Summer Pet Care Checklist: Health, Hydration, and Oral Hygiene

Is the start of summer coming up? Proud pet parents at HealthyWoof like to be well-prepared for every season, including the warm days. The temperatures rise nonstop, which means you should consider some dog summer safety tips as you get ready for outdoor fun with your mutt.

H2O Comes First!

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One of the most critical summer pet care tips is to keep your pup hydrated, whether you are just chilling in the backyard or having fun at the beach. They cool themselves when they pant. However, woofers quickly lose fluids when it’s hot outside, which means the risk of dehydration is pretty high.

As for how to keep your dog cool in summer with the help of H2O, here’s our quick checklist:

• Always have a bottle of water with you, no matter where you go.
• Provide water in dry kibble.
• Pay attention to the dehydration symptoms like sunken eyes, apathy, dry gums, and drooling.
• Give water as often as possible (until you see the signs above).
• Add ice cubes to the bowl.

Hounds are like us. They also need to cool off in the summer. That is why you should turn the air con or fan ON or provide your fluffball with a well-ventilated space outdoors. If needed, get damp towels or cooling mats to keep pooches safe from the dangers of the heat. And even if you need to leave for some minutes, do not leave canines in direct sunlight or a space that lacks ventilation.  

Provide Protection from the Sun

Four-legged buddies with exposed skin, light coats, or thin fur will definitely get sunburnt without pet-friendly sun protection. Without proper UV summer pet care, all those vulnerable ears, noses, and bellies are at risk of (long-term) skin damage. Apply mutt-friendly sunscreen to the belly, ears, and nose. However, do not let the sun kiss your furry friend for too long (stay home during peak sun hours), especially if you’re a mom/dad of Boxers, Pugs, or Bulldogs. Because of short snouts, they’re more prone to heart stroke. Ready for outdoor walks? Plan them away from hot pavement to avoid paw pad burn.  

Maintain Oral Hygiene for Dogs

While you may think that pet dental care has nothing to do with the summer, it’s actually not true. Mouth hygiene matters anytime, anywhere. First of all, do daily brushing. If you wonder, “What can I brush my dogs teeth with except for toothbrushes?” browse our online catalog for great alternatives. Dental powder guarantees one of the best defenses against plaque buildup and gum disease. Plus, it’s an excellent option for pets who don’t like brushes.

Use Pest Protection

Summer dog safety tips come not only with issues that have something to do with high temperatures. Those tiny bastards are out there, ready to bite and transmit diseases. To avoid serious health conditions, use protection from flea and tick bites around the clock. Whether you set off to the areas with high grass or trees, use vet-approved medicine. When you’re back home, check your pooch for ticks.

Add Ice Yummies to the Menu

Photo by Gabriella Louw from Unsplash

If you’re a parent of a pooch that gets motivated best by snacks, make sure to prepare some and then cool them down. It can be anything from ice popsicles and licks to frozen veggies and fruits. But don’t let them eat a lot – there should be moderation in everything.

Have a Steady Hygiene Care

Photo by Hayffield L from Unsplash

While we all like waking up to the sunlight streaming in the window, it can actually increase your pet’s exposure to parasites, allergens, and dirt. Thus, a cleanliness routine is a must. Take a look at a HealthyWoof-approved list of dog wellness tips for hygiene care:

• Clean their ears regularly.
• Brush mutt’s teeth every day (or use dental care alternatives).
• Trim nails for healthy paws.
• Check for mats, ticks, irritants, etc.
• Wash away dirt, allergens, and other irritants regularly.

As you can see, the main areas to take care of include teeth, coat, skin, nails, and ears. Check each regularly to have a happy tail-wagger ready for cuddles nonstop. They’re always happy to be close to us. Pups are ready to endure hot sunny days, even when it does no good for their health. That is why it is up to you to get ready for outdoor fun in the summertime. Want more pet tips? Visit our blog for more recommendations to have the most pawsome summer possible!