Summer Dog Care: Essential Tips for Safe & Happy Pups

We've compiled a list of the top details often overlooked in summer dog care, hoping that pet owners can avoid them promptly and ensure their furry friends stay healthy throughout the hot summer months.

Can you use mosquito coils and insect repellents for your dog?

Opt for petspecific mosquito repellent collars.

Summer is a time when dogs are particularly susceptible to infections like heartworm and leishmaniasis. However, using mosquito coils or insecticides can be harmful to your pets. Insect repellents typically contain DEET, IR3535, Icaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil. While these substances are harmless when converted and excreted in humans, they cannot be processed in the same way by dogs.

Dogs have a sense of smell 10,000 times more sensitive than humans. The smell and smoke from mosquito coils can cause pets to sneeze, have runny noses, and affect their respiratory systems, posing greater risks in enclosed spaces.

To prevent mosquito bites, choose petspecific mosquito repellent collars.

Do dogs need sunscreen?

Some do.

Longhaired and darkcoated dogs naturally have good sun protection, but shorthaired, lightcolored dogs, those with lightcolored noses, or those who have recently been shaved need to be cautious about the sun's harmful effects on their skin. Skin cancer is more common in areas like the ears, nose, abdomen, and around the eyes, often presenting symptoms like hair loss, redness, and even rotting.

Avoid walking your dog during peak sun hours. For dogs with fur, consider thinning their hair instead of shaving it all off, or use petsafe sunscreen sparingly on delicate areas like the ears and nose (ensure the formula does not contain zinc oxide).

Can dogs get "air conditioning sickness"?

Yes, they can.

As summer temperatures soar, many pet owners keep their dogs inside airconditioned rooms to prevent heatstroke, but dogs can also suffer from "air conditioning sickness." The primary symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, listlessness, loss of appetite, and even refusal to eat or drink, which can resemble a cold. In severe cases, it can lead to high body temperature, rapid breathing, and heart rate, and even sudden death.

Do not let your dog stay in an airconditioned, enclosed space for extended periods. Avoid having them sleep directly in the air flow from the AC unit, and ensure there is a natural exchange of air.

Can dogs drink green bean soup to cool down?

In moderation, yes.

Green bean soup can be consumed in small amounts to help cool down, but it's not recommended to feed dogs green beans. The skin of green beans is hard to digest and can cause bloating and other discomforts.

Should you let your dog airdry after a bath in the summer heat?

Blowdry them promptly!

While humans may find relief from the summer heat and sweat by bathing, dogs do not have sweat glands on their skin; they are found on the pads of their feet and on their tongues. Breaking down the skin's natural oils can lead to skin issues. A bath once a week is sufficient for most dogs.

Damp fur is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of fungal infections. Always dry your dog thoroughly, and avoid letting them dry off in the sun or the wind.

Is it okay for dogs to go without food during the summer heat?

No, it's not.

Summer is a peak season for gastrointestinal and skin diseases. Dogs with poor nutrition have weaker immune systems and are more prone to infections. When your dog's appetite is low, you can mix some refreshing treats into their regular food, like icy yogurt, cheese, or meat broth. A lack of vitamins can also lead to a loss of appetite, so consider adding some vitaminrich, hydrating fruits to their diet (avoid grapes, which can cause kidney dysfunction).

High temperatures can quickly breed bacteria, so be sure to replace any uneaten dog food promptly.