Doggie Day Care Benefits You and Your Pet

Four Summertime Dog Hazards That Can Be Solved With Grooming

Summer is the perfect season for dog lovers who want nothing more than to get outside and explore with their beloved companions. Unfortunately, summer also brings with it a number of potential hazards to your dog's health. You may already know not to leave your dog in a hot car, but there are other steps you can take with simple pet grooming procedures to keep your pet happy, healthy and safe in the sun. 

Preventing Sunburn

Like their owners, dogs can become sunburned if they spend too much time outside, particularly the short-haired breeds. Sensitive, vulnerable areas include ears, noses and bellies, or any patch of skin not fully covered by fur. White-furred dogs are also more likely to get sunburned, due to the way the pigments in their fur reflect and transfer light. Sunburn can cause temporary discomfort, but it also leaves your dog prone to developing skin cancer later on. To avoid sunburn, keep your dog's coat long and apply dog-specific sunscreen to any exposed skin before heading outdoors. 

Discouraging Pest Infestations

Pests thrive in summer, and they are always looking for another meal. If you and your dog regularly hike through underbrush, there is a strong chance that your pet will pick up fleas and ticks along the way. Flea and tick medications are generally effective for keeping these bugs at bay, but they don't always work. Brushing your dog's coat regularly removes dead hair and halts the development of mats, but it also gives you an opportunity to check your dog for fleas, ticks and any other pests that might try to make your pet their new home.  

Protecting Paws

Although they are usually out of sight, your dog's paw pads should not be out of mind. Tough pads shield dogs from minor irritations and cuts, but burning-hot asphalt can quickly scorch even the most leathery feet. If your walks typically take you down roads or sidewalks during the hottest part of the day, do your dog a favor and apply petroleum jelly to its pads to keep them moisturized. This is also a good time to inspect your dog's paws for trapped gravel and sand between the pads. 

Avoiding Heat Stroke

The most well publicized danger to dogs in summer is overheating. Many dog owners try to give their pet some relief from the heat by clipping its coat every spring, but this may actually make your dog even hotter. Dog breeds with a fluffy double coat may look miserable on a hot August day, but their coat actually acts as ventilation by fanning them as they walk. Clipping a double coat can irreparably damage it, which is why many groomers now avoid it altogether. Dogs with a single coat may be clipped if the dog seems to be struggling with the heat, but in most cases, practicing regular grooming habits and brushing out shed fur is the best way to keep your dog comfortable in summer. To find out more, speak with a business like Abraxas Pet Resort.