Summer Health Hazards: Top 5 Diseases for Dogs

In the sweltering heat, our canine companions are also prone to a variety of illnesses.

Disease 1: Heart Disease

Typically, breeds like the Pug, Corgi, and Bulldog, which are prone to obesity, especially older dogs, are at risk. The intense heat can cause them to breathe rapidly to cool down, which in turn burdens their respiratory system and accelerates their heart rate, making sudden death a real possibility!

Disease 2: Cold

With the common scenario of the outdoors being an oven and the indoors a refrigerator, overuse of air conditioning can lead to our pets catching a cold. Sneezing and runny noses are common symptoms, so we mustn't overcool them. If symptoms are severe or the owner lacks experience, it's crucial to take the dog to a vet promptly to prevent complications.

Disease 3: Skin Diseases

Summer's bustling insects, such as ants, fleas, and ticks, can easily hitch a ride home with our dogs, potentially leading to serious infections.

Disease 4: Gastrointestinal Diseases

The faster food spoils in hot weather means that if we inadvertently feed our dogs spoiled food, they may suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. If bacterial infections occur, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues, resulting in loss of appetite and poor spirits. It's essential to avoid feeding leftovers to our dogs during the summer and to clean their food bowls regularly.

Disease 5: Heatstroke

Dogs have underdeveloped sweat glands, with only a few areas like their paw pads having them. They rely on panting, drooling, and rapid breathing to expel heat, but this isn't as effective as sweating for humans, making them much more susceptible to heatstroke.

These five diseases are the most common in dogs during the summer. It's also important not to overlook other potential health issues, such as canine distemper, hepatitis, and psychological disorders caused by the heat.

Effective Prevention and Treatment:

1. Monitor Your Dog's Health: Keep an eye on your pet's behavior and physical condition, such as unsteady walking, circling, seizures, excessive barking, headbutting walls, or frothing at the mouth.

2. Control Their Diet: Feed them a balanced diet with limited fat and avoid spicy foods.

3. Regular Deworming: Parasites, like heartworms, can contribute to heart disease. Regular deworming is key to maintaining your dog's health.

4. Beat the Heat: After a walk, use a fan or cool air to help your dog cool down, but avoid pointing the breeze directly at them. Offering water and a damp towel can also be effective.

By being vigilant and taking these precautions, we can ensure our furry friends stay healthy and happy throughout the summer months.