heat stroke, such as those breeds with thick fur, or short or pushed in noses, older pups or those with other medical conditions.

Always be aware and monitor your pup closely when outdoors and, if you do notice any signs of distress, be sure to get your pup into a shaded or cool place, offer him cool water to drink, and cool your pup off by placing a towel, soaked in cold water, on his back.

If your pup seems unresponsive, you need to get him to a vet immediately for treatment.

Summer is a great time of year so get out and enjoy all the season has to offer, but if you plan to enjoy the time with your pup, be sure to keep him as cool as possible and try to avoid things that may cause him to end up with some type of infection.  Vet bills can be extremely costly and that can put a big damper on your summer fun.