A-Z Advice on Summer Care.

Activities- Summer is prefect for spending time with your dog; the days are long, the weather is fine (usually) and there is nothing but sport on the television. Put aside a couple of evenings a week or a day at the weekend and plan a fun packed schedule you can both enjoy. Why not spend your time together to have a try at something new? If your dog loves nothing better than racing around, over and under any obstacle that comes his way, then he's bound to like agility.
    An agility course is made up of a variety of obstacles which can include a tunnel. a see-saw, a set of weaving poles and assorted jumps. The dog has to negotiate these, in the correct order, assisted by his handler. As well as being great fun, agility is good exercise- for you both.
    Another speed sport you and your pet might enjoy is fly ball. Here the canine competitors bound over a series of 4 hurdles to reach a box. Pressing a trigger on the box releases a tennis ball and the dog catches this in his mouth before returning over the jumps.
    Of course spending time with your dog doesn't have to involve spending vast sums of money; you could take a more leisurely approach. A relaxing stroll, grooming session or sometime spent brushing up on your training can be just as much fun and your dog is sure to enjoy receiving your individual attention whatever you do.
Bee stings. - Summer means insects, and while the majority wont bother you or your dog, loosing a battle with a bee can be a real pain. Paws and mouths are the most commonly affected areas to look out for any swelling or agitated behavior.
    Once you have found the sting, use a pair of tweezers to remove it, being careful not to squeeze the poison sacs. Bathe the area  with a solution made up of one desert spoonful of bicarbonate of soda to one pint of water. This can be syringed into mouth stings although you must point your dogs head downwards so the liquid drains out.
    Some dogs can react severely to stings so if your pet experiences any difficulty breathing, has pale mucous membranes or collapses, take him directly to a vet.
Cars - The best way to tackle traveling with your dog in the hot weather is to avoid it altogether; cars can become uncomfortably warm in a very short space of time. But of course there are occasions when it is necessary to take a trip. Try to arrange these journeys for early morning or evenings and keep them as brief as possible. An open window, a bowl of water and a window shade will help make the trip more enjoyable for your dog as will plenty of stops for fresh air and exercise. And remember NEVER leave your dog alone in  a parked car. It doesn't matter how many windows you leave open, the temperature inside your car can soar in minutes leaving your dog in serious danger.
Dehydration.- Make sure your pet has access to a bowl of clean fresh water at all times. Dogs need 40-50 mls/ water per Kg of body weight every day, so a 30 kg Lab will drink about 1.5 Liters of water (more in hot weather). tinned food provides some water so dogs fed on this may appear to drink less.
    Use a deep and sturdy non-tip bowl to help prevent spills and limit evaporation.
     Dogs kept in stuffy conditions, especially where there is no access to water, may also suffer from heat stroke. This occurs when the body's cooling systems are pushed to the limit and the dogs temperature begins to rise above the normal level. It can lead to extreme distress, collapse and even coma.
Eyes.- Don't let your dog stick his head out of the car window. He may enjoy the feel of the wind through his coat, but he won't like getting dust and other foreign bodies in his eyes- especially if this leads to conjunctivitis.
 
 
 
 
 

Feet.- You wouldn't want to walk bare foot across burning tarmac so try not to make your dog do the same by keeping to the shade during walks. Admittedly most dogs paws are rather tougher than human feet, but they can still suffer discomfort walking along hot pavements. Taking your pet for walks during the morning or evening will ensure that you avoid exercising him during the hottest part of the day.
    Although dogs have sweat glands all over their bodies they only lose heat through the ones in their feet. However, they aren't very effective and dogs have far more efficient ways of keeping cool, such as panting.
    Watch out for cut paws at this time of year. Sadly, not everyone clears up after their summer picnic and broken glass and litter can prove a real hazard to your pet.
Garden.- Don't be tempted to leave your dog in the garden when you go out. What seems like a shaded spot in the morning could become a baking sun trap as the sun moves around during the day. As long as you leave your pet in a cool well ventilated room with access to water, indoors is likely to be the safest and most comfortable place to be.
    Even when you are at home, you should not leave your dog out of doors for long periods- he is just as likely to lie in the sun as the shade and wont necessarily know when he's had enough.
Holidays. -Instead of spending your summer break feeling guilty about leaving your dog in kennels, why not take him with you? There are plenty of pet friendly hotels and guest houses around the country who will welcome you both.
    If you have more than one dog, find out how many are accepted, and ask exactly where they will be allowed before you book. Check up on any restrictions on beaches and other local attractions.
    Alternatively relax knowing your dog is still enjoying the comfort of his own home in your absence by employing a home sitter while you are away. Not only will this ensure your dog sticks to his routine, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing someone in there to keep an eye on your house.
Irritable.- Just like us, dogs can suffer from shorter fuses in the hot weather. Older dogs are particularly prone to irritability; keep them as cool as possible, and don't let children- or anyone else- pester them.
 
 
 
 

Jabs.- If you are thinking of putting your dog in kennels you should make sure his jabs are up to date. And even if you are not going away, its a good idea to keep an eye on when his annual booster is due.
    Dogs can be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptopirosis and kennel cough and it is especially important to protect them at this time of year when they are more likely to get out and meet other dogs.
 

