One symptom all dog owners need to look out for in August
Summer can cause some serious health issues in dogs - and it's important to know what to look for.
More warm weather is on the way with the UK’s fifth heatwave of the year forecast to sweep over the country this week. Temperatures could reach above 35 °C in parts of the UK, and this weather is not just uncomfortable for people, but also for animals.
Hot weather creates the perfect conditions for dogs to develop skin issues. Itchy, inflamed and painful spots can make your dog miserable, and it’s important that dog owners keep their eyes peeled for one sign that their beloved pet is developing a skin issue. Dr Sarah Page-Jones, head veterinary surgeon at Pet Drugs Online said the first sign of a skin condition is what’s known as a “hot spot” - acute moist dermatitis.
She explained: “Acute moist dermatitis (hot spot) is especially common in thick-coated breeds during summer, when heat and humidity combined with excessive scratching and licking start to irritate the skin.”
They will look red, inflamed and sometimes oozing lesions on the skin. She added: “If your pet develops a hot spot, always seek veterinary care. Your vet is likely to shave and clean the infected area, provide topical treatments, and give a protective collar to prevent further licking.”
Hot summer weather can also cause another common skin issue in dogs - flea allergic dermatitis or FAD. Warmer weather means that fleas breed faster, and if your dog is sensitive to their bites, it can cause intense discomfort.
Dr Page-Jones said: “To avoid flea allergic dermatitis, keep your pet up to date with prescription flea treatments to prevent infestations and the allergic reactions they can trigger.
"Environmental management may also be necessary to reduce the risk of fleas getting onto your pet. This can include using household sprays, regular washing of bedding, and regular hoovering.
“Treating flea allergic dermatitis starts with a trip to the vet, where they can prescribe the correct treatment to kill fleas and relieve symptoms.”
Just as summer can exacerbate pollen allergies in humans, the same is true for animals.
Atopic dermatitis can be caused by exposure to high pollen counts and cause your dog to experience extreme itchiness. It is a lifelong condition, but seasonal flare-ups are common.
Dr Page-Jones explained: “Environmental allergens such as grass and weed pollens spike during the warmer months. This can cause pets to itch excessively, chew their paws, lick their groin, or rub their faces.
"Pets suffering from atopic dermatitis will be itchy and often have red, inflamed skin; they may also have a persistent stale odour as their natural skin barrier is damaged and they develop secondary infections.”
To combat flares, it's important to keep up with regular grooming to keep their coats free of dirt and debris. After you come in from a walk, rinse their paws and tummies to remove excess pollen.
