Factors to Consider During
Lazy Days of Summer
Sunburn:
Even dogs can get sun burn in areas of exposed skin. Dogs that are at particular risk are dogs who have recently been clipped, dogs with thinning hair because of a medical problem, light colored short-haired dogs, and old dogs who fall asleep in the sun.
The signs of sun burn in dogs are similar to those in people: first the skin becomes red; then may peel. Use of sunscreen is possible, but impractical. Prevention of excessive sun exposure is easier.
Pad burns and blisters:
Before taking your Grey for a walk, test the pavement and/or asphalt. Walk out onto the pavement in your bare feet. If it feels hot to you, you know your Grey will get their pads burned.
Dogs walking on hot pavement or hot sand can blister their pads from the heat. Pad blisters usually show up as painful feet on which, when closely examined, can be seen a loose flap of the pad itself or a reddened, ulcerated area of the pad where the flap has already come off.There is not much you can do for the foot at this time other than to apply a light coating of antibiotic ointment and to cover the foot with a sock or light bandage. Your veterinarian may be able to cover the ulcerated area with wound glue, depending upon the size and location of the blister (and on the dog's ability to hold still during application!), but loose flaps have to come off by themselves (or they can be trimmed--there is no feeling in the flap).
Hot Weather Kit
Your portable "Hot Weather Kit" should include the following first aid items:
- Water for drinking and for cool compresses.
- Absorbent towels to apply compresses.
- Small socks for blistered paws (and tape to hold them on)
- Alcohol (rubbing) to help cool the skin temperature.
- Triple antibiotic ointment for blistered pads.