Summer is just around the corner, which means it's nearly the time of year where dog owners around the country find the time to take their dogs out on longer, more adventurous walks. Whether it be a day out at the beach with the rest of the family, or as a hiking companion on one of the hills in the Lakes, there are plenty of ways to keep your canine friend fit, healthy, and happy when it begins to get hot outside.

However, taking your dog outside in the summer also poses a variety of health risks that you should watch out for. Here at Vet Image Solutions, we've compiled a non-exhaustive list of the most common conditions to key an eye out for.

Dehydration

If your dog is outside during the summer, be sure that it always has a supply of fresh, cold, clean water to drink. Not doing so could cause dehydration, which can be fatal if it lasts long enough.

Symptoms include a dry nose and eyes, sticky gums, panting, lethargy, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, as well as a loss of appetite.

Ear infection

Particularly an issue if you have a large animal with long or floppy ears, such as a beagle, ear infections can be brought on if a foreign object or dirt gets trapped inside the ear canal. This causes inflammation, which can be painful for the dog.

Symptoms include physical complaints such as excessive head shaking, pawing at the head, and scratching at and around the affected area.

Skin infection

Similar to an ear infection, skin infections can be brought on should the dog's skin be exposed to bacteria during a walk, or else something the dog is allergic to. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites and saliva, while others can actually have hay fever that makes them susceptible to pollen, hay, nectar, and other natural allergens.

Symptoms vary depending on the aggravator, but the most common symptom is inflamed, red, dry, or itchy skin that the dog shows discomfort at.

Arthritis

Particularly rife in older dogs and other animals, arthritis is caused when joint cartilage is worn down over time. Going for longer or more vigorous walks than your dog is used to may accelerate the wearing down of the cartilage, leading to a higher risk of arthritis.

Symptoms of suffering from arthritis include limping, a reluctance to move, and inflammation or soreness around the joint areas.

Don't let the potential of any of these illnesses or conditions stop you from enjoying summer with your dog, however! They benefit massively from the exercise and, as long as they are well-hydrated and kept an eye on, should be fine.

Image by MabelAmber via Pixabay