A pet dog is like an eternal companion. You will always feel engaged with all their activities. However, it’s challenging to care for your pet dog. During summer, dog parents often feel that their pets should go outdoors whenever they want, but that might not act in their favor.
For instance, West Charlotte boasts sunny weather that might make both pets and their owners want to spend ample time outside. But the vets in this region wouldn’t always advise so. It’s because summer might bring about a host of health challenges for your dog that you might not be aware of.
This region tends to have a high temperature during the summer months. The average temperature is 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lowest temperature recorded is 49 degrees. Your pet might get a heat stroke or summer allergies. Thankfully, there are expert vets in West Charlotte who can help pet owners take better care of their furry companions.
In this article, we will discuss some of the summer health problems that your dog might face and how vets in this region suggest tackling them.
Hyperthermia
Also known as ‘overheating,’ both humans and dogs can suffer from hyperthermia. In this condition, the body absorbs excess heat more than it can release. Hence, the basal body temperature rises disproportionately. Dogs who have dark-colored fur tend to suffer from this more.
Some reasons for dogs to suffer from hyperthermia are:
- Extra humidity or heat because of weather conditions.
- Staying in an unventilated space.
- Any existing health problems like obesity or airway breathing issues.
- Exposure to toxins such as chocolate, compost, snails, slugs, and moldy food.
It is necessary to keep your pet secure from this ailment. According to West Charlotte vets, the following tips can help:
- Make sure that your dog stays indoors on those days when the temperature is very high.
- Ensure they have access to fresh water all day.
- Brush their fur daily so that their skin has healthy airflow.
Sunburn
Even though it might not appear to be a serious issue, sunburn can affect dogs in a more concerning way than you can imagine. Areas in the dog’s body that have no hair, like the paws, belly, ears, mouth, and nose, are vulnerable to sunburn. Dogs who have a light-colored coat get affected by sunburn more than others.
Vets who work with any leading animal hospital in West Charlotte share the following symptoms of sunburn in dogs:
- Dry skin that leads to cracks.
- Redness in affected areas of the skin.
- Excess scratching and whimpering.
- Becoming sensitive to touch.
When pet owners don’t treat the sunburn on time, it can lead to chronic skin issues such as cancer. Hence, it is necessary to implement preventive measures. Some of the crucial ones are:
- It’s best to take your dog for a walk before 7 a.m., as the temperature in West Charlotte rises after that.
- Allow your pet to play in the yard if they love it, but make sure that you install a shade.
- Buy a dog sunscreen and apply it to those sensitive areas of their skin before taking them out anywhere during the daytime.
Parker Veterinary Hospital PA states that leading vets in this region have the necessary experience in treating dog health issues during summer. There are clinics available today with a team of trained paraprofessionals who offer the best care and provide a family-like ambiance. It helps with better sharing and ensures that your pet receives the best treatment. You can visit the Contact with Us page of a reputed vet’s clinic to learn more about this.
Flea Allergies
The clinical name for this is FAD (Flea Allergy Dermatitis), where a single flea bite proves to be dangerous in dogs. As a flea bites animals, their saliva gets injected into the dog’s skin, leading to mild irritation. Few dogs face a severe allergic reaction that leads to symptoms such as:
- Continuous clawing, itching, and even biting that carries on for hours.
- Bleeding or rashes in the flea bite.
- Raised bumps in the affected area, which look like pimples.
- Hair loss in the infected area.
It is necessary to implement proper corrective measures to remedy this situation. On the medicative front, it is necessary to get in touch with an expert vet in your region and use the anti-flea shampoo that they suggest to you. Since these allergies can aggravate in summer, you have to bathe them using this shampoo at least once a week.
In conclusion, your pet dog is vulnerable to the summer heat and might suffer from health issues that you feel are not a big concern. The health problems listed here are a few of the major concerns that you need to look into. It’s always advised to check with an expert vet in your region who can help you identify the alarming symptoms and implement correct care.