Tips for Your Dog's Summer Skin Issues

Here is some information about a few skin issues common for dogs in the summer and some tips on how to treat them and enjoy the the most out of you dog’s summer!

There’s nothing better than jumping in a cold lake on a hot summer’s day, but this sometimes comes with consequences. Swimmer’s itch is a temporary, itchy rash caused by parasites in water that live on snails and birds but will mistakenly latch on humans and our pets. While swimmer’s itch is a discomfort for humans but not seriously harmful, it can be a serious condition for dogs because the parasite can live within their body and reproduce. The symptoms of swimmer’s itch are itchy skin and a rash. To avoid getting swimmer’s itch, dry your dog off with a dry towel quickly when you exit the water. Avoid shallow areas with lots of weed growth and enter the water from docks instead of shorelines when possible.

Ticks are another thing to watch for during the summer months since they can cause irritation and carry diseases that effect both humans and dogs. Dogs are very susceptible to ticks and can carry them into the house. Check your dog daily for ticks especially if they spend lots of time outside. Keeping the yard mown and removing tall weeds can help prevent ticks. Vets can also prescribe topical and systemic tick-control treatments. If you find a tick on your dog, gently remove it using tweezers and clean the area with rubbing alcohol. Make sure all of the head is removed from the dog to avoid infection.

Getting sprayed by a skunk is a smelly experience that can be difficult to treat. Avoid walking your dog around dawn and dusk when skunks are most active and avoid wooded areas. Eliminate food sources on your property that would attract skunks, such as garbage or pet food. Skunk spray can cause nausea or vomiting if swallowed so seek veterinary assistance if your dog is sprayed in the mouth and face. There are several commercial products than can help you wash the skunk oil off your dog. Homemade recipes include using hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap to scrub the oil off your dog.

If you own a dog with a double-coat, you’ve probably noticed the extra shedding that happens in the spring when your dog sheds their winter coat for a lighter summer coat. Grooming your dog will help prevent this dog hair from ending up all over the furniture and the floor. Daily or every other day brushing helps remove this fur. Give them regular baths to help loosen dead fur. Sending them to a professional groomer like Kenny’s K9 is a great option for de-shedding services.

Mats occur when their fur gets tangled and forms tight clumps of loose dead and live fur. This often happens around the collar, behind their ears, under their chin, in the armpits, their feet, and the back of their rear legs. It is common to get mats when dogs are shedding their winter coat for summer. Matting is damaging because it prevents temperature regulation, causes skin irritation, hides parasites like fleas, and causes extreme discomfort and pain for the dog. Regular brushing is the best thing you can do for your dog to prevent mats and making sure you get the under layers. There are different combs available depending on the breed of dog. Another option is using a detangling leave-in conditioning spray. Remove harnesses when unnecessary and use gentle collars. And finally, make regular appointments with your groomer!