Everything you need to look after your dog in summer

Summer is synonymous with holidays, the beach, the swimming pool and long walks in the fresh air. But whilst we enjoy the good weather, our dogs also face certain risks that are specific to this time of year: heatstroke, burns to their paw pads, parasites or skin irritation after a swim.

Putting together a small first-aid kit for pets can help you look after your dogs in summer. We’ll tell you what you shouldn’t be without and why some products, such as anti-parasite spot-on treatments, require special care when temperatures rise.

Sun cream for dogs: when and how to apply it

Although we tend to associate sunburn with people, dogs can also suffer the effects of solar radiation, especially those with short coats, fair skin or areas with little fur.

The most sensitive areas are usually the nose, ears, abdomen and the area around the eyes. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause redness, irritation and even more serious skin lesions over time.

Stangest Heliovet SPF 50+ Sunscreen protects pets’ skin from solar radiation and helps prevent irritation and sunburn caused by exposure to the sun.

As well as using sun cream for dogs, remember to follow these recommendations:

• Avoid walks between 12:00 and 18:00.
• Look for shaded areas during outdoor activities.
• Always ensure fresh water is available.
• Never leave your pet inside a parked car.

Flea and tick treatments for dogs: why the heat matters

If there’s one time of year when fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are particularly active, it’s summer.

High temperatures encourage their reproduction and increase the chances of our pets coming into contact with them during walks, outings or trips; that’s why proper parasite protection is essential during the warmer months.

As well as the usual prevention using spot-on treatments or collars, it can be useful to have complementary solutions for specific situations.

Capstar anti-parasite treatments for dogs help to quickly eliminate adult fleas on the animal, whilst Stangest’s Pulfin Fogger allows you to treat the environment to prevent parasites from reappearing in the home.

How to protect your dog’s paw pads in summer

Although the ground may seem bearable at first glance, tarmac can reach extremely high temperatures on the hottest days. In fact, when the thermometer reads 30 °C, some surfaces can easily exceed 50 °C.

It is also advisable to check your dog’s paw pads regularly for any cracks, reddened areas or small wounds that could worsen with friction.

Botanicapets Paw Repair helps to care for and repair them, providing hydration, nourishment and protection all year round.

Grooming after a swim in the sea or the pool

Many dogs thoroughly enjoy the water during the summer. However, both sea salt and swimming pool chlorine can disrupt the natural balance of the skin and coat. Here’s a dog shampoo and another option to help maintain your dog’s hygiene in summer.

• Douxo Skin & Coat Spa Foam boosts hydration and strengthens the skin barrier. But for complete skin and coat care, combine it with the shampoo, conditioner, wipes or ear cleaner.
• Stangest Dermovital Omega 3-6-9 complements skin care when signs of sensitivity or irritation appear.

Warning signs: when the heat becomes dangerous

When temperatures rise, dogs need to drink more water to stay properly hydrated and regulate their body temperature. However, it isn’t always easy to tell if they’re drinking enough, especially when they spend more time alone at home or when we share our home with several pets.

The Felaqua Water Bowl from Sure Petcare keeps the water cleaner and more appealing to your pet, encouraging more consistent hydration. It also allows you to monitor daily water intake more effectively, which is particularly useful for detecting changes in drinking habits that may alert you to potential health issues.

What to pack in your pet’s summer first-aid kit

Putting together a first-aid kit for dogs before travelling or going on holiday helps us deal with minor incidents and gives us peace of mind. You don’t need to take a large number of items, but it’s worth having a few essentials that could prove very useful.

A good first-aid kit for pets in summer should include:

• Pet-specific sun cream.
• Parasite treatments and complementary treatments.
• Skin care products.
• Sterile gauze pads.
• Saline solution.
• Tweezers for removing thistles or small foreign bodies.
• Thermometer.
• Drinking water for when you’re out and about.
• Contact details for your regular vet.

Also, if you’re planning trips or excursions, taking a few treats with you can help reinforce positive behaviour and make journeys more enjoyable. Togo’s natural dehydrated snacks are a handy option to take with you on outdoor activities.