Normanhurst Vet’s Guide to Summer Care for Your Dog

As the sunny months of Spring and Summer approach in Sydney, ensuring the well-being of your canine companion becomes even more crucial. Summer care for your dog can have various challenges such as allergies, heat stress, and parasites. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a first-time pet parent, it’s essential to adopt a comprehensive approach to summer care for dogs. Normanhurst Vet Practice stands ready to assist you in keeping your furry friend happy and healthy throughout these warmer months.

Common Allergic Reactions in Dogs and What to Avoid

Just like us, our dogs can experience a variety of allergic reactions, especially during Spring and Summer in Sydney when allergens are more widespread. Allergic reactions in dogs typically manifest as itching, redness, swelling, and excessive licking or scratching. These symptoms can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, grass, and dust mites. To minimise exposure, try to avoid high-pollen areas and clean your dog’s paws with pet-friendly wipes after walks to remove any potential allergens.

Flea allergies can also be a major issue, causing intense itching and skin infections. Regular flea prevention is essential to keep your dog comfortable and itch-free. Normanhurst Vet Practice offers advice on effective flea control measures tailored to your pet.

Lastly, consider household allergens like dust and mould. Regular cleaning and using air purifiers can reduce these indoor allergens. For dogs prone to severe allergies, Normanhurst Vet Practice can offer treatments such as antihistamines or specialised shampoos, providing targeted relief and improving your dog’s quality of life. Allergies lead to ear disease in about 50 percent of dogs with allergic symptoms.

The Threat of Heartworm and Its Transfer from Mosquitoes

Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by parasitic worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites. As mosquito activity spikes during the warmer months of Spring and Summer, the risk to your dog increases significantly. These heartworms can cause severe damage to your dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Preventative medication is essential in safeguarding your furry friend from this menace. Regular administration of heartworm preventatives ensures that your dog remains protected even if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. It’s crucial to start a prevention routine before the mosquito season begins and maintain it consistently.

Heartworm prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all, so consulting with the experts at Normanhurst Vet Practice will help you determine the best plan tailored to your dog’s needs. Their knowledgeable team can guide you on the most effective and up-to-date preventatives, whether they are monthly chewables, topical applications, or injections.

Apart from medication, reducing your dog’s exposure to mosquitoes can also help. Avoid walking your dog during peak mosquito times, usually dawn and dusk, and use pet-safe mosquito repellents. Keeping your home and garden free from standing water will minimise mosquito breeding grounds.

Best Grooming Methods to Keep Your Dog Cool and Comfortable

For breeds such as Cavoodles, Labradoodles, and Groodles, and many other heavy-coated breeds, maintaining a proper grooming regimen is essential to keep them cool and comfortable during the warmer months. Regular brushing every week helps to remove excess fur and prevent matting, which can trap heat and cause discomfort. Additionally, clipping their coat shorter can provide relief from the heat.

However, ensure that they have access to shade at all times, as shady spots may disappear as the sun moves across the sky. A professional grooming service can offer expert advice and care to keep your dog in the best condition.

Causes of Ear Infections and How to Prevent Them

Long-coated and water-loving breeds, such as Spaniels, Poodles, and Retrievers and their out-crosses, are particularly susceptible to ear infections, especially if they frequently swim. The combination of moisture and warmth within the ear canal creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, leading to painful and recurring infections. Additionally, excessive hair in the ear canals can further trap moisture and debris, exacerbating the problem. An estimated 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease.

To prevent ear infections, it’s crucial to dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after any exposure to water. You can use a soft towel or cotton balls to gently absorb excess moisture. Avoid using cotton tipped swabs, as they can push debris further into the ear canal, potentially causing more harm than good. Regular ear cleaning with a vet-recommended solution can help keep the ears free from wax and other build-ups. Make it a part of your grooming routine, especially during the warmer months when your dog is more likely to be swimming.