Kennels.- There are some really luxury establishments out there where your dog will receive five-star treatment while you're away. To make sure you send your pet to clean, caring and comfortable kennels:

Ask to visit and have a look around. Check for space, cleanliness, fire safety and happy healthy dogs.
Laws. - Avoid brushes with the law by making sure you don't fall foul of the rules governing dog ownership. Your pet must wear a collar and ID tag and should be kept on a lead near roads and livestock and in other designated areas. Don't let your pet out of your sight when he is running free and make sure your recall is up to scratch so that you have proper control over him. Dog fouling is banned in some areas and in others you must clear up or face a hefty fine. Remember to take plenty of poop scoops (or carrier bags) with you on walks.
    If you have reason to believe your dog may be aggressive towards people or other animals, put a muzzle on him.
    Always obey the country code and respect other people, their pets and property.
Mites.- Harvest mites, like those other irritating parasites , fleas, thrive in the summer. They inhabit corn and straw fields where they can be picked up by your dog, becoming attached to his feet ears and groin. The dog experiences itchiness and yellow crusts form, beneath which the yellowish-red mites feed on your dogs tissue fluid. Harvest mites can be treat with an anti-parasitic product.
 

Noise.- There is no doubt that we spend more time playing with our pets in the garden at this time of year. Consider your neighbors and keep the noise down- your dogs exciting barking may be endearing to you but it is unlikely to sound sweet to the people next door.
 
 

Out of bounds.- Make sure you know exactly where your dog is allowed and what restrictions apply before venturing out with him. This can vary from place to place so you'll have to find out about each individual area. Many beaches have a complete ban on dogs while others allow them only at certain times of the year. You could be required to keep your dog on a lead while in certain parks and public areas and there may even be a restriction on how many dogs you can take out.
    Find out where your dog isn't allowed by contacting the local library, council or tourist information center.

Panting.- Breathing rapidly with his mouth open and his tongue hanging out may not look very dignified, but it helps keep your dog cool.
        Heat is lost as the air passes over the surfaces of the mouth, tongue and nasal passages evaporating moisture which is then replaced. It doesn't take long for a panting dog to become dehydrated so make sure your pet has access to water.

Qualifications.- Take advantage of the longer, lighter evenings by signing up for a course which will make your pet a better member of society.
    The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme is designed to promote responsible dog ownership. Courses run for around 8-12 weeks and usually involve learning to walk to heel on the lead, lie down on command and accept handling by a vet. Contact the KC for information on classes- 1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London. 01714936651.
Rolling.- With all the dogs, cows. rabbits, foxes  and other animals around at this time of year, the countryside is alive with irresistible smells and interesting substances for your dog to rub himself in. But while he may be having the time of his life writhing in his back in a cow-pat or worse- the resulting smelly coat will be anything but pleasant. Be prepared to bath your pet with an odor busting shampoo and absorbent towels. And remember to keep him indoors until he has dried off; a wet dog can easily burn in the sun.
Swimming.- Doing the doggie paddle is not only great exercise, it can also keep your pet cool. Avoid lakes and rivers where dogs are forbidden and do not disturb wildlife inhabiting the area. Once you have found a suitable place for your dog to bathe, watch out for submerged branches or litter which could easily cause injury.
    Pollution is another dangerous problem so steer clear of dirty water. The ideal solution is to visit a canine swimming pool where you can be sure your pet is safe and the water clean. There should be somewhere to dry your dog after his dip.
Ticks.- If you find a gray lump on you dog that looks like a wart but, upon closer inspection has little legs, its likely to be a sheep tick or a hedgehog tick. these parasites attach themselves to the dogs body and expand as they fill with blood. They can carry Lyme disease. if you find a tick, do not pull it off as you may leave the head behind, resulting in a painful sore. Instead, use a cotton bud to dab it with surgical spirit or an insecticide like Front-line. Wait a few minutes then, with a pair of tweezers, grasp the parasite around the neck and gently lift it off.
Undergrowth.- Rummaging through the long grass and hedgerows may be a favorite pass time for dogs but it isn't popular with those who have to groom them. Burs, grass seeds and stray pieces of broken twig can become stuck in the coat and make grooming a nightmare.
    If your pet likes to explore the undergrowth you should keep an eye on his paws and ears. grass seeds can become embedded in these areas and cause irritation and discomfort.
Vets.-Spare a thought for your vet who is likely to be run off his feet during the summer. this is generally their busiest time of the year with lots of allergies, cut paws, grass seeds in ears and paws, skin conditions and various bumps and scratches along with vaccinations and older dogs who are having problems coping with the heat.
 
 

Walks.-Get the maps out and plan a route you and your pet can both enjoy.Don't over estimate how far you can walk if the weather is hot and make sure there are some shady spots to rest along the way.
    A dog friendly pub or cafe along the way will provide a welcome stop for refreshment but take plenty of water and a bowl with you for your dog.
 

Xcessive weight.- If you are busy slimming down ready to squeeze into your summer shorts or bikini, don't forget your dog. there is no doubt that overweight pets suffer in this season. All those extra layers of fat make the hot weather even more unbearable and can weigh heavy during those summer strolls.
    If you think your pet is a little on the podgy side it may be time for a diet. However, it may be worth checking with your vet before embarking on a slimming program as he can check for underlying medical problems and advise you about a suitable diet and exercise plan.
Yuck.- There is nothing worse than treading in a lump of dog poo- ensure your pet isn't the culprit and clean up after him thoroughly.
    There are a wide variety of poop scoops on the market. All the scoops are designed so you do not have to come into contact with the offending substance and some protect you from needing to feel it through the plastic bag- ideal if you are a little on the squeamish side. If you don't have any poop scoops, stuff a couple of trusty carrier bags in your packet before a walk.
Zest.- Dogs are naturally enthusiastic animals who demonstrate a real zest for life. But summer can be a tiring time, even for them. If you follow our advice and keep you dog cool and comfortable during the hot season, he should maintain his doggie zest right through until the autumn and beyond.