We offer advise based on our cockapoo ownership, providing links to external websites, this does not replace vetinary advice given by your own vet, or your own research.
Summer Care for your dogs
When the hot weather is upon us, we need to take extra care with our dogs to ensure that they are kept safe and cool.
Here our our tips for ensuring your dog has a lovely summer:
When the hot weather is upon us, we need to take extra care with our dogs to ensure that they are kept safe and cool.
Here our our tips for ensuring your dog has a lovely summer:
- Never leave you dog in the car as the temperature inside the car will be far greater than outside and even with the windows rolled down it doesn't take very long for your dog to overheat and can lead to brain damage or death. Dogs are not adept at cooling themselves and can only do so by panting and through pads on their paws.
Whilst travelling car shades can be purchased to help provide shade in the car for your dog look on places like Amazon, ebay etc...
- Light coloured dogs and those with pale noses may need pet suncream to protect them. The most vulnerable areas are noses, lips and tips of ears. Ask your vet on which brand to use and try your best not to let the dog lick it off.
- Where possible when very hot try to refrain from taking dog out during the hours of the day when the sun is at its hottest. Switch to very early morning or evening walks and where possible look for walks where there is some shade and limit the amount of time out amd your pace of walking.
- It may be advisable to look into keeping coats shorter during summer months, depending on your dogs coat, a groomer will advise if this is the best option as cockapoo coats all differ. Matts and tangles can cause heat to be trapped and having a shorter coat does make a lot of our cockapoos more comfortable.
- If out and about always ensure you have fresh drinking water available. There are many travel water containers available on the market for dogs. At home ensure water is checked frequently, as they drink more it is easy for the water bowl to be emptied quickly.
- Exercise and games: Be mindful of the heat and do not let your dog over exert itself, keep duration short. Keep games for less hot times . If dogs is tiring and panting heavily- time to go home. Again ensure water is available and take frequent breaks when playing.
- When sun is really hot, pavements and roads can become hot, so be mindful of your dogs paws too. Dogs paws can become blistered and painful. If you can't keep your hand down for longer than 5 seconds on the pavement, then it's more than likely too hot for your dogs paws. Look for walks that has shaded areas and not be totally exposed to the glaring of the sun.
- Busy Places: When the summer is here it does mean places get more crowded. Try and avoid crowded areas as best as possible, as this can be stressful for our dogs.
- BBQ's : Popular in the summer, again ensure your dog is kept away from any one cooking, and flames, and that dog is not over fed with lots of fatty foods. Also watch them near any food on display as for some wil be to much tempation and they may take something to eat that that shouldn't. i.e cooked chicken bones.
- Pesticides and Plants : Lots of gardening is done during the summer months. Be careful of any pesticides used that they are safe for pets and also be careful of garden plants which can be toxic to dogs such as Daffodils. More info can be found here:
- www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/factsheets-downloads/factsheetpoisonoussubstances09.pdf
Also be aware of leaving any garden tools around that the dogs may try and play with, which could cause serious injuries. Also make sure they cannot get into the garden shed if you are keeping tools and pesticides in there.
- Grass Seeds:
- Check dogs paws and ears on return from walks. These can easily embed themselves into the crevices between paws or in ear canal and can lead to infections and can travel into the body requiring surgery.
- Especially check ears and in between toes, eyes and lip folds. If you cannot remove yourself take to the vet a.s.a.p the quicker these are dealt with the better. More info here : http://www.marcthevet.com/.../preparing-your-dog-for.../
- Advice from Petplan to extract from paw:
- How to extract a grass seed from a paw
Grass seeds have the potential to penetrate through fur and into the skin, so if you suspect one is stuck in your pet’s paw, soak it in salt solution.
For the solution, use one teaspoon of salt to one pint of cooled boiled water.
Place the paw in the solution for up to 10 minutes to see if this dislodges the seed. Some pets will tolerate this better than others – don’t force them to comply if they’re unhappy.
If the seed is visible above the skin, you can use tweezers to remove it (not sharp-ended ones, though). Ensure you remove all the seed and its hair.
If you can’t extract it, or if the area becomes infected, contact your vet immediately. It’s easier to resolve grass seed injuries with early intervention. - Wasps and Bees :
- Try to stop your dogs from chasing them , as if stung on the tongue can cause the tongue to swell and will interfere with breathing, as airway will be blocked. Unfortunately sometimes they are easy to step on.
- Though bees, hornets, and waspsare similar in colour and size, subtle differences can help you tell them apart. Wasps and hornets have longer, thinner frames, while bees have a rounder shape. Bees also have yellow or amber fur all over their bodies as opposed to the shiny, hairless shells of hornets and wasps.
- If you dog has been stung by a bee, try using a credit card,or something similar to scrape it out. Be careful to scrape from below the venom sac and don’t squeeze or pull the sting out as this can release more venom and prolong the irritation. Bathe the area with Bicarbonate of soda, about a desert spoon to one pint of water.
