Best Urinary Tract Supplements for Dogs

Britt
by Britt
Published:  February 28th, 2023
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Whether you have a senior dog struggling with incontinence issues or a younger pup prone to urinary tract infections, your dog’s bladder and urinary tract health is a top priority. There are many different supplements on the market. This can make it challenging to weed through the noise and find the best option for your dog. Should you use a soft chew or a liquid supplement? What are the best active ingredients to search for? Is there a product with a tempting flavor for picky eaters?


If you’re currently unsure where to start, we have you covered! In this guide, we offer tips and tricks for prioritizing your dog’s urinary tract health. Plus, we have compiled a list of the best urinary tract supplements for dogs of all ages.

Editor’s Choice: NaturVet Cranberry Relief Healthy Urinary Tract Plus Echinacea

Buy Now $22.99

These vet-formulated and recommended soft chews from NaturVet are a great solution for dog guardians searching for a product to support their dog’s urinary tract health. Not only do they help to improve bladder function and prevent urinary tract infection, but these chews also contain echinacea for immune support and better overall health. They are cost-effective, but the cranberry odor may cause some dogs to turn their nose up.

Pros

  • Includes echinacea to support immune health
  • FDA and NASC audited manufacturing facility
  • Suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages (over 12 weeks)

Cons

  • Flavor appears to be hit or miss, which could make getting your dog to take them challenging
  • Has a noticeable cranberry odor

Runner-Up: Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites

Buy Now $26.07

Made with cranberry, D-mannose, astragalus root, and nettle root, these easy-to-feed soft chews are formulated to do more than just support your dog’s urinary tract health. They help to detox the kidneys and improve digestive health for better overall health and well-being. Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites are a great choice for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.

Pros

  • Supports urinary tract, kidney, immune system, and gut health with a single chew
  • FDA-registered facilities, NSF and GMP-certified
  • Made with Cran-Max cranberry concentrate with patented Bio-shield technology

Cons

  • Dog owners warn that the cranberry taste is hit or miss for their dogs
  • Higher price point

Best Supplement for Senior Dogs: NaturVet Senior Advanced Incontinence Dog Supplement

Buy Now $19.99

Formulated with senior dogs in mind, the NaturVet Senior Advanced Incontinence Dog Supplement helps to improve bladder and urinary tract health by strengthening and supporting their optimal functions. This is key in addressing incontinence issues which are often seen in aging pups. While many dogs dislike the taste, the chews can easily be broken or crumbled to disguise in their food or a pill pocket.

Pros

  • Works to maintain muscle tone of the bladder and urinary sphincter muscles
  • Veterinarian-approved formula, National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) compliant
  • Formulated specifically for seniors but suitable for all dogs over 1 year of age

Cons

  • Many dog owners report their pups strongly dislike the taste
  • Some customers report gastrointestinal problems with use

Best Powdered Supplement: Doggy Naturals Urinary Health Support

Buy Now $18.80

If you have a picky eater that refuses to take a supplement in the form of a soft chew, this may be the winning solution. Doggy Naturals Urinary Health Support is a powdered product with a natural chicken flavor that you add to your dog’s food. In addition to the benefits of cranberry extract for urinary tract health, it also contains natural ingredients to prevent bladder stones, maintain healthy urine pH, and improve skin and coat health.

Pros

  • Powdered design hides in food for picky dogs
  • High levels of potassium citrate to prevent the formation of bladder stones
  • Made in an FDA and USDA-inspected facility

Cons

  • Dosage size is quite large, meaning larger dogs will go through a single container quickly
  • No flavor option for dogs with chicken allergy (common allergen)

Best Chewable Supplements: Active Chews Bladder Dog Chews for All Ages

Buy Now $24.26

These cranberry-based chews offer support for your dog’s bladder, urinary tract, and kidney health. In addition to cranberry, they include organic marshmallow root, apple cider vinegar, and uva ursi leaf. Recognizing that the baking process removes a significant amount of the benefits provided by supplements, Active Chews uses a no-heat process that maintains the full potency of all ingredients.

Pros

  • No heat, no-cook process preserves 100% potency
  • Soft, heart-shaped chews are easy to cut smaller, if needed
  • Inspected annually by APHIS and certified by a third-party independent lab

Cons

  • Dog owners warn that the flavor is hit or miss
  • Contains palm fruit oil which can cause gastrointestinal issues in some dogs

Best Liquid Supplement: UroMAXX Urinary Tract, Kidney & Bladder Formula for Cats and Dogs

Buy Now $28.95

Formulated with 100% natural ingredients, this supplement offers several great benefits for your dog, including treating or preventing urinary tract infections, lowering urine pH levels, strengthening the bladder and urinary tract, preventing the development of crystals, and more. In addition to cranberry extract, it contains vitamin C and glucosamine for better overall health. The liquid supplement is easy to conceal in your dog’s food for picky eaters.

