We have all used this term but few take the time to think about where the name came from (including me!) The Romans referred to the dog days as diēs caniculārēs and associated the hot weather with the star Sirius. They considered Sirius to be the "Dog Star" because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog). Sirius is also the brightest star in the night sky. The Dog Days originally were the days when Sirius rose just before or at the same time as sunrise. (For even more background, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_Days). While this old adage actually refers to a star and not a dog, the dog days of summer definitely have an effect on our pets and how we care for them. There are special hazards that we must keep in mind through the summer months and this week we will discuss what the dog days of summer should mean to you and your dog.
Parasites: While this should be a concern all year long, parasite protection becomes even more important during the summer months when fleas and ticks are out in force. There are several different ways to protect your dog against these parasites that carry diseases. First, be sure to keep your yard neatly mowed and weeded. You may be surprised that your landscaping abilities can effect your dog's health! Fleas and ticks like tall vegetation because it provides them with moisture and shelter from the hot sun so the taller the vegetation, the better they can grow and multiply (Eeck!). Next, consider treating your yard with a flea and tick yard treatment, especially if you live near a water source like a creek or pond. It has been my experience that the treatments you give directly to your dog can only do so much when your yard is flea and tick heaven. Be sure the treatment you buy is safe for your pets! Most are safe once they have dried. Finally, it's time to decide what kind of treatment to buy for your dog. There are several options out there, the first being what is referred to as a Spot-On Treatment. Spot-Ons are oily liquid capsules that you run down the dogs back and the treatment seeps down into their skin. I have never endorsed one brand over another because I have not found one that works the best on ALL dogs (I tend to say that I think spot on treatments work kind of like perfume in that it depends on who is wearing it as to what exact smell will arise). I personally do not care for the spot-on simply because of the mess. I have a 16 month old son and keeping him away from the dogs until they are no longer greasy is next to impossible. That is why I have been using a pill called Comfortis. This is a FLEA ONLY preventitive, meaning it will not protect against ticks but boy it does it do its job on the fleas! I have been totally impressed with the effectiveness of this product. Visit www.comfortis4dogs.com for more information. Finally, a newer product that I have had very little experience with but has been performing successfully so far is Trifexis. This is also a pill form that protects against fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms. Visit www.trifexis.com for more information on this product.
Cars: We all know how much our pooches love to go for their R-I-D-E (it is pretty amazing how many owners actually have to spell it out in order to avoid an over joyous reaction from their pups at the mere mention of the word). However, in the dog days of summer, taking them along while you run errands isn't the best idea. Cars can quickly reach 120 degrees inside or higher on a 80-90 degree day. Even if you leave your windows rolled down, the air circulation is still not equivalent to being outside and it will get hot pretty quickly. If your dog lives to go for his ride, set aside time that is specifically for taking him out for his daily treat. Just drive around the block! Your neighbors might think your crazy but I guarantee your dog won't even notice that you didn't actually leave the neighborhood! If you must run some errands in town and need to take your dog along, many vets offer day boarding services or make them an appointment at the salon to have a spa day while you run your errands!
Shade: Make sure anytime your dog is outside, he has easy access to a shady spot, even if he will only be out there for a minute. It is easy to lose track of time and forget to bring your dog in. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this rule. Also, be smart about when you choose to exercise your dog. Their daily walks would be best moved to early morning or late evening to avoid the sun and the hot pavement! Next time you are out for a walk, reach down and touch the pavement and imagine how it would feel on your bare feet!
Water: Dogs should have a constant supply of fresh water available all year around but it is especially important during the summer months. Just like with us, dogs need to be able to cool their bodies to avoid overheating. While they don't sweat quite like we do, they do pant which depletes their water reserves just like sweating does us. Also remember that dogs are more likely to play/get into their water buckets during the summer months to try and cool off so make sure you check it often!
Allergies: This issue is overlooked quite often but dogs can have seasonal allergies just like we can! Allergens can range from fleas to ragweed but dogs tend to get really itchy skin instead of sneezing like we do so if your dog has suddenly started scratching or biting at himself a lot he may be suffering from allergies. For more information on what causes allergies, what they look like, and treatment options visit: http://www.homevet.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=386%3Aallergies-and-the-itchy-pet&Itemid=38
Summer hair cut- Some dogs can rock a little shorter 'do during the summer months which can really help them deal with the heat. If your dog's hair grows longer or is very thick you may want to consider getting them trimmed up for the summer. Especially breeds that were developed to live in much cooler climates than you may live in. Your dog will thank you!
Sunscreen- If your dog has short or light colored hair (or maybe no hair at all like the Chinese Crested!), it isn't a bad idea to consider sunscreen for your dog if they are going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time. Dogs' skin can sunburn just like humans and anyone who has had a sunburn knows that isn't fun!
