Summer is just around the corner, which means long sunny days and more time spent enjoying the great outdoors. However, it also means more exposure to parasites and an increase in their activity and numbers due to the heat. Dogs are likely to spend more time outside in the garden, at the dog park and out on walks in the summer. Therefore it's important to be aware of some of the parasites they might come into contact with. After your dog has spent time outside, it's important to check them for external parasites. Check their entire body and don't forget to check their paws, tail, ears and armpits. It's also a good idea to treat your dog with preventative medicines that will help to protect them against some parasites. For example, you can buy dog and Keep an eye on your dog and look out for any potential symptoms that could be caused by parasites. For example skin irritation, scratching and any major changes in their weight or behaviour. Some of the diseases that parasites can pass to dogs need to be treated immediately. Take your dog to the vet if you suspect they have caught anything or are feeling unwell. Parasites to look out for, especially in the summer include external parasites such as fleas and ticks. Ticks latch onto your dog's fur as they brush past them and will dig into their skin and begin to suck their blood. They are rather disgusting creatures and they should be removed as soon as they are discovered. Unfortunately, on dogs with longer coats ticks can be particularly hard to spot. In order to spot them quickly, it's advisable to check your dog after every dog walk, especially in the summer when ticks increase in numbers. Fleas can also increase in numbers in the summer. Give your dog regular flea treatment and keep an eye out for these pesky little critters. Mites can also cause problems for dogs in the summer, they hide in their fur and inside your dog's ears and can cause skin irritations. Dogs can also catch internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and lungworms. As these are internal they are far tougher to detect. Treat your dog against internal parasites regularly and keep an eye on them for signs of an internal parasite such as a lack of energy, weight loss, stomach issues. Unfortunately with some internal parasites symptoms are not always obvious and they can be difficult to spot.