Pros

  • Liquid formula can be easier to give to picky eaters
  • Made under regulatory requirements of FDA, GMP, ISO9001, and NSF
  • Suitable for all ages and breeds of dog, as well as for cats

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Contains caramel color, which many consumers point out is unnecessary

Best Premium Supplement: Mighty Petz MAX Urinary Tract Health for Dogs

Buy Now $42.97

Dog parents searching for a high-quality, vet-formulated supplement will appreciate the care that went into creating this product. In addition to bladder, kidney, and urinary tract health, it boosts the immune system and supports optimal digestion. By naturally detoxifying your dog’s system, balancing the urinary pH levels and addressing the inflammatory response, it can relieve and protect against urinary problems.

Pros

  • Vet-formulated and complete urinary tract, kidney & bladder supplement
  • Made with a probiotic blend for improved digestive health
  • Supplements contain cranberry seed oil, d-mannose, and grapefruit seed extract

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Most reviewers report that their dogs dislike the taste of the supplement

Best Budget Supplement: Coco and Luna Urinary Tract Cranberry for Dogs

Buy Now $19.90

If you are searching for a lower-cost urinary tract supplement, this product from Coco and Luna is a great option. They are small chewable tablets that can be tucked into a pill pocket if needed to convince your dog to take them. The two active ingredients in this supplement are cranberry and apple cider vinegar. They work to support bladder, kidney, and urinary tract health, addressing problems like crystals and incontinence.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly price point
  • Manufactured in FDA-registered facilities, NSF and GMP-certified
  • Naturally improves kidney function, balances urinary pH levels and supports proper urinary tract function

Cons

  • Some buyers report an unpleasant smell
  • Tablets may be challenging to administer for some dogs

What is the Most Common Cause of Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs?


Like any infection, urinary tract infections (UTI) are caused by bacteria. In this case, the bacteria enter your dog’s body when feces or debris are exposed to the urethral opening. This can cause infections in the urinary tract, bladder, or kidney.


Dogs are exposed to these bacteria frequently. However, the immune system can usually prevent an infection from forming. For this reason, UTIs are more commonly experienced by dogs with poor immune systems or those with excessive bacteria caused by built-up feces or scratches and debris around the urinary opening.


Can Dog Food Cause Urinary Problems?


Another common urinary problem many dogs face is the development of crystals in the urine. This happens when the ratio of minerals to liquid in the urine is off balance, and the excess minerals come together to form small masses. These crystals, or stones, can become stuck in your dog’s urinary tract causing serious blockages.


This is where your dog’s diet can directly impact their urinary health. First, pay attention to your dog’s water intake. Dogs that don’t drink enough water are at a higher risk of developing crystals. This is more common among dogs that eat dry kibble. The best way to prevent this is by hydrating your dog’s kibble and ensuring that your dog always has access to fresh water throughout the day.


While wet foods contribute to your dog’s daily water intake, they do not contain enough water to be a complete source on their own. A source of fresh water is still essential.


If your dog is prone to urinary crystals, you may need to place them on a special diet. Some dog foods are high in minerals that contribute to the formation of crystals like magnesium and phosphate. Diet can also impact urine pH.

What Are the Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs?


Urinary infections are relatively common in dogs. In the early stages, they are uncomfortable but easy to treat. However, they can develop into serious health complications if not addressed. This is why being familiar with the warning signs is so important.


The most common signs of a urinary tract infection include:

  • Frequent accidents in the house or sudden accidents in a previously trained dog
  • Urinating in places that are unusual to your dog’s normal behavior
  • Painful urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased urgency to urinate


If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to run a urinalysis to test for the presence of harmful bacteria and prescribe the necessary treatment. For dogs that experience frequent UTIs, your veterinarian may recommend a specialized diet to support their urinary tract health better moving forward.


Do Urinary Tract Infections Go Away on Their Own?


Yes, in some cases, UTIs will resolve on their own over time. But there is also a significant chance that your dog’s UTI will only worsen during this time, making treatment more complicated. Home remedies and natural treatments should only be pursued under the guidance of a veterinary professional.

WOW
Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Researchers have discovered that dogs can smell human stress and it can affect the way they make decisions. The study was conducted in the United Kingdom, and helps shed more light on how dogs can be impacted by the emotions experienced by people.