Fireworks- A side effect of summer that some people overlook is the 4th of July Holiday. While this has little to do with the heat, it is still an important summer factor when owning a dog. Some dogs can become very spooked by the noise, sight or even smell of fireworks. So spooked that the number of runaway dogs jumps around this time of year. There have been many, many stories of dogs going missing after getting spooked by fireworks so make sure you know how your dog feels about them. If your dog doesn't like fireworks, you can do your best to classically condition him to enjoy them more. You may also want to make sure your dog is put away in a safe place before the fireworks begin. Ideally, in a room where the sound of the fireworks is as muffled as possible.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a few signs to watch for that could indicate that your dog is suffering from heatstroke. If you feel that your dog is exhibiting these behaviors, get him to his Veterinarian immediately:
Signs of Heatstroke
Parasites: While this should be a concern all year long, parasite protection becomes even more important during the summer months when fleas and ticks are out in force. There are several different ways to protect your dog against these parasites that carry diseases. First, be sure to keep your yard neatly mowed and weeded. You may be surprised that your landscaping abilities can effect your dog's health! Fleas and ticks like tall vegetation because it provides them with moisture and shelter from the hot sun so the taller the vegetation, the better they can grow and multiply (Eeck!). Next, consider treating your yard with a flea and tick yard treatment, especially if you live near a water source like a creek or pond. It has been my experience that the treatments you give directly to your dog can only do so much when your yard is flea and tick heaven. Be sure the treatment you buy is safe for your pets! Most are safe once they have dried. Finally, it's time to decide what kind of treatment to buy for your dog. There are several options out there, the first being what is referred to as a Spot-On Treatment. Spot-Ons are oily liquid capsules that you run down the dogs back and the treatment seeps down into their skin. I have never endorsed one brand over another because I have not found one that works the best on ALL dogs (I tend to say that I think spot on treatments work kind of like perfume in that it depends on who is wearing it as to what exact smell will arise). I personally do not care for the spot-on simply because of the mess. I have a 16 month old son and keeping him away from the dogs until they are no longer greasy is next to impossible. That is why I have been using a pill called Comfortis. This is a FLEA ONLY preventitive, meaning it will not protect against ticks but boy it does it do its job on the fleas! I have been totally impressed with the effectiveness of this product. Visit www.comfortis4dogs.com for more information. Finally, a newer product that I have had very little experience with but has been performing successfully so far is Trifexis. This is also a pill form that protects against fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms. Visit www.trifexis.com for more information on this product.
Cars: We all know how much our pooches love to go for their R-I-D-E (it is pretty amazing how many owners actually have to spell it out in order to avoid an over joyous reaction from their pups at the mere mention of the word). However, in the dog days of summer, taking them along while you run errands isn't the best idea. Cars can quickly reach 120 degrees inside or higher on a 80-90 degree day. Even if you leave your windows rolled down, the air circulation is still not equivalent to being outside and it will get hot pretty quickly. If your dog lives to go for his ride, set aside time that is specifically for taking him out for his daily treat. Just drive around the block! Your neighbors might think your crazy but I guarantee your dog won't even notice that you didn't actually leave the neighborhood! If you must run some errands in town and need to take your dog along, many vets offer day boarding services or make them an appointment at the salon to have a spa day while you run your errands!
Shade: Make sure anytime your dog is outside, he has easy access to a shady spot, even if he will only be out there for a minute. It is easy to lose track of time and forget to bring your dog in. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this rule. Also, be smart about when you choose to exercise your dog. Their daily walks would be best moved to early morning or late evening to avoid the sun and the hot pavement! Next time you are out for a walk, reach down and touch the pavement and imagine how it would feel on your bare feet!
Water: Dogs should have a constant supply of fresh water available all year around but it is especially important during the summer months. Just like with us, dogs need to be able to cool their bodies to avoid overheating. While they don't sweat quite like we do, they do pant which depletes their water reserves just like sweating does us. Also remember that dogs are more likely to play/get into their water buckets during the summer months to try and cool off so make sure you check it often!
Allergies: This issue is overlooked quite often but dogs can have seasonal allergies just like we can! Allergens can range from fleas to ragweed but dogs tend to get really itchy skin instead of sneezing like we do so if your dog has suddenly started scratching or biting at himself a lot he may be suffering from allergies. For more information on what causes allergies, what they look like, and treatment options visit: http://www.homevet.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=386%3Aallergies-and-the-itchy-pet&Itemid=38
Summer hair cut- Some dogs can rock a little shorter 'do during the summer months which can really help them deal with the heat. If your dog's hair grows longer or is very thick you may want to consider getting them trimmed up for the summer. Especially breeds that were developed to live in much cooler climates than you may live in. Your dog will thank you!
Sunscreen- If your dog has short or light colored hair (or maybe no hair at all like the Chinese Crested!), it isn't a bad idea to consider sunscreen for your dog if they are going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time. Dogs' skin can sunburn just like humans and anyone who has had a sunburn knows that isn't fun!
Fireworks- A side effect of summer that some people overlook is the 4th of July Holiday. While this has little to do with the heat, it is still an important summer factor when owning a dog. Some dogs can become very spooked by the noise, sight or even smell of fireworks. So spooked that the number of runaway dogs jumps around this time of year. There have been many, many stories of dogs going missing after getting spooked by fireworks so make sure you know how your dog feels about them. If your dog doesn't like fireworks, you can do your best to classically condition him to enjoy them more. You may also want to make sure your dog is put away in a safe place before the fireworks begin. Ideally, in a room where the sound of the fireworks is as muffled as possible.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a few signs to watch for that could indicate that your dog is suffering from heatstroke. If you feel that your dog is exhibiting these behaviors, get him to his Veterinarian immediately:
Signs of Heatstroke
- Panting
- Staring
- Anxious expression
- Refusal to obey commands
- Warm, dry skin
- High fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Collapse
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