Summer Infections: the infections your dog can get

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 22 December, 2022

The warmer days are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities or going on vacation with your dog. However, the high temperatures also mean you need to take good care of your dog’s hygiene in order to prevent any possible summer infections.

What are the main summer infections your dog can get?

When summer comes, many owners change their dog’s routine to spend more time outdoors. Going on trips, walks, enjoying the sun, going to the beach or pool, or playing in the grass are all enjoying summer activities.

These outings are all good options that your dog will love doing with you, especially if they discover new places with you.

However, if want to do any of these activities, you will have to take some preventive measures. All the fun that’s in store for the next summer could put your dog’s health at risk. An outdoor lifestyle is a key factor to a dog’s health, but it also exposes them to various pathogens. Therefore, pet’s are more likely to have multiple health problems during the warmer months of the year.

Below, you can look at the summer infections your dog can get and learn how to prevent them. However, it’s always best to talk your dog’s vet if you notice any change in behavior or appearance in your dog.

Otitis

Ear infections and inflammation of the ears(otitis)  is an especially common summer infection in dogs. Most owners bathe their dogs more often in the summer because they get dirtier more easily outdoors. In addition, dogs might be spending more time in the ocean or swimming pools.

All these activities cause moisture to build up in their ears, along with the growth of bacteria, fungi, and yeast. These microorganisms can cause your dog’s ears to swell and infect the external and internal areas of the ear canal, which is why otitis is much more common during the summer.

To prevent this summer infection, you need to dry your dog’s ears well right after a bath or fun day at the pool. Use a dry gauze or clean cloth when drying them. It is also a good idea to check your dog’s ears every two to three days to look for any symptoms. Likewise, doing regular ear-cleanings every 15 days are the best way to maintain good hygiene.

Skin problems

Your dog’s skin is very sensitive and, during the summer, it’s exposed to several risks. Among these factors are the intensity of the sun’s UV rays, ectoparasites, salty ocean water, and chemical substances in the swimming pools.

All of these factors can cause burns, rashes, swelling and skin infections in your canine friend. Here are some preventative measures to stop these summer infections from harming your dog’s health:

Apply Sunscreen

Excessive exposure to sunlight is very dangerous for both humans and dogs. In addition to causing burns, it also increases the chances of skin cancer. Therefore, you should use sunscreen on a daily basis to help protect your dog during the summer. However, you can’t use sunscreen for humans. In pet stores, you can purchase a sunscreen especially made for dogs.

Don’t Allow Your Dog to Be Wet for Extended Periods of Time

You need to dry your dog’s skin and fur well to avoid him from staying wet for too long. Bacteria, fungi, and yeast all like wet skin and they can cause skin infections. After a day of swimming at the pool or beach, you need to dry your dog thoroughly.

Protect Your Dog Against Parasites

Ectoparasites reproduce more in high temperatures. This increases the likelihood of your dog coming into contact with fleas, ticks, mites, and mosquitoes. In addition to causing intense itching and inflammation of the skin, these ectoparasites can transmit serious diseases to your pet. Therefore, it’s important to protect them against parasites as summer rolls around.

Gastrointestinal Infections

The change in temperature, heat, and changes in diet can cause gastrointestinal problems for dogs. To prevent your dog from getting infected, you should pay special attention to their food and water consumption.

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