Dog Who "Cried Endlessly" at Indiana Shelter Gets Adopted

Being in a shelter is extremely stressful for dogs. In most shelters, dogs spend a better part of their day alone, with little to do. The lives of shelter dogs are more stressful and frustrating than is normal and these pooches are often afraid, anxious, and sad.That’s exactly what happened to one Indiana shelter dog. After spending more than 260 days in the shelter, Major, who was once a jolly-ball-loving boy, started to sit in his kennel and cry endlessly. Major, a four-year-old pitbull mix, was brought to the Humane Society for Hamilton County as a stray. Although Major was brought as a stray, the shelter staff discovered he had a microchip. They promptly contacted the pup’s family, who said they would come to pick up their dog ASAP, but they never showed. According to a Facebook post shared by the Humane Society for Hamilton County, Major has become filled with stress and anxiety after spending night after night alone in his room. Although lonely, Major evenings were never quiet as he cried himself to sleep every night.In an attempt to find Major a loving home, the shelter shared a video of a sorrowful Major lying in his bed. The post went viral, giving the staff hope that Major would find a loving, forever home. And that’s exactly what happened! In an updated Facebook post, the shelter shared that Major has finally found a loving family and a forever home.“Today, we are overjoyed to share some MAJOR news with you: After capturing the hearts of people worldwide, Major has found his forever home! As he walked out the door with his new family, we couldn’t help but feel a major-sized hole in our hearts, but it’s quickly filled with happiness knowing that he’s found his perfect match.”The wonderful news reached hundreds of thousands of animal lovers worldwide who have been following Major’s story since the beginning.“To everyone who shared Major’s story, your support and kindness made all the difference. Because of you, Major’s tale reached far and wide, leading him straight to the loving arms of his new family. Thank you for being a part of Major’s journey and for helping us make miracles happen.” The shelter also reminded its followers that many other dogs are patiently waiting for their person and a forever home. The surge in unwanted cats and dogs and low adoption rates are fueling the nationwide shelter crisis. Many shelters, including the Humane Society for Hamilton County, are overflowing with pets and operating at maxed-out capacity. “Every single dog here has their own story,” the shelter added. “They might not all have gone viral, but they are all just as deserving of love, care and a safe space to call home. The shelter is a stressful environment for them and every day they wait for their turn. They have so much affection to give and are waiting for someone like you to change their world.” The shelter’s staff encourages anyone who applied to adopt Major to visit them and meet other adoptable dogs who are just as deserving of love and a place to call their own.“Major, we’ll miss your playful antics and wagging tail, but we know that your new family will cherish you just as much as we have. Farewell, sweet boy, and may your days be filled with endless love and happiness,” the shelter wrote.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Cats Grieve, According to Study

Pet parents know how difficult it is to lose a companion, but some people are unsure of whether cats grieve like people do when another pet dies. A recent study has revealed that, yes, cats do grieve. Keep reading to learn about how the study was conducted and what the researchers discovered.

Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can A Dog's Tooth Abscess Heal On Its Own?

Dental hygiene is very important, both for us and for our pets. You might not know this, but a dog’s teeth are very important for their health as dental issues pave the road for all sorts of health problems down the road. The first thing to go is their diet and digestion, and from there, it is all a steep path downwards. It is because of this that every owner’s task is to keep their dog’s chompers in pristine conditions. Fail to do so, and issues can soon begin appearing.Of course, there are various issues that could be the result of subpar oral hygiene, but one of the worst dental problems for dogs is a tooth abscess. If you’ve noticed something that looks like an abscess and wonder if you can do anything to make it go away or heal on its own by yourself, you’ll be disappointed to learn that this issue requires professional treatment. A tooth abscess needs to be looked at and treated by a veterinarian.  What Causes Tooth Abscess in Dogs and How to Treat ItWhile some minor dental issues in dogs can potentially resolve on their own, a tooth abscess typically requires veterinary attention. An abscess indicates a serious infection, and without proper treatment, it can worsen and lead to numerous complications. Your veterinarian can assess the severity of the abscess and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, dental cleaning, and possibly tooth extraction. It's essential not to delay treatment, as dental infections can cause pain and discomfort for your dog and may even lead to systemic health issues if left untreated. However, the question still remains – what causes a tooth abscess in dogs?Dental abscesses are typically caused by bacterial infection, which can spread rapidly if not addressed promptly. Without proper treatment, the infection can affect surrounding tissues, leading to more extensive dental and oral health issues. It goes without saying that one such abscess can be very painful for your dog. It will lead to discomfort during eating, reluctance to eat or chew, excessive drooling, stress, and many other behavioral issues. If left untreated, an abscess can potentially wreak havoc on your pet. Not only can the infection spread to other parts of their body, but the nasty bacteria from the abscess can enter into the bloodstream and can ultimately affect vital organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or heart. Because of this, an abscess needs to be dealt with promptly. But how do you spot a tooth abscess? In many cases, it will be easy to spot that your pet is in discomfort. For example, you can spot changes in their eating habits. They might suddenly chew on one side only, avoid hard foods, or decline eating altogether. Another key sign is if a dog is suddenly pawing at their face as if trying to scratch themselves. Such rubbing and pawing is their attempt to alleviate the pain and discomfort they feel. You can also feel a foul odor on their breath or spot excessive drooling from the mouth. Needless to say, your dog will show signs that they are in pain, and might whimper or seem sad. In either of these cases, you should check their mouth cavity and try spotting the abscess to confirm that this is what ails them.