- If stung by a wasp, this is alkaline so needs to be treated with vinegar to neutralise. There is no sting to be removed with wasps. You can give the dog relief from swelling by placing a wrapped bag of frozen peas on area
- Dogs can have an allergic reaction to stings. Signs to watch out for are: Weakness, severe swelling around neck, throat and head, difficulty breathing. In these cases seek vet help a.s.a.p
Pollen and Hayfever
if you dog suffers during pollen season then after walks or being in contact with pollen, wipe down with with a damp cloth to help remove pollen from coat and paws, or wash paws.Wiping eyes gentley with a cooled teabag , one per eye, might help relieve iritated eyes.
You should always seek a vets advice before giving any antihistamine, but if you do, please ensure it’s Piriton or its generic equivalent (Chlorphenamine maleate), not any similar sounding anti-histamine. The amount given goes by dogs weight and we don't just say to use incase your dog has other medical issues or on other medication that might interact, hence why just check with vets first.
if you dog suffers during pollen season then after walks or being in contact with pollen, wipe down with with a damp cloth to help remove pollen from coat and paws, or wash paws.Wiping eyes gentley with a cooled teabag , one per eye, might help relieve iritated eyes.
You should always seek a vets advice before giving any antihistamine, but if you do, please ensure it’s Piriton or its generic equivalent (Chlorphenamine maleate), not any similar sounding anti-histamine. The amount given goes by dogs weight and we don't just say to use incase your dog has other medical issues or on other medication that might interact, hence why just check with vets first.
Lakes and Swimming.
A lot of dogs love to swim but sensible precautions should be observed. Never ignore any warning signs about or prohibitive notices. Some lakes may look OK but you may not know how deep the actually are and your dog could get into trouble and possibly drown.
Another danger is the Blue/green Algae. This forms on top of the lake and can make them look oily and cloudy with a scum. See here for more info:www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/427149/LIT_4135.PDF
Be cautious about going into unfamiliar waters as they may be contaminated by chemicals. Parks etc… may use them to control algae. Others may be near farm lands and may contain fertilisers and pesticides. Dogs can become ill from ingesting the chemicals and can cause skin irritations.
Always towel off your dog and give it a bath as soon as you get home after it has been swimming to ensure its coat is free of anything picked up from the water. Especially make sure ears are dried properly as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast to grow.
A lot of dogs love to swim but sensible precautions should be observed. Never ignore any warning signs about or prohibitive notices. Some lakes may look OK but you may not know how deep the actually are and your dog could get into trouble and possibly drown.
Another danger is the Blue/green Algae. This forms on top of the lake and can make them look oily and cloudy with a scum. See here for more info:www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/427149/LIT_4135.PDF
Be cautious about going into unfamiliar waters as they may be contaminated by chemicals. Parks etc… may use them to control algae. Others may be near farm lands and may contain fertilisers and pesticides. Dogs can become ill from ingesting the chemicals and can cause skin irritations.
Always towel off your dog and give it a bath as soon as you get home after it has been swimming to ensure its coat is free of anything picked up from the water. Especially make sure ears are dried properly as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast to grow.
Water Intoxication : Please be careful if your dog spends prolonger periods in water, playing ball, swimming, playing with sprinklers etc....there is the potential that they could ingest too much water causing intoxication, further information here :.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-karen-becker/water-intoxication-in-dog_b_5633886.html
Going to the beach : Please be careful of the sea due to the salt content and stop your dog from drinking sea water and ensure your dog is safe going into the water, be mindful of current, depth and seals.
Also watch paws on sand in case too hot and sharp objects like sea shells. If playing with your dogs watch that they do not ingest too much sand as that can cause blockages , so watch out for too much ball throwing, digging etc.... if you don't starts getting restless, panting, vomitting, painful belly, dehydrated, seek vet help a.s.a.p.
Be careful of any food left behind by visitors on beach who have not cleared away.
Also watch paws on sand in case too hot and sharp objects like sea shells. If playing with your dogs watch that they do not ingest too much sand as that can cause blockages , so watch out for too much ball throwing, digging etc.... if you don't starts getting restless, panting, vomitting, painful belly, dehydrated, seek vet help a.s.a.p.
Be careful of any food left behind by visitors on beach who have not cleared away.
HEATSTROKE EARLY WARNING SIGNS
Heavy panting
Profuse salivation
A rapid pulse
Very red gums/tongue
Lethargy
Lack of coordination
Reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Loss of consciousness
HEATSTROKE FIRST AID
If a dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, move him/her to a shaded, cool area and ring a vet for advice immediately. Heatstroke should always be treated as an emergency.
Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature gradually lowered:
Immediately douse the dog with cool (not cold) water if possible
Let the dog drink small amounts of cool water.
Never cool the dog so much that he/she begins to shiver.
Then go straight to the veterinary surgery.
How do you know if too hot for your dog?
