Read Clarendon Street Vets’ tips and help your dog make the most of the late summer sun
August 7, 2021
If you’ve been enjoying lots more walks, playtimes, day trips and holidays with your dog this summer, they may be starting to feel a little frazzled.
Clarendon Street Vets’ nursing team have some end-of-summer tips to help give your dog a well needed boost. Keeping them safe from summer stresses such as Kennel Cough and Heat Stroke is important too. Read our handy tips below.
Six end of summer tips for dogs who need a boost:
1. Refresh your pet heat safety knowledge
August and early September can be just as hot as June and July. Now’s a good time to give yourself a refresher on pet heat safety, to avoid heat stroke and other issues:
- Don’t leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day – “not long” is too long.
- Do use pet-safe sunscreen on noses, ears, and tummies.
- Don’t exercise your dog too much during the hottest part of the day.
- Do touch the pavement before you walk – too hot for hands is too hot for paws.
- Don’t leave your dog shut in a ‘hot spot’ e.g. conservatory, caravan, tent, porch or unshaded garden.
- Do take water and a bowl with you wherever you go together.
2. Keep your dog protected and enjoying summer
Fleas, ticks & worms are more active during warmer months. Infectious diseases such as kennel cough can be more problematic in summer too, so make sure your dog’s parasite treatments and vaccinations are up to date. Ask us if you’re unsure.
3. Time for a trim
Did your dog have a pre-summer hair cut? It’s probably time for another trim. Keep your companion looking sharp and feeling cool for the rest of the summer.
4. The ‘D’ word…
If you’ve allowed your dog to over-indulge over the summer, it may be necessary to make some changes sooner rather than later. Cucumber and carrots are tasty treats and make excellent meal fillers if your dog needs to cut back. Plus, extra exercise is a great way to shift some extra pounds, as are interactive feeders that encourage your dog to work for their dinner. Feel free to pop into our 28 Clarendon Street practice and check your dog’s weight if you have any concerns, just give us a quick call first to find out the best time to come in.
5. Watch out for holiday blues
Going back to work after a holiday can feel a bit rubbish. Your dog may feel it too. Less interaction with their favourite human and more time alone can cause separation-anxiety and destructive behaviour to develop. Try dedicating some time every day to hang out with your dog – short, fun training sessions, ball games, grooming or cuddles – they’ll appreciate every minute! Boredom-busting toys or going out with a friend or dog walker while you’re at work can also help to break up their day.
6. Book an end of summer check-up
Summer can be a busy time and all the extra activity can take its toll on your dog, especially as they get a little older. Book an end of summer health check with our expert vets. A thorough nose-to-tail examination can pick up issues early, meaning vital treatment can commence straight away.