Do Grooming Gloves Work?

Grooming your pet is crucial for maintaining their health and hygiene, especially if you have a dog that tends to shed frequently or spends much of their time playing in the dirt and mud. However, the grooming process can be messy and time-consuming. This leaves many pet parents searching for a more convenient solution.Recently, a new grooming tool has been gaining popularity: pet grooming gloves. These gloves feature soft, rubber nubs on the palms that work like a brush or curry comb, gently removing loose hair, dirt, and dander.But do these gloves live up to the hype? Or are they just another gimmick? Let’s explore the benefits, drawbacks, and effectiveness of pet grooming gloves, including my experience using a grooming glove with my four pets.What Are Pet Grooming Gloves?Grooming gloves are a grooming tool that the groomer or pet parent can wear, keeping their hands and fingernails clean during grooming. It also eliminates the need to juggle a separate brush, with the brush-like nubs built directly into the palm of the glove. As you run your and over your pet’s coat, the built-in bristles or nubs work like a brush to remove loose hair, dirt, dust, dander, and debris.Different brands of grooming gloves/mitts have nubs or bristles of various lengths or styles. Finding grooming gloves best suited for your pet’s coat type is the secret to success. For example, a short-coated dog will benefit from gloves with nubs similar to a curry comb, while a longer-coated dog may need a longer bristle to reach into their undercoat.What Makes the Grooming Gloves Stand Out?You may want to switch from a regular brush to using a grooming glove at least part of the time for several reasons. Here are some factors to consider:Bonding TimeWhile any grooming session offers quality bonding time for you and your pet, using your hand to groom them in a petting motion creates a unique experience. This brings you closer together, allowing you to connect, showing love and affection through trust, which is so important for strengthening that special bond pets and their people share.Cleaner GroomingNot only do grooming gloves keep your hands clean during grooming, as they are protected inside the glove, but they are also surprisingly easy to clean! I’ll break down the steps of quickly and effectively cleaning your gloves later in this article.FlexibilityHave you ever struggled to reach a specific spot on your dog during grooming? Stiff brushes and combs can make it hard to effectively groom the nooks and crannies like your pet’s armpits or, in smaller pets, even around their neck/face. Grooming gloves, on the other hand (or paw), flex easily with your hand.Benefits of MassageIn addition to removing dirt and loose fur, the nubs on your grooming gloves massage your pet’s skin. Not only is this a comforting and enjoyable experience, but it can also have some significant benefits, including removing dead skin, improving circulation, relieving muscle tension, and more.Comfort for the GroomerWhile most of this list focuses on the benefits grooming gloves offer your pet, it’s also a more comfortable solution for you. Holding a brush or comb for an extended time, regardless of how the handle is designed, will eventually lead to cramping in your hand. Wearing a grooming glove allows you to work through a long grooming session with minimal discomfort.How to Use a Pet Grooming GloveWhether you’re interested in experimenting with grooming gloves or making the switch, the first step is finding a pair that suits both you and your dog.Sizing: Most companies offer gloves in various sizes, accommodating pet parents of all sizes and ages, including “junior” or children’s sizes if your grooming routine involves the whole family. If you are shopping in person, take the time to try on different sizes to ensure you are purchasing the one that best suits your hand. For those shopping online, carefully measure your hand as outlined in the sizing guide to find the recommended size.Glove vs Mitt: There is no “right” answer as to whether you should purchase a grooming glove or a mitt. This comes down to personal preference. Gloves will allow you to maintain the use of your fingers, while a mitt can cover a wider surface area.Bristle Style: The most common grooming gloves are made with soft rubber nubs, more like a curry comb than a brush. However, there are other styles on the market. Take the time to explore your options and find the style that best suits your pet’s coat type.Once you have found the right glove, learning how to use them is simple.Spray the silicone or rubber surface of the glove with a bit of water before getting started. This will help collect the fur and dirt instead of letting it fall all over. Place your hand, palm down, on your pet’s coat and gently rub in the direction of their hair growth. Continue with this brushing motion around the body.When you notice that the hair has started to collect in the glove, carefully peel the fur off and dispose of it. Spray the glove before starting again. Continue until you’re happy with the state of your pet’s coat (or until they become agitated and clearly need a break).Is it bathtime in your house? You can also use a grooming glove in the bath to help work the soap into your pet’s coat. This also offers a layer of protection on your hands for those bathing pets that maybe aren’t as happy with the idea of getting wet. Cat parents, I’m looking at you…How to Clean Grooming GlovesOne of the reasons that pet grooming gloves are so popular is the ease of cleaning. Once you have removed the collected fur from the gloves, they can be rinsed or cleaned with soap and water. Allow them to air dry.Remember that a quick rinse may not remove all the dirt and dander they have collected. It’s a quick solution between uses, but a complete clean is needed periodically to keep the gloves fresh and clean.Do Grooming Gloves Work for Cats?Yes! While most grooming gloves are marketed to dogs and dog parents, they are an excellent option for any pet with fur to maintain. I have seen them used for grooming dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, horses, and even llamas.