Tips to help keep your dog cool
Homemade Cooling Treats :
Have a look at these easy to make recipes found online -
Step 1
Place the banana in a blender or food processor. Add 32 ounces plain yogurt. Scoop 2 tsp. of peanut butter and 2 tsp. of honey into the mix. Alternatively, try goat's milk yogurt for a treat containing much less lactose.
Step 2
Mix ingredients until well blended.
Step 3
Round up paper cups, small plastic containers, ice cube trays or muffin tins to use as moulds for the mixture. Pour small amounts into the cups, muffin tins or plastic containers.
Step 4
Fill an ice cube tray with the concoction to create handy bite-size pieces you can give to your dog when a regular-size frozen treat is too much.
Step 5
Freeze the treats, then put them in a freezer bag for easy storage.
OR..........
Step 1
Prepare the basic recipe as above, using 32 ounces of yogurt and banana and omit the honey and peanut butter.
Step 2
Add 1/4 cup strawberries, cranberries or blueberries for an antioxidant boost for your pup.
Step 3
Mix and pour the mixture in the same manner as the basic recipe, and freeze.
Homemade Cooling Treats :
Have a look at these easy to make recipes found online -
Step 1
Place the banana in a blender or food processor. Add 32 ounces plain yogurt. Scoop 2 tsp. of peanut butter and 2 tsp. of honey into the mix. Alternatively, try goat's milk yogurt for a treat containing much less lactose.
Step 2
Mix ingredients until well blended.
Step 3
Round up paper cups, small plastic containers, ice cube trays or muffin tins to use as moulds for the mixture. Pour small amounts into the cups, muffin tins or plastic containers.
Step 4
Fill an ice cube tray with the concoction to create handy bite-size pieces you can give to your dog when a regular-size frozen treat is too much.
Step 5
Freeze the treats, then put them in a freezer bag for easy storage.
OR..........
Step 1
Prepare the basic recipe as above, using 32 ounces of yogurt and banana and omit the honey and peanut butter.
Step 2
Add 1/4 cup strawberries, cranberries or blueberries for an antioxidant boost for your pup.
Step 3
Mix and pour the mixture in the same manner as the basic recipe, and freeze.
Paddling Pools
It's not only children that love them but most dogs do too! A great source of entertainment , they love a splish , splash , splosh!
It's not only children that love them but most dogs do too! A great source of entertainment , they love a splish , splash , splosh!
Cooling Mats :
Are mats that keep cool so are great for your dog to have a snooze on when the weather becomes too hot for them to sleep. There is a great selection on Amazon of varies sizes and price ranges.
As an example this one available from Zooplus ( info taken from Zooplus website)
Keep Cool Dog Mat
This amazing cooling pad will keep your dog cool even in the hottest weather.
It’s not always possible to let your dog have a cool, refreshing swim when the temperatures rise. The Keep Cool dog mat will help to keep your pet’s temperature down on hot summer days. Just place the mat somewhere cool and get your dog to sit on it. The temperature of Keep Cool mat will start drop and will regulate your dog’s body temperature...
This mat is perfect on hot summer days and will help your dog to feel comfortable during the sunny season. It folds down into a space-saving size so you can take it with you when you and your dog are on the road. Use it in the car, in cafes or wherever it is needed.
The Keep Cool mat is easy to clean – simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a neutral cleaning agent.
Are mats that keep cool so are great for your dog to have a snooze on when the weather becomes too hot for them to sleep. There is a great selection on Amazon of varies sizes and price ranges.
As an example this one available from Zooplus ( info taken from Zooplus website)
Keep Cool Dog Mat
This amazing cooling pad will keep your dog cool even in the hottest weather.
It’s not always possible to let your dog have a cool, refreshing swim when the temperatures rise. The Keep Cool dog mat will help to keep your pet’s temperature down on hot summer days. Just place the mat somewhere cool and get your dog to sit on it. The temperature of Keep Cool mat will start drop and will regulate your dog’s body temperature...
This mat is perfect on hot summer days and will help your dog to feel comfortable during the sunny season. It folds down into a space-saving size so you can take it with you when you and your dog are on the road. Use it in the car, in cafes or wherever it is needed.
The Keep Cool mat is easy to clean – simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a neutral cleaning agent.
Cool Coats
You can also buy Cooling coats for dogs that they can wear to help keep cool. If you key in Cool Coats you will get various companies come up selling them or check out Amazon.
You can also buy Cooling coats for dogs that they can wear to help keep cool. If you key in Cool Coats you will get various companies come up selling them or check out Amazon.
* Wet towels for dogs to lay on, refresh after they get dry.
* Buy a spray bottle and spray dogs coat with some water
* Wet a bandana, wring out and pop round dogs neck, keep refreshing
* Pop collar into freezer for a bit, then place back on dog
* An electric fan when they are indoors, or they can share yours
* Buy a spray bottle and spray dogs coat with some water
* Wet a bandana, wring out and pop round dogs neck, keep refreshing
* Pop collar into freezer for a bit, then place back on dog
* An electric fan when they are indoors, or they can share yours
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