Everyone loves the summer weather and being able to spend time outside. Your Beagle is no different than you when it comes down to it. However, summertime presents its own set of dangers and health hazards for Beagles. It’s your job to protect that precious ball of energy from summer mishaps and its natural inquisitive nature.
Beagles can’t help but be cheerful when they’re outside; after all, they were born to hunt. Even the best-mannered and well-mannered Beagle can get into trouble when his sensitive little nose picks up an irresistible scent. This is not to mention all the health problems that summer brings for any canine.
Common Health Hazards in Summer
Make sure your Beagle is protected from all the health problems that are more prevalent in the summer. Keep all his vaccinations up to date, watch him closely for any unexplained behavior, and protect him from insects and parasites. Some common health problems during the summer include:
- Fleas and ticks: These insects bite and feed on your Beagle’s blood. They can transmit diseases and cause skin irritation, scratches and allergic reactions. You can use localized treatments, monthly pills, shampoos and sprays. Ask your vet which one is best for your dog.
- Mosquitoes: They bite dogs just like they do humans, and transmit heartworms and West Nile virus. Most flea and tick repellents for dogs are also effective against mosquitoes.
- Rabies: Many wild animals carry and transmit rabies through their bites. Since beagles are prone to chasing other animals, make sure their rabies shots are up to date and keep them on a leash if wild animals are likely to roam the area where you are.
- Plants: Poisonous mushrooms and plants in the garden are attractive to some dogs and they will eat or chew on them. They are toxic and possibly fatal without emergency treatment. Cocoa mulch is also toxic to dogs, and the smell of chocolate is something they can’t resist.
- Pesticides, fertilizers, and other lawn care chemicals: Dogs like to eat grass, and while it usually makes them vomit, the chemicals are toxic and can poison them.
- Antifreeze – In hot weather, cars tend to lose small amounts of antifreeze through overflow. Puddles can form that are irresistible to dogs because they taste sweet.
- Parasites – Do not allow your Beagle to drink from standing water sources. They can pick up giardia or other parasites from the water where they breed.
- DEET: The main ingredient in mosquito repellents for humans is highly poisonous to dogs. So do not apply it to the dog, or allow him to lick you when you have treated yourself with it. Signs of DEET poisoning include; drooling, staggering, vomiting, loss of appetite, and/or seizures.
There are many insect repellant home remedies that you can make. Be careful and make sure of your ingredients, if you choose this route. Some essential oils and other ingredients that are harmless to you are toxic to your Beagle. They will not be as effective as the vet-recommended variety. Avon Skin So Soft is an option that will work on your Beagle and you, and is not harmful to the dog. However, on average it is only effective for about 10 minutes and then needs to be reapplied.
Dangers for your Beagle due to the summer heat and sun
Heat itself is a danger to your Beagle, in more ways than one. Here are some things you should be especially careful about.
- Humidity: Beagles do not sweat like humans. They pant to cool off. When the humidity is high and they are breathing in almost as much moisture as they are expelling, their cooling system is not very effective and heat exhaustion can easily follow.
- Overexertion – Exercise is good, but too much in the heat can also cause heat exhaustion. It is very difficult to discourage beagles from playing when they are having fun, even when it is very hot.
- Heat Stroke: This happens when the dog’s body temperature rises above normal in the heat and he is unable to cool down. Cool wet towels should be applied while seeking immediate medical attention. Heat stroke can very easily be fatal to the Beagle and even if it is not, it can cause brain damage. Signs of heat stroke include; panting, staring, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, fever, refusal to respond to you, and collapse.
- Sunburn: Any part of your Beagle’s body that has white hair or exposed skin can get sunburned just as easily as its skin. Use a zinc oxide sunscreen on exposed skin areas when you’re out in the sun.
- Burnt Pads of Feet – This is a very real danger if your Beagle is walking on concrete or asphalt. The pads on their feet are very hard, except in young puppies, but they will burn. They can turn red, blister, and even burn the pads completely. It’s best to keep your little boy or girl on the lawn whenever possible on hot days.
Here’s a checklist to help prevent these common problems from the sun and heat.
- Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh, clean drinking water. If you are away from home, take water with you.
- Make sure your Beagle has access to a shaded area with good ventilation at all times.
- Never leave your Beagle in a car in hot weather. This is the number one cause of heat stroke that kills dogs. Even a broken window is not enough in the summer.
- Overweight, elderly, sick and very young Beagles are more susceptible to heat.
Summer is Accidental Injury Time for Beagles
When it’s hot out, seasonal activities you might not think twice about can pose real danger to your Beagle.
- Falls: When the windows in your home are open, there is always a danger that a curious pet will fall and seriously injure itself.
- Pools and open bodies of water: Beagles can swim quite well. There is always the danger of panic on the water. They make life jackets for dogs. You may want to consider this if you spend a lot of time around water. Pool chemicals are harmful to your Beagle; now they make dog-friendly chemicals, so your dog can enjoy the pool with you.
The number one safety precaution you can take this summer is also the simplest and easiest. Keep your Beagle on a leash. Supervision is your responsibility.
