Warm spring and summer weather entices us out walking with our dogs.
Here’s a few tips on caring for your pet in the summer months so that you both enjoy your outings.
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Pests
Fleas can cause irritation to your pet and to you! Make sure that you regularly treat for fleas before the problem gets out of control. 95% of the fleas will be in your house and your pet’s bedding so remember to treat your house and your pet. Fleas can be picked up by your dog whilst out walking from other pets or wild animals.
Click here for more information on flea treatment
Things to look out for when walking your dog
It is a good idea to groom your pet when you return from a walk – particularly if your pet has been running through grass. Dogs can pick up ticks which attach themselves firmly to the skin and feed on your pet’s blood. Ticks are responsible for Lyme Disease and Babesiosis and should be carefully removed.
Please phone us for advice on 01495 222383 as only partially removing a tick can cause problems for your pet.
As well as picking up ticks your dog may be affected by stings from insects which, if in the mouth, eyes or throat could prove dangerous.
Please phone us for advice on 01495 222383 if you are at all concerned about ticks.
Dogs have the unfortunate habit of picking up and eating all sorts of unmentionable items whilst out on a walk. It is important to worm your dog regularly. Also check your pet for signs of discomfort in the stomach area – we are still amazed at some of the things that pets will swallow.
Click here for more information on worming your dog
Grass seeds can cause problems to dogs which regularly run through long grass. Seeds have the habit of lodging in eyes, ears or between toes and can cause irritation, inflammation and abscesses.
If you are unsure whether your pet is suffering from a trapped grass seed then please do not hesitate to phone us on 01495 222383 for advice.
Travelling in the Car
When the weather is really hot, please do not leave dogs unattended in cars, it takes only minutes for a pet left in a vehicle on a warm day to suffer heatstroke or suffocate and die. Even when the outside air temperature does not feel particularly hot, temperatures inside some vehicles can reach danger levels in minutes.
- Dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paws and inside a car they cannot cool down once the air temperature rises.
- Leave your dog at home on warm days.
- Always carry plenty of fresh drinking water and a drinking bowl.
If your dog overheats travelling in the car quickly move it to a shady area, give it cool but not cold water and call your vet straight away.
Behaviour
Walking your dog should be a pleasure for you both. However you may find you have problems controlling your dog on the lead or socialisation problems which cause difficulties when meeting other dog walkers. At Summerwood our staff are happy to advise on behaviour issues.
If you have problems with your dog's behaviour whilst out walking telephone one of our veterinary nurses for advice on 01495 222383.
Walking your Dog
When walking your dog in warmer weather it is kinder to walk early in the morning or later in the evening avoiding the hottest part of the day.
Places to go with your dog:
Visit www.ccw.gov.uk for information on how and where to access the countryside.
Visit http://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/about-us/ for information on dog friendly places to visit or holiday.
Visit http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=304 for information on historic sites in Wales that welcome dogs.
