Summers are very tiring, even for these innocent animals. They tend to undergo certain diseases during this season. As an owner, you should be aware of such infections and other maladies. Higher temperatures can also increase the risks for dogs. Summers can be overheating and can cause common diseases in dogs.
Summers can cause skin and ear infections in dogs. They can even face heatstroke and sunburn. Given below are some of the common diseases in dogs during summer. We have already covered a topic on Best Dog Breeds For Hot and Cold Weather.
Common diseases in dogs during summer
Leptospirosis:
This common disease in dogs is caused by germs. Dogs, especially the stray ones drink water from the lake or puddle. This water is associated with urine making the dog sick. The germs in the water can even affect the dog’s body tissues. Sometimes, dogs even get affected with leptospirosis if they come in direct contact with another infected dog.
Symptoms of this disease in dogs during summer include:
- Vomiting
- Body pain
- High fever
- Discharge from nose and ears
This disease can be easily cured by antibiotics. However, if the owner fails to treat this disease, it can develop into a fatal one.
Atopy:
One of the common diseases in dogs is Atopy, commonly known as Atopic Eczema. This is a type of allergic inhalant dermatitis and can cause pruritis (itching) near the ear canals and feet. It also involves other skin diseases, anal sacculitis and atopic rhinitis.
Symptoms of this disease in dogs during summer include:
- Redness
- Self-trauma
- Secondary infections
- Skin scrapings
This disease requires early diagnosis. It can be easily treated based on the history, the fungal culture and the physical examination findings of the dog.
Read Also: Can Dogs and Cats Get Coronavirus? – How to Prevent to Spread COVID 19 from Your Pets
Dehydration:
Sometimes, running in the house for longer hours can cause dehydration in dogs. It is among the common diseases in dogs. The dogs face low water content in their body. Sometimes, dehydration can also be caused due to vomiting, high fever or diarrhoea.
Symptoms of dehydration in dogs:
- Loss of weight
- Reduced desire to eat
- Excess urination
- Weakness
Dehydration is a harmless disease, but only in its initial levels. If proper treatment is not provided to the dog, it may be fatal to your dog. If the dog is placed on a drip, it can reduce dehydration by changing the fluids that are lost. It also ensures that the pet is not dehydrated in the future.
Lyme Disease:
This disease has many names, namely- Borreliosis, Lyme Borreliosis or Ixodes Tick. Breeds like Labrador retriever and Sheepdogs are more exposed to this disease. It is a harmful and one of the common diseases in dogs. This bacterial disease spreads among dogs through ticks.
Symptoms of lyme disease in dogs during summer include:
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- Swelling of the joints
- Fever
To prevent Lyme disease, effective tick control is required. The ticks and fleas require monthly medication so that they can be prevented. As an owner, you should always remove any ticks you find on your dog. This way, he will be less affected and will have fewer chances to transmit the disease to another dog.
Ear Infections:
Summers are accompanied by several diseases and infections. Bugs, parasites and allergies increase the chances of your dog being affected by ear infections. These factors can lead to partial or complete impairment of the dog. Experiencing ear infection is also among the common diseases in dogs. While going for morning walks, these dogs usually get affected by such parasites causing the ear infection.
Symptoms of ear infections in dogs include:
- Ear odour
- Redness of the ear canal
- Lack of the body balance
- Shaking of the head
Such infections can only be prevented by taking your dog to a veterinarian. Proper cleaning and grooming of the dog are very required to ensure their safety.
Sunburn:
It is one of the most common diseases in dogs during summer. Sunburn, not only affects humans, but it also affects a larger ratio of dogs. Dogs that have a short coat and lighter fur are more affected by the sun’s heat.
Symptoms of sunburn in dogs include:
- Changing skin tone to pink or redness
- Swelling
- Headache and fever
- Tenderness and pain
Such dogs should be kept under the shade. They should be prevented from staying in the sun for long hours. Sunscreen lotions are available for animals as well. Just apply a little on the paws and near the nose to prevent them from sunburn patches.
Heartworm diseases:
This disease has been infested from Dirofilaria Immitis which is an intravascular parasite. These parasites inhabit the right side of the heart. Sometimes, they are also present in the Pulmonary Arteries and Venae Cavae. Most adult dogs are infected with this disease. It is also one of the common diseases in dogs during summer.
Symptoms of this disease in dogs during summer include:
- Being reluctant to exercise
- Doing moderate activity
- Mild cough
- Weight loss
Sometimes, this disease does not exhibit any symptoms. In such cases, it can be diagnosed through serum biochemistry, ECG, complete blood analysis or even a complete blood count.
Heatstroke:
One of the discrete and common diseases in dogs is heatstroke. Dogs that are older and heavier are more prone to heatstroke than young puppies. In such a situation, the body temperature of the dog rises to a very uncomfortable level. If your dog is left inside a car or room without adequate ventilation, he can be a prey of heatstroke.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:
- Excessive panting
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Losing consciousness
The best way to prevent heatstroke is to keep these dogs under a cool shade. Providing ice water can also cool down their body. Since dogs sweat less than humans, proper grooming can help in keeping their fur and body healthy.
Ehrlichiosis:
Tick fever, also known as Ehrlichiosis is a common disease in dogs during summer. It occurs from a brown dog tick that passes an Ehrlichia organism into the blood. This disease has three stages. In the first stage, the infection can last for a month along with a mild fever. No outward signs are visible in the second stage. Here, the infection can continue for up to 5 years.
Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis disease in dogs during summer include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Lameness
- Depression
The third stage is the most fatal. The dog can undergo anaemia, kidney disease or even blood disorders in this stage. To prevent your dog, from such a disease, it is necessary to provide proper treatment to the dog. Secondary diagnosis will help the dog stabilize itself.
Flea allergies:
Fleas are among the most common disease in dogs during summer. Dogs can have bumps or red pimples followed by itching. These occur on the back of the tail or behind the legs of the dogs. If the allergies continue, the skin of the dogs can become crusty and can cause crusty lesions.
Symptoms of Flea allergy include:
- Loss of hair
- Excessive scratching at the skin
- Tapeworms
- Allergic responses due to contact with an allergic dermatitis
To avoid such circumstances, consult your veterinarian. Take your dog for a check-up regularly. Brush the dog’s coat properly to get rid of these fleas.
Conclusion:
Given above were the most common diseases in dogs during summer. Dogs are the most playful creatures. They are always ready for some action. But, in some cases, they are infected with a disease or infection. To make sure that they live longer and healthier, the owner must take good care of his pet.
Make sure you take them to the vet regularly to maintain their hygiene and keep them clean of any parasites or fleas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. How can I take good care of my dog during summer?
The Basic way of keeping your dog healthy during summer is by providing him shade and plenty of water. This way, they are not dehydrated or are not hit by heatstroke.
Q. What treats can I offer my dog during the summer season?
Provide your dog with plenty of fruits and veggies that will keep its tummy cool. Also, avoid foods that are loaded with fats. It can increase their body temperatures.