Everyone loves the summer weather and being able to spend time outside. Your Beagle is no different than you when it comes to that. However, summer presents its own set of hazards and dangers to the Beagles’ health. It’s your job to protect that precious little ball of energy from the setbacks of summer and its naturally curious nature.
Beagles cannot avoid their animated form when they are outside; after all, they were born to hunt. Even the best-mannered and well-trained Beagle can get into trouble when his sensitive little nose picks up an irresistible scent. Not to mention all the health problems that summer brings for any canine.
Common Summer Health Hazards
Make sure your Beagle is protected from all the health problems that are more prevalent in 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, scratching, and allergic reactions. You can use spot treatments, monthly pills, shampoos, and sprays. Ask your vet which one is best for your dog.
- Mosquitoes: They bite dogs as well as humans and are carriers of the heartworm and West Nile virus. Most flea and tick repellants 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 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 will usually make 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 it tastes sweet to them.
- Parasites – Do not allow your Beagle to drink from stagnant water sources. They can get giardia or other parasites from the water where they breed.
- DEET – The main ingredient in human mosquito repellants is highly poisonous to dogs. So don’t apply it to the dog, or allow it to lick you when you’ve dealt with it. Signs of DEET poisoning include; drooling, wobbling, vomiting, loss of appetite, and / or seizures.
There are many home remedy bug repellants 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 variety recommended by Vet. Avon Skin So Soft is an option that will work for you and your Beagle and is not harmful to the dog. However, on average, it is only effective for about 10 minutes and then needs to be reapplied.
Hazards to your Beagle from the summer heat and sun
The heat itself is a danger to your Beagle, in more ways than one. Here are some things to be especially careful about.
- Humidity: Beagles don’t sweat like humans. They gasp 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.
- Excessive exertion – 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.
- Heatstroke: This occurs when the dog’s body temperature rises well above normal in the heat and it cannot cool down. Cold, wet towels should be applied while seeking immediate medical attention. Heat stroke can easily be fatal to the Beagle and even if it is not, it can cause brain damage. Signs of heat stroke include; gasping, staring, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, fever, refusal to respond, and collapse.
- Sunburn – Anywhere on your Beagles body, that has white hair or exposed skin, can get sunburned just as easily as their skin. Use a zinc oxide sunscreen on exposed skin areas when out in the sun.
- Foot Pad Burns – This is a very real danger if your Beagle walks on concrete or asphalt. Their paw pads are very hard, except in young puppies, but they do burn. They can become red, blister, and even cause the pads to burn completely. It is best to keep your little one on the lawn whenever possible on hot days.
Here’s a checklist to help prevent these common sun and heat problems.
- Make sure your dog has unlimited access to clean, fresh 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, ever leave your Beagle in a car in hot weather. This is the number one cause of heat stroke that results in the death of dogs. Even a broken window is not enough in summer.
- Beagles that are overweight, old, sick, and very young are more susceptible to heat.
Summer is accidental injury time for beagles
When the weather is hot, seasonal activities that you might not think twice about can pose a real danger to your Beagle.
- Falls – When the windows in your home are open, there is always a danger of a curious pet falling and seriously injuring themselves.
- Pools and open bodies of water – Beagles can swim quite well. There is always the danger of panic in 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 manufacture 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.