Monitoring your dog for early signs of ear infections, such as redness, a nasty, yeasty odour, or your dog shaking their head or scratching at their ears excessively, can lead to quicker treatment and less discomfort for your friend. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult with Normanhurst Vet Practice promptly. They can provide you with effective treatments and advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs, ensuring their ears remain healthy and infection-free.

The Best Times to Walk Your Dog to Avoid Heat

Walking your dog during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, is advisable to avoid the intense midday heat. Dr. Anne Fawcett from the University of Sydney suggests keeping pets indoors or in air-conditioned environments where possible during the hottest parts of the day.

Hot pavements can also cause burns to your dog’s paws, so always check the temperature with your hand before setting out. If the pavement feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Opting for grassy or shaded routes can help protect your pet from overheating and paw injuries. Additionally, carrying water for both you and your dog can prevent dehydration during walks.

Shorter walks or playtime in shaded areas can help keep your dog active without the risk of overheating. Always be on the lookout for signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. Taking frequent breaks in shaded spots and providing your dog with cool water can make a significant difference.

By choosing the right times and environments for walks, you ensure that your dog stays comfortable and safe, enjoying the benefits of exercise without the dangers of heat exposure.

Checking for Fleas and Paralysis Ticks and Preventative Measures

Fleas and paralysis ticks can pose serious health risks and have a big impact on your Summer care for your dog, making regular checks essential during the Spring and Summer months. Fleas cause intense itching, allergic reactions, and can even lead to anaemia in severe infestations. Paralysis ticks, on the other hand, can transmit toxins that cause paralysis, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

To ensure your dog stays free of these parasites, start by thoroughly examining their coat at least once a day during summer. Pay close attention to areas where ticks and fleas often hide, such as around the ears, neck, belly, and between the toes. Paralysis ticks, particularly, have the ability to find areas that you wouldn’t necessarily check, such as in the mouth, around the anus and inside ears. If you suspect a tick (signs such as hind-end lethargy, vomiting and panting), contact Normanhurst Vet immediately. We have an emergency service that will help you in times of need.

Running a fine-tooth comb through your dog’s fur can help you spot any unwanted guests. If you find a tick, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact us for advise as soon as possible.

Prevention is always better than cure, and we can recommend various effective flea and tick control products to keep your dog protected. Topical treatments, oral medications, and specialised collars are all options, butt he team at Normanhurst Vet Practice can guide you in selecting the best preventative measures tailored to your dog’s specific needs and age.

Avoid the brands you see in supermarkets, they are not recommended by vets and their effectiveness may not have been proven. Remember, if you have a puppy, their age has a big bearing on the preventative treatments we recommend. One size does not fit all when it comes to Summer care for your dog!

Additionally, maintaining a clean environment helps reduce the likelihood of infestations. Regularly washing your dog’s bedding and vacuuming carpets and furniture can eliminate flea eggs and larvae, disrupting their life cycle. If your dog enjoys spending time in the garden, keeping the grass trimmed and removing leaf litter can minimise tick habitats.

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can protect your furry friend from the discomfort and health risks posed by fleas and paralysis ticks, ensuring they enjoy a carefree Spring and Summer.

Visit Normanhurst Vet Practice for Preventative Health Care

As the temperature rises, ensuring your dog’s health through preventative care becomes even more crucial. A visit to Normanhurst Vet Practice will set your dog or puppy on the right path for optimal health and happiness this summer. Our experienced team offers comprehensive health check-ups, tailored specifically to your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle.

During your visit, our vets can provide detailed advice on managing allergies, effective heartworm prevention, and the best grooming practices to keep your dog cool and comfortable. They’ll also guide you on ear infection prevention and offer insights on the most effective flea and tick control measures available.

By discussing a preventative care regimen early, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the warmer months. Normanhurst Vet Practice is committed to helping you provide the best summer care for dogs, ensuring your beloved pet remains safe, happy, and comfortable all season long. Their friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in every aspect of your dog’s health, making your summer worry-free. Why not give us a call on 02 9489 6000 to make an appointment to run through the best options to suit your furry friend!