Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

This Week's Dog-Centric News and Tips are in: 

• Protecting Your Dog's Paws in Hot Weather

• Summer Dog Grooming: Dos and Don'ts

• Thread: Pet tags advice needed

• Video: This is what I call a prison break

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG HEALTH

Protecting Your Dog's Paws in Hot Weather

Protecting Your Dog's Paws in Hot Weather

Summer heat can be tough on our dogs' paws. With extreme heat expected this year, it's important to keep our furry friends safe. Here's what you need to know:

Risks of Hot Surfaces Hot pavement and rocks can cause blisters or burns on dogs' paw pads. This is especially true for dogs not used to heat and activity. Even short contact with hot surfaces can hurt their paws and increase the risk of heat stroke.

Signs of Paw Pad Burns Watch for limping, reluctance to walk, crying, or unusual behavior on walks. After a burn, you might see redness, blistering, or peeling of the paw pads.

Protecting Paws

• Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.

• If you can't hold your hand on a surface for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog.

• Choose cooler surfaces like shaded dirt paths, wet sand, or grass.

• Consider using properly fitted dog booties for urban walks.

Best Walking Times Early morning is safest, as surfaces have cooled overnight. Evening or nighttime walks are also good. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours.

Care Tips

• Check paws regularly for signs of damage.

• Keep nails short and reduce debris between toes through grooming.

• For dry pads, especially in older dogs, use natural moisturizers like beeswax or coconut oil.

Remember, if you see signs of injury or your dog shows pain, contact your vet. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your dog's paws healthy and happy all summer long!

Source: TheWildest

Playful Picks

1. Now this is a prison break

pups

View more on Instagram

2. This is what you get when you don’t pet the dog

@mitzichu

#hesjustmybabydog #heelersoftiktok #blueheeler #redheeler

Summer Dog Grooming: Dos and Don'ts

As temperatures rise, keeping your dog comfortable becomes a top priority. Expert Kristin Morgan shares key tips for summer grooming:

Does My Dog Need a Summer Haircut?

• Avoid shaving double-coated dogs like huskies or German shepherds. Their coats help regulate temperature and protect against sunburn.

• Instead, use a de-shedding tool to remove excess undercoat. This reduces shedding and improves airflow.

• If you're unsure about your dog's coat type, consult your vet or a professional groomer.

How Often to Groom in Summer

• Plan for grooming every 4-6 weeks, but some breeds may need more frequent care.

• Dogs with longer or thicker coats, such as golden retrievers or shih tzus, might need more frequent grooming to prevent matting and manage shedding.

• Bathe your dog every 3-4 weeks, depending on their outdoor activity level.

• After swimming, dry your dog thoroughly, especially if they have a curly coat. This prevents moisture from causing hot spots or skin infections.

Grooming in Different Climates

• In humid areas, always dry your dog completely after water activities.

• For dry climates, use moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prevent dry skin.

At-Home Grooming Tips

• Trim nails regularly to ensure comfortable walking.

• Moisturize paw pads when your dog spends time on hot or rough surfaces.

• Clean ears regularly, especially for dogs who love swimming. This helps prevent infections and reduces yeast buildup.

Important Grooming Notes

• Be careful not to over-bathe your dog. Too much bathing can strip natural oils from their coat.

• Use dog-specific shampoos. Sulfate-free options are great for dogs needing frequent baths.

• For breeds requiring more grooming, consider professional services every 4-6 weeks.

Source:DailyPaws

Quiz Answers

False

Many shelter dogs are actually super well-behaved pooches who, for a whole bunch of reasons, couldn't stay with their first families.

Older shelter dogs are perfect for folks who want to skip the puppy craziness of chewing, potty training, and mouthing.

Most shelters also do this cool thing where they match doggy personalities with the right family setup, which can make everything click from day one!

That’s it for this edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

Please let me know what you think about this release in the poll below (Feel free to leave any recommendations. I take into consideration every comment).