Your guide to summer pet care and grooming
The Australian climate presents our four-legged friends with some pretty challenging weather at times, from highs in the 40’s to lows below zero. It’s important to consider our pets’ comfort during the hot, dry and often dusty summer months—especially if they enjoy spending time outdoors, whether going for walks or hikes, visiting dog parks or dog beaches, or going on other adventures with their humans.
We’ve put together an essential guide for summer grooming, with our tips for making sure they get through the season healthy, happy and full of energy. That’s not to say your pooch or kitty won’t look super stylish, it’s just important to keep in mind that their comfort and well-being through summer is our main focus.
The main areas for summer care and grooming to focus on are:
- Ears
- Skin
- Paws and nails
- Coat
Summer care: the ears
Ticks
Your pet’s ears can be troublesome through the warmer months. When the weather is very humid and wet, the ears are the perfect environment for ticks.
It’s important to check for ticks regularly throughout the summer months – in and behind the ears are some of their favourite hiding places.
- Learn more about ticks.
Ear infections
If you’re in the habit of taking your dog along for a summer holiday adventure, then the chances are they’ll end up taking a nice refreshing dip sooner or later (your cat, not so much). Ear infections from swimming, also known as “swimmers’ ear”, are very common in dogs during summer, especially in breeds that have folding ears.
Always gently dry the inside of your dog’s ears following a swim. Always ask your vet first, but we suggest using cotton balls to soak up any excess damp. This can help to prevent the onset of infection.
- Learn more about ear infections
Summer care: the skin
Both cats and dogs can develop allergies, especially during summer. Your pet’s skin and coat contains essential oils that they need to maintain healthy skin. Skin problems can occur when their skin is dry or irritated by the environment.
If your pet develop a skin irritation, scratches constantly, or develos a rash, there are a number of reasons this could be occurring. Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of skin irritation during summer is using human shampoo for washing a cat or dog.
It’s important to wash your dog regularly during summer, especially if they spend a lot of time outside, and always use an approved pet shampoo.
- Learn more about skin allergies
- Learn How to wash your dog
Summer care: the paws and nails
Alway check your pet’s paws for thorns or ticks after periods outdoors. If you see them biting and licking a paw, it is a sure sign of discomfort.
Both cats and dogs will need their nails clipped regularly and it’s a simple enough task once both owner and pet get used to it. Here’s a guide how to do it:
- First, always go in armed with treats. The clipping process can make your pet nervous. Begin by giving them a treat to focus on, then, if they later show signs of agitation, give them another.
- Focus on cutting the nail at a 45 degree angle away from the base of the paw, upwards. That is, clippers from below and behind the paw, cutting at a 45 degree angle out and upwards.
- If bleeding occurs, it may mean that you’re either cutting too short, at too fine an angle, or that the nail has been left long for such a time that the blood flow has moved to its extremities. This can be avoided by taking the clippers and closing them on the nail—not cutting, but placing enough pressure to first gauge the reaction of your pet. If they flinch, you may be cutting to short.
If you and/or your pet are too stressed by the task, most vets will happily trim your pet’s nails if you don’t think you’re up to the challenge. They will even be able to teach you the correct way for the future.
Summer care: the coat
So many people ask if they should shave their pets in summer. The hot weather may make us want to shed our clothing but, believe it or not, in most cases our pets will be perfectly comfortable with their natural coats.
Most experts advise to avoid shaving down dogs and cats. Cats in particular have the ability to shrug off excess body heat, and malting in preparation for summer is an important part of this process.
Dogs with long thick hair often have a double coat that should never be shaved short. Shaving can damage the coat in the long run, causing only the base coat to grow back. Besides, the coat provides an in-built and natural defence against twigs, insects and other ‘intruders’ that may cause irritation. Also, a thick coat is the best protection against the sun: pets can get sunburnt too!
The best thing we can do for our furry friends is keep their coats clean and well maintained. Wash and brush regularly, allowing the coat to air and breathe, making it as comfortable as possible. Remember, matted hair can cause irritation to the skin, which can lead to an infection.
In conclusion
Summer is a wonderful season to spend with our canine or feline pals, and with proper care and grooming, they will have a fabulous time too. .
Remember that summer is also the flea’s and tick’s favourite season, and if your pet has been spending time outdoors or with other animals, the chances are they may have picked up one or even a few.
As always, prevention is the best medicine. Wash them regularly, apply flea and tick medication as prescribed, and avoid over-grooming your pet. Cats should never be shaved for summer and dogs should be clipped with utmost care.
Here’s to a healthy, happy and fun-filled summer with your four legged friends.
Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance can help protect you and your dog should an unexpected trip to the vet occur.
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