The Dog Days of Summer, According To Your Dog

It’s mid-August, and for many of us that means school shopping, college drop off,  and last minute vacations or beach days as we squeeze in the last “dog days of summer.”  Our routines are off.  Our schedules are hectic.  Tourist traffic is heavy.  And we’re starting to long for the more “predictable” schedule of fall.

So, how does your DOG see these last few weeks of August?

As a disruption to his or her schedule as well.   He may be playing at a doggy daycare facility while you’re at the beach, or staying in a boarding facility while you’re on vacation.  All of the routines he’s grown so fond of…. are turned on their head.   This is nothing to feel “bad,” about, of course.  Our dogs — like ourselves, our spouses and our kids — WILL settle back into a familiar routine come September.

Still, there are a few things to keep in mind as we finish out the “dog days of Summer:”

Be on the lookout for any symptoms of  “communicable diseases” that your dog may have picked up at the dog park, day care, or boarding facility.   (Be sure to schedule a visit with us if you notice any diarrhea, coughing or sneezing.)

Look for any new or sudden behavior changes that may point to an illness or even STRESS-related behaviors, including but not limited to:

• excessive drooling
• itching and scratching
• abnormal shedding
• “different” vocalizations that are either more frequent or just “different” than what you’re used to hearing from your pooch
• diarrhea and / or  constipation