Pet experts reveal essential at-home health checks all dog owners need to do this summer

Summer months mean warmer weather and lighter nights, but for dog owners longer walks and more time spent in the warm sun, means that trips to the vets can be more frequent during these months.

Experts at leading pet brand Webbox Naturals have shared their top tips to help keep your dog healthy and happy this summer and hopefully avoid any unwanted and unexpected trips to the emergency care room. 

Lisa Melvin, Head of Marketing at Webbox Naturals, said: “Whether it’s a beach trip or a walk in the park, the good weather means we spend more time outdoors with our dogs. But increased time outside, could also increase the likelihood of illness and injury, so we’ve shared some simple steps that dog owners can take to ensure their dog remains, safe, healthy and cool this summer.”

WEBBOX NATURALS’ TOP FIVE SUMMER HEALTH CHECKS FOR YOUR DOG 

1. STICK TO A BALANCED DIET

Dogs love a treat, and in the excitement of summer, it can be tempting to offer lots of treats on the go. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, with meals at set times through the day and choosing food which contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Investing in high-quality pet food is great for keeping your pet healthy, and it’s often more affordable than you think. When choosing the right food for your dog, look out for things like natural ingredients and protein sources and always opt for food which contains no artificial additives.

2. PESKY POLLEN

Hay fever in dogs can occur in spring and summer, due to the influx of pollen in the air. The most common symptoms include itching in areas such as paws, eyes, abdomen and groin. The skin may look flaky, red and sore in these areas, and you could notice them losing patches of fur from rubbing or licking. 

Constant scratching can cause skin damage, so if you think your dog is suffering with hay fever or other allergies, book an appointment with your vet. They can offer treatments to manage the symptoms, helping your dog to make the most of the summer.

3. PAW-FECTLY GROOMED, PAW-FECTLY HEALTHY

Dogs are not capable of sweating through their skin like humans. Instead, regular grooming during the summer months can keep your dog’s fur short, helping to regulate their temperature and prevent heatstroke.

A professional groomer can help give your dog a shorter and tangle-free coat – keeping them cool in hot weather and adding a little style to their swagger!

4. MAINTAIN A FETCH-ING SMILE

Good dental health is just as important for our canine companions! Ignoring our pooches’ dental care needs can lead to plaque, tartar build-up, bad breath, and many other health issues.

These issues can cause discomfort for our pets and in worst-case scenarios require surgical attention. Regular brushing of our pet’s teeth can avoid this. For dogs of any age, tooth brushing needs to be introduced in a gradual and positive way, with dedicated dog toothpaste

Alternatively, dental sticks can help promote dental health. Their unique shape assists with the cleaning of teeth, reducing bacterial growth and preventing plaque. These can be fed as a snack as often as once a day, to help make your dog’s teeth sparkle and shine.

5. DON’T FETCH BEYOND YOUR LIMITS

Many of us may feel the urge to jump right into summer activities when warmer weather arrives, especially after a period of reduced exercise during the colder months. 

However, pushing our furry friends too hard, too quickly, can lead to torn cruciate ligaments, strains, sprains, and various aches and pains. This is especially true for older pooches whose joints may have weakened with old age. 

It’s important to gradually rebuild your dog’s physical fitness before embarking on intense physical activities like hiking or swimming. Instead, try easing them in and slowly building up the exercise.