As the days grow longer and the sun starts to stick around, most of us can\u2019t wait to spend more time outdoors. And if you\u2019ve got a dog, chances are they\u2019re just as eager for sunny strolls, garden play, and muddy adventures. But while spring and summer are brilliant times to get out with your dog, they also come with a few seasonal hazards that are easy to miss.<\/p>\n
From hidden grass seeds to the danger of hot tarmac and toxic algae, there\u2019s more to summer dog care than just packing water and a lead. In this guide, we\u2019ll run through the key risks to watch out for and share some expert tips to keep your dog safe, fresh, and ready for every adventure\u2014with a little help from the Pet Head grooming and health range.<\/p>\n
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Grass seeds are a classic summer hazard. Found in dry fields, meadows, or even your local park, they\u2019re small but mighty when it comes to causing issues. These seeds have a sharp point and can easily burrow into your dog\u2019s skin, especially around the paws, ears, and armpits.<\/p>\n
Once embedded, they can lead to painful infections and even need surgical removal. Look out for signs like excessive licking, limping, head shaking, or visible swelling.<\/p>\n
Top Tip:<\/strong> After walks in long grass, brush your dog and check for seeds\u2014especially between the toes and around the ears.<\/p>\n Pet Head Pick:<\/strong> Use Furtastic Knot Detangler<\/a> to gently comb through tangles and remove any hidden seeds before they cause problems.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That lake or pond may look like a tempting place for a splash\u2014but be careful. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can bloom in warm, stagnant water and it\u2019s highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts, licked from wet fur or swallowed while swimming, can lead to serious illness or even be fatal.<\/p>\n Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and in severe cases, seizures. If you suspect exposure, call your vet immediately.<\/p>\n Play It Safe:<\/strong> Avoid letting your dog swim anywhere with scummy, greenish water or warning signs. Always rinse your dog thoroughly after a swim.<\/p>\n Pet Head Pick:<\/strong> The Quick Fix 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner<\/a> or Doggy Rinse is ideal for post-swim washes\u2014gentle, quick, and made with safe ingredients that leave your dog\u2019s coat fresh and clean.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just like us, dogs can suffer during peak pollen season. Grasses, trees, and flowering plants can all trigger skin allergies, especially in spring and summer. If your dog is licking or chewing their paws more than usual, scratching their belly, or seems generally irritated, pollen might be the culprit.<\/p>\n Top Tip:<\/strong> Wipe down your dog\u2019s coat and paws after walks, and consider more frequent baths during allergy season.<\/p>\n Pet Head Pick:<\/strong> The Sensitive Soul<\/a> range is perfect for itchy, irritated dogs. With natural ingredients like oatmeal and coconut, it soothes sensitive skin while cleansing gently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, dogs can get sunburned\u2014especially those with light coats or pink skin. Areas like the ears, nose, and belly are particularly sensitive. And overheating can be a real risk even on days that don\u2019t feel that hot to us.<\/p>\n Never leave your dog in a car, even for a few minutes. Even at 22\u00b0C, the temperature inside a parked car can climb rapidly to dangerous levels.<\/p>\n Signs your dog is overheating include:<\/em><\/p>\n \u00b7 Heavy panting or drooling<\/p>\n \u00b7 Bright red gums<\/p>\n \u00b7 Lethargy or confusion<\/p>\n \u00b7 Vomiting or collapse<\/p>\n If you suspect heatstroke:<\/strong> Move your dog to a shaded, cool area. Offer small sips of water and use cool\u2014not icy\u2014wet towels on their paws and belly. Then call your vet immediately.<\/p>\n Pet Head Pick:<\/strong> The Ditch the Dirt Spray<\/a> is not just great for neutralizing odors\u2014it can also be used as a light, refreshing spritz to cool your dog\u2019s coat after a warm walk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Warm air temperatures can make pavements dangerously hot. If it\u2019s too hot for your hand, it\u2019s too hot for your dog\u2019s paws. Tarmac and concrete can absorb heat and burn your dog\u2019s pads, sometimes without you realising until blisters or limping appear.<\/p>\n Simple Test:<\/strong> Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it\u2019s too hot for you, it\u2019s too hot for paws.<\/p>\n Top Tip:<\/strong> Stick to early morning or evening walks, use grass paths where possible, and consider paw balm if your dog walks on hot surfaces regularly.<\/p>\n Pet Head Pick:<\/strong> Paw & Body Wipes<\/a> are perfect for cooling and cleaning after walks, especially when you\u2019re out and about and need a quick clean-up or a refresh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Summer brings more than sunshine\u2014it also means fleas, ticks, and biting insects. Ticks in particular can latch on after woodland walks and carry diseases. Check your dog\u2019s coat after every outing, especially around the ears, neck, and underarms.<\/p>\n If you spot a tick, remove it carefully with a tick remover and monitor the area. For anything unusual, always consult your vet.<\/p>\n Pet Head Pick:<\/strong> Our Quick Fix Paw & Body Wipes <\/a>also come in handy here\u2014great for gently cleaning bites and removing any surface bugs or irritants.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let\u2019s face it\u2014dogs love to roll in things. Whether it\u2019s fox poo, rotting seaweed, or something unidentifiable, summer is prime time for stink. Sea dips and muddy puddles are all part of the fun, but they can also irritate your dog\u2019s skin or leave lingering smells.<\/p>\n Bath Time:<\/strong> Regular baths will help keep your dog fresh and clean while supporting skin health.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pet Head Picks:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00b7 Mucky Pup Shampoo<\/a> \u2013 perfect for puppies or sensitive explorers<\/p>\n \u00b7 Ditch the Dirt Shampoo<\/a> \u2013 ideal for the full summer clean-up after muddy or fishy messes<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Keeping your dog cool isn\u2019t just about avoiding overheating\u2014it\u2019s about helping them enjoy the sunshine safely. Some quick ways to beat the heat:<\/p>\n \u00b7 Always carry water and a collapsible bowl<\/p>\n \u00b7 Set up a shaded rest spot in the garden<\/p>\n \u00b7 Use cooling mats or damp towels for naps<\/p>\n \u00b7 Freeze dog-safe treats like bananas or carrots in water<\/p>\n \u00b7 Keep grooming regular to avoid matting that traps heat<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Summer is all about making memories with your dog\u2014just make sure they\u2019re the good kind. By staying alert to warm-weather risks and building a simple care routine, you can protect your dog\u2019s health and keep them smelling great, too.<\/p>\n The Pet Head Health & Grooming ranges are packed with natural ingredients and safe, pH-balanced formulas designed for everything from itchy skin to fox poo disasters. Whether you\u2019re heading to the beach, the woods, or just the garden, make sure Pet Head is part of your summer kit. Shop the full Pet Head range here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the days grow longer and the sun starts to stick around, most of us can\u2019t wait to spend more time outdoors. And if you\u2019ve got a dog, chances are they\u2019re just as eager for sunny strolls, garden play, and muddy adventures. But while spring and summer are brilliant times to get out with your […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6051,"featured_media":23272,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-23271","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","content-entity"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23271","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6051"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23271"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23271\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23277,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23271\/revisions\/23277"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23272"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Blue-Green Algae: A Hidden Water Hazard<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Pollen & Seasonal Skin Itches<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Sunburn, Overheating & the Risk of Heatstroke<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Hot Tarmac: A Burn Risk for Paws<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Insect Bites & Summer Parasites<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Mucky Adventures: Smelly Stuff & Seaweed<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Cooling Tips for Warmer Days<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n