As with the other seasons, summertime has both pros and cons when it comes to pet care. The hot weather also presents some specific hazards. One aspect of your pup’s care that is crucial all year round is dental care. A Salem, VA vet offers some advice on this below.
Water
Making sure that Fido has plenty of water isn’t just important for his dental care: it’s also the best way for your furry pal to beat that sweltering summer heat! You may need to set out extra water stations, especially if you have more than one dog and/or a large house. If you have a yard, keep water stations outside as well. Change that frequently, as it will quickly get contaminated. Consider adding a doggy dental rinse to one of your pet’s water bowls. Ask your vet for product recommendations.
Cold Snacks
As it turns out, Fido likes ice cream just as much as we do. You can buy doggy ice cream in pet stores, but you can also make your own. One thing you can incorporate? Dental formula kibble or flakes. You can also make dental pupsicles. Freeze a dental chew in water or sodium-free broth, using a Dixie cup. When you want to give your pooch a treat, pop it out of the cup and hand it over. Instant tail wags!
Frozen Chews
Did you know that chewing is good for your dog’s oral health? It stimulates saliva flow, which helps keep Fido’s mouth clean. Plus, it strengthens your furry pal’s jaw muscles. Just be sure to only offer suitable chews. Kong toys are very popular among our canine companions. The good thing about these is that you can stuff them with all sorts of yummy treats for Fido. When it’s hot, pick a healthy filling you can freeze. Some good options are natural peanut butter, organic applesauce, ripe bananas, fat free yogurt, and even canned food. Water and sodium-free broth will also work.
Tick Checks
You may have noticed that we advise checking Fido thoroughly for ticks, especially after he’s been in woods or fields. That also includes checking his gums and mouth. Although it’s rare, it’s not unheard of for ticks to latch on to that soft tissue. (We know: ewww!)
Please feel free to contact us, your Salem, VA pet hospital, anytime. We are always happy to help!
