Like humans, our furry friends also have to change up their grooming routines for the summer months. Whether it’s choosing the right tools for keeping on top of flea and tick treatments or heading for a day out in the sun, we’ve answered your questions on keeping your pet cool and comfortable this summer.
Do I need to change my pet's grooming routine in the summer?
There are many benefits linked to regularly grooming your four legged friend, from a cleaner coat to keeping mats at bay - but you may not know that it’s also a great way to keep our pet pals cool and healthy during the warmer months.
Making sure you have the right tools for your dog or cat is the first step to keeping them looking trim and feeling cool. For dogs with thick fur, we’d recommend a Slicker Brush or a Moulting Comb - these are paw-fect for removing any knots and tangles and collecting those pesky loose hairs. When it comes to our feline companions, tools like the Moult Stoppa are great for removing the undercoat or any flyways, as well as limiting the chance of hairballs.
Whilst your pooch might not be a huge fan, adding the occasional bath to their summer routine can help too - just make sure to brush before and after, and use a good shampoo such as the Vet’s Best Hypo-allergenic Shampoo.
How do I check if my pet has fleas?
Regular grooming will also help you notice anything out of the ordinary on your pet’s skin, including fleas or ticks. With the flea season now at its peak, you can try a visual check to help spot anything unusual.
The best way to do this is to lie your pet on their side and start around their tummy, if you spot any black specs that look like dirt, it’s likely it could be flea faeces. You can double check this by rubbing a damp towel on the area, as flea faeces turn a reddish-brown colour when wet - don’t stress though, fleas are relatively easy to treat.
When it comes to flea treatment, a Treatment Spray is a simple way of banishing the fleas and their eggs. Ticks however can be a little more difficult to remove. We’d suggest using a Tick Remover, gently pressing the remover against your pet’s skin near the tick, then sliding the notch of the remover under the tick, pulling it free.
Should I still walk my dog in hot weather?
Even in the heat, our dogs need their daily walkies.
The best time to take your pet out and about is during the morning and evening when it’s a little cooler - just try to avoid pavements as your pup may struggle to walk on hot paving.
Letting your pooch out for a paddle can also help to cool them down, whether it’s heading for a beach day or being out in the garden in a doggy paddling pool. After playtime, make sure to check your dog for any signs of ‘Swimmer’s Ear’, which can result in discomfort and pain after being in the water.
Your dog may show some of the following symptoms:
Pawing at ears or rubbing ears against your leg or another surface
Head shaking
Whining
Restlessness
If this is the case, we’d recommend using Vets Best Ear Wash and Dry Kit, simply shake well and apply to openings of ear canals, massage the base of their ears to distribute the solution into their ear canals. Then remove any excess liquid and wax with a soft tissue or cotton ball, which should relieve your pup of any pain.
Check out our range of grooming essentials for dogs and cats to keep your pets cool, comfortable and happy this summer.
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