Three Diseases Dogs Need to Guard Against in Summer

With the ongoing epidemic prevention efforts, the weather in Suzhou has heated up like a fire, seemingly trying to burn away any potential germs. The temperature has risen from a mild 17°C with a gentle breeze to a scorching 33°C with blinding sunshine, and even dogs are now entering their annual "excessive drooling" phase.

During this time, dog owners need to be particularly careful when grooming their pets, ensuring they avoid heatstroke, parvovirus, skin diseases, and other health issues due to the high temperatures. Heatstroke Heatstroke is one of the most common diseases dogs face during hot weather, but it is often overlooked. Dogs do not have well-developed sweat glands, and apart from panting and drooling, you can usually only notice the sweat they release through moisture on the pads of their paws. Often, dog owners might take their dogs into air-conditioned rooms or give them cold treats, which can obscure the symptoms of heatstroke. The large temperature differences between air-conditioned spaces and the outdoors can lead to chronic heatstroke over time. The key to preventing heatstroke is to "avoid heat." It’s best to walk your dog during the cooler morning or evening hours when the sun isn’t strong. Use a pet comb and scissors to trim any long, thick fur to reduce the sensation of heat. Additionally, while grooming your dog, remember to also clean and trim its paw pads with a pet comb and nail clippers to help it expel heat and sweat more effectively. Skin Diseases Although skin problems are not exclusive to summer, the humid and hot climate, along with the abundance of flying insects and bacteria, can pose risks to your dog's skin. This is particularly true for long-haired, active large breeds like Labradors and Huskies, who love to jump around and are often targeted by fleas and other bugs. If left unchecked, this can lead to redness, swelling, and itching. In some cases, infections can even spread to the dog owner. Therefore, it’s important to pay extra attention to grooming during the summer. Use a comb with alternating long and short teeth, like the Kudi pet comb, to regularly check and groom your dog's fur. When taking your dog out, avoid areas with dense grass or where stray animals are present, and ensure to clean and disinfect its paws and coat thoroughly after returning home. Gastrointestinal Problems As the saying goes, "food is the most important thing for the people," and the same applies to pets. In hot weather, bacteria in food are more likely to proliferate, leading to spoilage and rancidity. Additionally, if your dog’s water isn’t changed regularly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria during the warmer months. If your dog accidentally eats expired food or contaminated water, it can easily suffer from vomiting and diarrhea, which can be a major health concern. This means dog owners need to be extra diligent about maintaining the freshness and cleanliness of their dog’s food and water during the summer. The primary diet should still consist of dog food, preferably low in salt and enriched with deep-sea fish oil, and occasional fruits for added vitamins. This will not only keep their digestion healthy but also help reduce shedding and keep their coats shiny.