8 Concerns I Have For My Dogs This Summer

Summer is a great time of the year. There’s a lot of adventures to be had outdoors but what worries me is the potential hazards that are out there waiting for my dogs.

Here is a list of my top concerns for my dogs in the summer months:

1. Heat Stroke. Having a large, double coated breed certainly comes with risks when the temperatures sore, which is why we limit most of our activity to early in the morning or right before the sun sets. Plenty of water is always provided and I am aware of the signs of heat stroke and what measures to take if heat stroke is present.

2. Heartworm Disease. Many people aren’t afraid of heartworm disease. I am. It’s here it’s real and dogs get it all the time. According to the American Society ,heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states and while more areas are at risk than others, the disease is present. We have treated 2 dogs for heartworm disease this year and are currently treating another one right now. Heartworm disease is on the rise. If you can be bitten by a mosquito so can your dog.

3. Ticks. Eck! We have seen 3 dogs in the last week with ticks at the vet. It’s gonna be a bad year for those nasty little blood sucking arachnids and with more trips planned to wooded areas you can bet the boys will be protected. Found a tick on your dog? You can find out how to safely remove it here.

4. Lymes Disease. While the dogs are not currently vaccinated for Lymes Disease, if the ticks keep appearing they certainly will be. Seen it happen, don’t want to go there.

5. Fleas. Fleas, fleas, fleas. Need I say more? FLEAS.

6. Leptospiroisis. With more outdoor adventures ahead for us this summer in areas that are filled with wildlife and Leroy testing the waters, this means more potential risk for Leptospirosis. With confirmed cases of the disease on the rise in our area, and after watching two dogs at the vet battle this disease over the last year, both of the boys are vaccinated for Lepto with the most up to date vaccine available. While the vaccine is not 100% effective it does help prevent a potentially serious disease that can be transmitted to people.

7. Dead Birds. This wasn’t a concern for me until yesterday when I found a dead bird lying in the backyard. Of course I fully inspected it and found no obvious trauma. Heart attack? Bird flu? I got nothin. I just would prefer not to have any dead creatures in my backyard.

8. Maggots. Just kidding, already went there. Not going to go there again.

While my concerns for my dogs may be different than your concerns for your dog because we live in different areas where the potential risks may not be the same, summer presents hazards for all pets, so tell me, what concerns do you have when it comes to your pets and summertime?

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