Irritants To Dogs In Summer

Over the past two months, dogs have been seen to suffer a number of conditions normally associated with the height of the summer and holiday periods such as cases of kennel cough, problems with allergens, grass seeds, insect bites, stings and even adder strikes.  Here are some tips on prevention and how one should deal with these conditions should they occur.

DOG BOARDING AND KENNEL COUGH

This year the late Easter and the unusually ambient weather meant that many dog owners went away leaving their pets behind in boarding kennels and other establishments.  Consequently there has been a high incidence of kennel cough.  Kennel cough can be caused by a number of organisms both bacterial and viral, but the most common cause is a bacterial infection of Bordetella bronchiseptica.  This disease is highly contagious and therefore commonly seen in places where a number of dogs are kept together.  It is spread through coughing and sneezing, infected secretions on personnel and through feeding and cleaning utensils.

Most kennels have a mandatory requirement for dogs to be vaccinated before going into kennels.  This vaccine is administered through nasal drops and immunity takes 5 days or more to develop after inoculation.  A booster vaccination is required every 6-10 months if dogs are going to be at risk to potential exposure.

When you are planning to send your dog to a new boarding establishment, check to see if there is a vaccination policy in place, make sure that strict hygiene rules are carried out, check that the area in which the dogs are kept is well ventilated and make sure that the person in charge has a clear understanding of the management of kennel cough and is able to isolate any dogs that might become infected. 

Dogs generally respond well to treatment but there is always a greater risk to the very young, old and immune compromised animals. 


DUST, POLLEN AND GRASS SEEDS

The dry, windy weather of late has led to a high level of airborne particles, such as dust and pollen, and many dogs have been suffering from watery and irritated eyes.  Always check your dogs eyes carefully at this time of year and make sure there is no grass seed lodged in the corner. If the eyes seem a little watery and red, you can use a cosmetic, cotton wool pad dipped in a weak solution of camomile tea to clean the eyes but should either eye appear swollen, closed, bloodshot and/or oozing a thick fluid substance, then you will need to get it checked with your vet.

Allergens such as grass and pollen can cause skin irritation in some dogs.  Regular bathing in a dog shampoo for sensitive skin to remove allergens and bacteria that may cause infection will help.

Grass seeds can lodge in pads and ears and are particularly common in dogs with hairy paws and ears although all dogs are at risk.  It is very important to check your dog’s paws and ears carefully after walking in long grass, as the sharp seed case can enter the body and travel through the soft tissue causing infection and a great deal of pain.  If your dog starts shaking his head and scratching his ear or nibbling and worrying a foot where you might notice a red swelling, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.


ADDERS, BEES, WASPS AND BITING INSECTS

Adders might not seem to be that common but there are certain areas of the country where they abound and the hot weather brings them out to bask in the sun.  Dogs do get bitten and often the bite is to the head and neck.  The symptoms will vary according to the amount of venom expressed into the wound.  If you suspect that your dog has suffered a snake bite and you see considerable swelling to the infected area, signs of initial excitement then depression, muscular tremors, dilatation of the pupils or lack of coordination then get to a vet immediately. 

Some dogs get a severe reaction to bee or wasp stings or other insect bites and gross swelling around the face and neck can occur.  A dog suffering anaphylactic shock (an exaggerated allergic reaction) should be taken to a vet immediately for treatment.  The fear is that the swelling may cause the airways to close.