During summertime, everyone is cheerful and jolly, and dogs don’t want to miss out on the fun. Throughout the summer months, our pups tend to spend more time outside, walking, running, laying on the grass, and enjoying the sun and nature, and that's when summer illnesses can appear. Even though being in touch with nature is a natural boost for their health, there are some summer-related conditions you should be aware of.
5 summer illnesses your dog can suffer from
- Sunburn: This is probably one of the most neglected summer illnesses among dogs. Dogs can suffer from sunburns just like we do. Naturally, their fur does protect them against ultraviolet rays, but body parts where pigmentation is lighter, or areas where dogs barely have hair can be in real danger. If you are going to spend more than 30 minutes in the sun, get your pup sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure to cover their nose, the skin around the lips, and their inner thighs. Sun protection needs to be zinc-free and non-toxic (almost every dog sunscreen is) because your pup will probably lick some of it.
- Heatstroke: When the weather is too hot, and panting is not enough, dogs can suffer from heatstroke. Remember dogs, unlike humans, can't sweat through their skin, so they do it through their paws and tongue. If your dog is experiencing excessive panting or dribbling, disorientation, increased heart rate, or vomiting and diarrhea, he might be suffering a heatstroke. Remember to always keep him hydrated, provided him with shaded places to rest, and proper nutrition.
-
Water bacteria: Even though abundant water in summer is essential for dogs to avoid dehydration, we, as pet-parents, need to be very careful. Water can cause one of the most common summer illnesses: When it is exposed to the sun for a few hours and heats up, water can grow Aster bacteria. These bacteria can rapidly enter your dog’s blood mainstream and cause an infection.
-
Bees: Dogs are curious creatures who love sniffing around grass, flowers, and everything they find out there. Thus, they often can get stung by bees or wasps as a result. Don’t panic: When a dog gets stung by a bee, it usually results in an allergic reaction, and his entire face swells. This is completely normal and it generally lasts only a few hours. However, if your dog experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of his tongue, or nausea and diarrhea, consult with your vet asap.
- Heartworms: Heartworm disease is very common among dogs. But what makes it a part of summer illnesses? That dogs can catch this disease through mosquito bites. Yes, you are reading correctly! Mosquitos can bite dogs as well, and even cause them heartworms. This condition affects major organs like the lungs and heart, it’s not transmitted by dogs to humans or other dogs, but it can get pretty serious if untreated. Now you know: when in summer, always carry with you your dogs’ insect repellent.
