KEY PETS Tips for the Summer
By Joanna the Dog Groomer
So summer is upon us. As a qualified dog groomer for over 25 years, and for 15 on the Costa del Sol, here is my advice for your dog during the summer months. WARNING – Your dog’s pads can and will burn in seconds walking on hot sand, metal drain covers, stainless steel; prolonged walking on pavements that are in direct sunlight can also cause problems. Remember that just like humans, your dog’s paws and their health will really affect how your dog walks and in turn their joint and spine health. Some damage to pads will result in your dog walking in an abnormal way causing added pressure on their joints. PAD CARE • Cracked heals - rub in 100% Pure Coco Butter or pad wax; both are safe for your dog to lick. • Cuts - seek advice from your vet. • Matting – on long-haired breeds it is important to have the fur trimmed inside the paws. Matting can cause dogs to lick and chew, resulting in infection. Please also remember that dogs’ paws and ears lose heat, so these areas should be kept clean and matt-free to allow heat loss in summer. EAR CARE If your dog enjoys swimming, here’s some advice: • Encourage your dog to shake well after swimming. Never tell them off for that “mad 5 minutes” of running around and shaking. Instinct is a wonderful thing; it will remove all unwanted water from their ears! • Your dog groomer or vet should check the condition of your dog’s ears every few months. Chronic ear infections are a common problem here in Spain. • In long-coated breeds, the hair inside the ears should be plucked out to prevent problems. FUR Remember – if your dog is shaved for the summer, it may
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KEY TO MIJAS COSTA
be at risk of burning in the sun so for those sun worshipping days, use sun cream. For dogs with undercoats (German Shepherds, Huskies etc) the undercoat should be removed to allow the air to reach the skin. SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE Heavy panting, rapid breathing, saliva becomes very thick, dog may vomit (this could be instant dehydration) unsteady on feet like being drunk, bloody diarrhoea, skin does not spring back when pulled, high rectal temperature or signs of shock, lips and mucous membranes turn grey followed by collapse, fits and sometimes even death. HOW TO DEAL WITH HEAT STROKE IN DOGS • Place the dog in a cool room or shaded area and use a fan or air conditioning. Pour cool (not cold) water over your dog and massage into fur and skin or submerge your dog in cool water. Never use iced water or ice tins as this can exacerbate the heat stroke. • Spread the fur open or brush backwards to allow heat to flow out. • Take the dog’s temperature. Anything above 103oF (34.5oC) is a medical emergency. • Keep a Paediatric Electrolyte handy at all times, mix with cool water and then give your dog small, regular amounts. • Remain calm to avoid causing your dog any unnecessary stress. • Follow the above recommendations and then seek the help of your vet as soon as possible. TO AVOID HEAT STROKE Avoid leaving your dog in the car or prolonged daytime walks, including around the market ground (it never ceases to amaze me that people walk their dogs around the market at noon). Remember if the temperature gets very high, your dog could suffer heat stroke even in the shade. Avoid the use of muzzles.
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