Summertime Preparation for the Canine

Summer months are just around the corner, spring cleaning has been completed and now it is time to start getting ready for summer. For those of us whom live in the colder regions of North America, such as the Midwest or Northeastern states, it is a good practice to prepare your canines for the new season that is approaching. It is not quite the "dog gone days" however some important things need to take place every spring. Therefore, let us spring into action and take care of our canines the proper way for spring. Here are a few tips to keep those happy canines wagging tails:

1. Winter Coat: Since a canines' fur coat grows along the seasonal pattern, so must the owner's responsibility to protect the canine. During the winter months a "winter coat" is grown on all canines. A "winter coat" is when an undercoat of fur is grown to keep heat closer to the canine's body. In the spring months, the canine sheds this "winter coat" to keep cooler during the warmer weather and longer days. It is important a canine shreds all the undercoat properly since a canine does not have sweat glands - besides in the feet. If a canine does not shed its undercoat ("winter coat") then the canine can over heat during the "dog gone days" of summer. Tip: Brush at least once a week to get the entire undercoat off from the canine. Some furrier canines may need more grooming; some might even need a brushing a few times a day.

2. Paws: Paws are very important to a canine since they are one of the main ways to keep cool during the summer months and also the only mode of transportation. In addition, it is important to have a canines' paw clear from all long hair and long nails. Long nails can cause a canine to get caught on debris that has been left in the yard or sidewalks from the winter months. The length can also cause a canine to grow into the pad of the paw and can cause a canine from not wanting to go on a walk. In addition, some breeds such as spaniels need to have paws trimmed during the summer months from all hair. Longer hair causes irritation in the pads of the paw and can cause infection. Tip: Purchase a cheap mustache trimmer from the local store and trim the canines' paws yourself. In addition, a pair of canine nail clippers can be purchases from a pet store and other local grocery stores for fewer than twenty dollars and will last a dog's full lifetime. A canine can have this grooming done at a groomers or local veterinarian hospital that offers the services for a small fee.

3. Vaccines: As with humans, yearly checkups are suggested for any aged canine. These yearly checkups will allow the owner to be assured that all vital vaccines have been given to your canine. Some important vaccines that are needed each summer are rabies, Lyme disease protection and kennel cough. All of these vaccines are important before going out on that first walk in the spring months or entering a canine park. All airborne viruses should be protected against with the annual or tri-annual booster vaccination. Tip: Setup an appointment during the spring time to get all essential spring/summer canine protection. By having an annual appointment at this time of the year, owners will safe trips to the veterinarian for needed supplies that are for the summer months and also get needed yearly vaccinations all during one trip. Make sure to mention how active your canine and your family are during the summer to assure that all precautions are taken during this appointment.

4. Rake: Racking the backyard or location where the canine will be playing to make sure that there is no dangerous debris that could cause danger to your canine will assure safety. Tip: Look over the area that the canine is intended to play or walk and make sure everything has been cleared away. Smaller debris is the most important to remove from the play or walk areas. No one wants to start the spring/summer months by going to the veterinarian office.

5. Flea Medication: Each state in America is different on the exact month that flea medicine should be started however it is important to begin around May. Starting off with a quality flea medication from the veterinary office will assure no fleas by the time the fleas come trooping into owners houses. Please steer away from brands that are available at local pet stores and grocery stores, these brands do not do the same job as quality medication from veterinary offices. Most store purchased medication is available to be purchase over-the-counter because they are not trustworthy. Over-the-counter flea medications do not kill both the egg and adult flea. It may work for a few days however once those eggs are born, then the canine will again have more fleas. Flea collars are just as bad and are harmful for the canine's family. Flea collars are not 100% effective and basically it is a harmful toxin covered canine necklace. The choice is up to the owner though. Tip: While at your annual appointment at the veterinary office, remember to pick up flea medication for the entire summer months or just one month at a time.

6. Heartworm Medication: Just as flea medication, the summer months require heartworm medicine to be taken. Heartworm is a parasite that can be passed by a mosquito already carrying this parasite. It is a deadly infection that will take the life of your canine if not treated against heartworm. This medication is usually in the form of a "cookie" or "biscuit" that is flavored to influence your canine to gobble it up without a fight. As with the flea medicine, heartworm protection should only be purchased at a veterinary office. It is important since this parasite is deadly. Tip: Pick this medicine up from the veterinary office while there for an annual appointment. Some veterinary clinics offer a pill that does both flea and heartworm at a higher fee, but is available.

With the summer months approaching, it is very important to take care of our loved ones the right way. Remember to make that annual veterinary appointment and take the steps that are needed for a healthy summer canine. Then, all there is to do is get the lease and collar ready and head out the door and enjoy the weather.