Tag archives: summer

Summer is the season of fun in the sun, and for our four-legged companions, there's no greater joy than a refreshing swim on a hot day! After a refreshing swim, it's important to ensure your dog's well-being with proper post-swim care. Here are some essential tips to remember for a happy and healthy dog after their paw-tastic aquatic adventures:

1. Rinse Them Off:

Whether your dog took a dip in the ocean, a pool, or a lake, it's crucial to rinse them off with fresh water afterward. Seawater, saltwater, chlorine, and even algae can irritate your dog's skin and fur and rinsing them off helps remove any potential contaminants that might cause discomfort or damage.

2. Protect Their Ears:

Moisture in the ears can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to painful ear infections. To prevent this, make sure to thoroughly dry your dog's ears after swimming. Gently wipe the ear flaps and the visible part of the ear canal with a clean, dry towel. You may also consider using an ear cleaner with a drying agent to assist in keeping those ears dry.

3. Hydration is Key:

After a refreshing swim, your dog may be thirsty due ...

In part one of our summer heat post, I wrote about the dangers of leaving dogs in a hot car, recognizing signs of heat stress and how to save a heat-stressed dog. Give it a read if you haven't yet. But heat-related issues are usually completely avoidable with a little foresight, precaution and knowledge on your part.

To keep your pup comfortable, cool and safe from the heat this summer, check out these tips ... is there anything you would add? 

Commonsense Rules

Like most everything, commonsense can keep your dog safe. A few simple steps can keep your dog from overheating in most situations.

• Exercise: Don’t do it in the middle of the day when temperatures are hottest. While early evening provides a cooler time to work, mornings are the coolest, and best, times to exercise. At no other time will the earth’s surface be as cool as at first light. An added benefit of morning is dew – it can help cool your dog by wetting his paws and perhaps his skin.
• Water: Always have fresh cool water on hand for your dog. If you’re training or exercising, stop more frequently than normal and offer her a ...