Keeping dogs cool in summer and more hot weather advice
May 7, 2022
Now the sun has joined us, it is time to think about what we need to do to prepare our pets for summer. Claygate Vets’ nursing team have come up with a helpful list for dog owners in Surrey.
Get our Summer Dog Safety Guide
There are many ways in which you can prepare dogs for the upcoming warmer months. According to our Claygate Registered Veterinary Nurses, these include:
- Grooming
- Parasite control
- Vaccinations
- Preparing for upcoming holidays
- Reminders on keeping pets cool
- Exercise guidance
Let’s look at each one in more detail so you can get your companion ready and raring to go for the summer fun ahead!
Dog grooming
The first action is to ensure your dog’s coat is ready for the warmer weather. Some breeds need to be groomed regularly to keep their fur under control. Breeds like cocker spaniels, poodles, and many others will also need a trip to the groomers for a fur clip to keep them cool in the heat. The groomer may be able to trim your dog’s nails too, or you can ask our nurses to take care of this for you. Nail clips are helpful as dogs are more likely to do lots of walking across softer surfaces like grass and sand and whilst these have many benefits, they do not help to keep nail length under control.
Parasite control
Next, it is essential to be on top of your dog’s routine parasite control. Again, because of the warmer weather, you are more likely to walk your dog across areas where other species may carry parasites such as ticks. Fleas also start to become more active with the warmer weather so make sure your pets are regularly treated to avoid any infestations. Daily vacuuming and the occasional home flea treatment can help even if your dog doesn’t have fleas, as they can arrive via other pets and on your clothes and shoes.
Vaccinations for dogs
Annually vaccinated dogs will have optimal protection against contagious, harmful diseases. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, sometimes booster jabs can become overdue. Without sufficient protection, your dog is at greater risk of exposure to infections whilst they are enjoying their summer adventures. Get in touch with our Claygate team by calling 01372 460107 to make sure your dog is fully vaccinated.
Summer holidays
You may be starting to think about your holiday plans for the year, here are our nurses top tips:
- If you are leaving your dog with someone, be sure that they are a registered, licensed, and insured business with good animal welfare regulations.
- If you are unsure how your dog will cope in kennels, do a practice run where they just stay for one night at a time to get used to it. You will need to make sure all vaccinations are up to date and you have the signed certificate ready for when you drop them off.
- If you are taking your dog on holiday with you, be sure to check that your accommodation is happy to have pets on-site, and you have an Animal Health Certificate and any other relevant documents if travelling abroad (you will need to organise these several weeks in advance).
How to keep dogs cool and safe in summer
Keeping dogs cool in summer can be challenging but vital to ensure they do not become unwell. Our The Parade Vet Nurses recommend considering things like hydration, shade, changing when your dog exercises, and ways to cool them down and deal with emergencies. To help you, we have a handy guide on the subject – download it here:
Download our Summer Dog Safety Guide
Make sure to pop our contact number in your phone to get emergency care and advice, if you don’t have it already: 01372 460107
Did you know May is Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month? Why not share why your pets love our Vet Nurses on our Facebook page? If you include the hashtag #VNAM on your post, you can help to spread the word about our fantastic nursing team!