These Dog Breeds Are at the Most Risk of Overheating

The dog days of summer are upon us. Temperatures are rising across the country and many cities are already faced with record-breaking heat waves. When extremely hot weather rolls in, it’s not only people who struggle to stay cool and hydrated. Our four-legged companions shouldn’t be forgotten during this hot time as they often have trouble cooling down.“High temperatures can affect dogs differently depending on a variety of factors,” said Angela Beal, DVM. “Generally, it’s advisable to avoid taking your dog out when the temperatures exceed 85°F, especially if the humidity is high.”All dogs can get painful burns on their paw pads when they come into contact with hot pavement, but certain dog breeds are more susceptible to overheating in hot weather. “Dogs have sweat glands mainly in their paw pads, so [their] primary way to cool themselves down is by panting…The brachycephalic airway impacts airflow [so] they are unable to cool themselves down effectively in even mild heat,” explained Petco chief veterinarian, Dr. Whitney Miller. She added that dogs with “longer and thicker coats are also more susceptible to heatstroke.”According to veterinarians, breeds most susceptible to heatstroke include, bulldogs, boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, chow chows, Shih Tzus, golden retrievers, huskies, and malamutes. Dogs like bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, pugs, Shih Tzus, chow chows, and French bulldogs are classified as brachycephalic breeds. These dogs have short noses and elongated soft palates that predispose them to breathing problems and make it hard to regulate their body temperature. All of these factors combined, make these pups highly susceptible to heatstroke. On the other hand, breeds like huskies, malamutes, and golden retrievers have longer and thicker double coats that can cause these breeds to overheat during the summer easily. These are the two main reasons for heatstroke in dogs, but Dr. Miller adds that young puppies and senior dogs are also at higher risk of overheating. Owners should also keep a close eye on overweight dogs and canines that aren’t in good physical shape. While these factors make some dogs more susceptible to heatstroke, owners should understand that any dog can overheat during a particularly hot summer day. Preventing your dog from overheating is key if you want to keep them healthy and happy during the summer months. “Provide clean, cool drinking water and access to shade. Never leave your pet outside or in a hot car for a long period of time, regardless of the shade,” said Dr. Miller. She advised dog owners to adjust their walking routines during the summer months to ensure they aren’t taking their dogs out during the hottest hours of the day. Walking your pooch early in the morning and later in the evening is a great way to minimize the risk of overheating and painful paw burns. Maintain a regular grooming routine during the summer months, especially if you own a curly or double-coated pooch. Curly-coated breeds, like poodles, can benefit from having their coat trimmed during the summer, while double-coated breeds like, huskies and chow chows, can experience some relief after being brushed by a professional with a de-shedding tool.When it comes to signs that your dog is getting overheated, look for panting, dark, blue, or red gums and tongue, diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, rapid and deep breathing, weakness, disorientation, and collapse. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms on a hot day, take them to a cool and well-ventilated room and offer them fresh, cool water. If you’re concerned that your pooch is too hot or you can’t cool them down, call your vet right away.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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