Tips on Keeping Your Pup Healthy in The Summer

As we enter summer and the temperature rises, we need to be mindful of our pups and their health. Although our pups do enjoy playing outdoors in all months, hot summer days do take a toll on them and paying extra attention to them and their needs is crucial. We have come up with a list of things to consider which will help keep your pup feeling his best as we enter the summer.

Provide Your Dog with Plenty of Shade and Water

Dehydration in dogs is a common occurrence but one that can be prevented. Making sure that your pup is well hydrated is the first step in preventing this. Having fresh drinking water available is key as is making sure your pup has ample shade while outside. Shade will allow your pup to escape the sun and help him cool down. Signs of dehydration quickly arrive and it is best to prevent before taking place.

Identify the Signs

Your pup’s normal temperature is between 100° and 103°F, which means anything above that means your pet’s health is in danger. Dogs do not sweat like humans and rely on panting to cool down. If your pup is outside and you observe any of the following, it may be a good time to bring him inside and allow him relax and lower his body temperature.

  • Heavy or excessive panting
  • Dry or bright red gums
  • Thick drool
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Wobbly legs
  • General look of exhaustion or discomfort
  • Lethargic behavior
  • Whining or barking

Never Leave Your Pet in The Car

Although your fur-legged friend most likely does enjoy a ride in the car, leaving him inside for any amount of time without the air conditioner on can be extremely harmful. The temperature inside a parked car can reach a temperature in very little time that is enough to cause your pup to overheat and die. This act is not only very dangerous, but illegal in many states as it is a form of animal abuse. Police are commonly called to public parking lots after someone observed a dog inside a car unattended. Cracking your windows is certainly not enough to keep your dog safe and is a bad practice.

Apply Ample Amounts of Sunscreen

Believe it or not, dogs are able to get sunburn just like we can. This especially for dogs that are light in color and or have very short coats. Sunburn can be very painful and eventually lead to major health issues such as skin cancer. If you are planning to take your dog outside, a fresh application of sunscreen should be applied every three to four hours. Be sure to pay special attention to areas such as his belly and ears as those are sensitive spots that tend to burn easy. The sunscreen used should be a pet-friendly one as human sunscreen can be toxic for dogs. Taking the time to do this will save a lot of time and pain for your pup later.

Keep Your Dog’s Paws Cool and Protected

Pets heat and cool from the bottom up. If you’re out in the sun together, try to keep your pet off of hot surfaces like cement and asphalt which are generally much hotter than grass and dirt. Hot surfaces will prevent your pup from cooling down and can cause their sensitive paws to burn which may require medical attention. It is always better to be safe than sorry!

Put Together a Travel Pack for Your Pup

If you plan on bringing your pup out for the day have items packed up that he will be able to use. Extra bottled water, sunscreen, and rags that can be dampened to help keep him cool are just a few. Plan out your adventure ahead of time and be sure there are rest areas that have shade. This will allow for a safer and much more enjoyable adventure for you and your pup.

Easiest Dog Breeds to Take Care Of

Every dog requires a degree of time and care in order to help keep him looking and feeling his best. Basic grooming, bathing, nail trimming, and teeth cleaning to name a few things. Some dog breeds require much more time and work ass their coats may require special care, etc. However, not every dog requires regular professional attention or an inordinate amount of brushing to keep its hair in check.

Dogs with flat-faces or with wrinkles require special facial care. Some pups also shed a lot which requires brushing every single day, sometimes twice a day.

If you are looking for what many people consider a “wash-and-wear” dog breed, check out the list of pups below that we came up with. These dogs are generally very easy to maintain and make great family pets.

Basenji

First is the Basenji. These pups are fairly simple to maintain and not known to have a “dog smell” like many other breeds. They also do not bark a lot which is a big plus. A bath every few weeks and some basic care and this pup is ready to go!

Vizsla

The Vizsla is a very easy to care for pooch that doesn’t take a lot of time to clean up. Routine bathing and selfcare is quick and easy. The Vizsla is a very active dog and may require an extra bath or two if playing outside a lot.

Whippet

The Whippet is a clean and tidy pup that also does not take a lot of time to get ready. These pups generally carry little to no scent and require the basics. Another wash and wear pup!

Boston Terrier

The Boston is a neat and clean pup that generally doesn’t have an odor. They also are very light shedders which makes caring for them quick and easy. A bath every few weeks and some brushing and this dog is ready to go!

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher, also known as a Dobie, is a very low shedding dog that also in not known to have an odor. Besides basic routine grooming, this breed of dog is pretty simple. They do enjoy being outside so a thorough bath is always a good idea.

Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is a smart and easy to get along with pup that is known to train with ease. They are easy to care for and besides the basics, this pup will take a lot less time to shine than many other breeds. This is another wash and wear pup that you are sure to love.

German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is another pup that does not take a lot of time or effort to keep looking good. This breed does tend to shed a tad more than other pups on our list, but with a little bit of brushing you can keep that in check. This is a quality pup and one the whole family will love

Pointer

The Pointer is a playful pup that does enjoy outdoor activities but does not require an excessive amount of maintenance. Routine brushing and a bath every few weeks will help keep this pup looking his best.

Weimaraner The Weimaraner is not a heavy shedder and has very short, easy to care for hair. This breed does not require a lot of effort to keep looking his best and short of a bath every few weeks and some routine brushing, there’s not a lot more to do. They also make great family pets that are known for their loyalty and care.