In the summer, pets' skin suffers more than many people imagine. The heat, high humidity, increased bathing , and greater sun exposure create a perfect environment for irritations, allergies, and the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. In dogs and cats with sensitive skin, these factors can worsen existing dermatological conditions or trigger new problems.
Therefore , discussing dermatology in the summer also involves proper handling, skin protection, and conscious choices—including the use of protective clothing. When properly indicated and used correctly, it can be a great ally in controlling lesions, providing sun protection, and aiding skin recovery, without compromising the animal's comfort.
Therefore, we invited Veterinarian Jueli Berger Becchi , a graduate of PUCPR with a specialization in veterinary dermatology from Equalis Curitiba, to guide us on all these issues.
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By Jueli Berger Becchi
N in that era of year , what and reason of joy and fun between families, no we can forget us what the heat, humidity and bigger sun exposure they make skin of dogs and cats more vulnerable the allergies, infections, parasites and until same to the Cancer of skin put exhibition solar.
As doctor veterinary dermatologist, and fundamental alert to the responsible of the pets are informed about the risks that summer poses to skin health, without letting them enjoy together with the family, why they also they deserve if have fun and enjoy Summer .
At the first sign of mild or intense itching, redness, localized or generalized hair loss causing flaws, odor different in skin or us ears, wounds, peeling light or intense, and necessary to search for assistance dermatological to the diagnosis early and correct and with proper treatment to prevent skin lesions from worsening.
During summer various factors they can commit the skin of healthy animals and even more us pets what already he has one predisposition and they are in treatment put some illness of skin.
Among those factors to the high temperatures and the humidity favor the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, increasing cases of skin infections and dermatitis . Intense sun exposure without protection, especially in animals with light-colored coats and areas with little fur such as ears, stomach and muzzle, they can to suffer with burns and until Cancer of skin.
Node In summer , another important factor is the increase in parasites; fleas , ticks, and mosquitoes proliferate . in bigger amount and they are villains in the dermatitis allergic , and also They transmit other diseases such as Ehrlichiosis in the case of ticks and Dirofilariasis in the case of mosquitoes.
AND put last and no less important, the increase of environmental allergens as dust, pollens and grasses, what They are villains. the year whole , but what node summer if intensify and They get worse. The pattern of flare-ups in patients with Atopic Dermatitis .
Talking one little more about humidity
Humidity helps in proliferation of fungi and bacteria in pet skin, therefore, is It is very important to remember that the moisture on the skin It can appear after baths of sea and pool, exhibition the rain without the due Careful of dry or remove the waste from seawater and pool water, with bathing and coat hydration.
To reduce you risk s , you responsible of the pets, must dry good you pets mainly you For long-haired dogs, brush them regularly to avoid knots in the coat that prevent drying. adequate and retain humidity. To maintain the environment of home always ventilated and airy and Avoiding walks and playtime during the hottest hours also helps maintain healthy skin.
Considering the areas most affected and susceptible to dermatological problems in the summer, skin folds such as the muzzle of brachycephalic breeds (Pugs , Bulldogs , and Shih Tzus ), the facial fold region, accumulate dirt and moisture and favor fungal dermatitis. The muzzle is a region also of bigger exhibition and what without protection solar he is exposed the burns.
Ears , especially in breeds what they are pendulums , as you B eagles, Cockers , C evaluators , Among other things, ventilation is limited and can contribute to ear infections.
Armpits and The groin area also deserves attention, as it is... regions of flexure what promote bigger atrium and stay more prone irritations and contact dermatitis. As well as the abdomen. and little paws (cushions) , which, when in contact with the floor very warm they can to suffer with burns.
Protection
Node summer we can to use the our please clothes of protection solar, node same format of Post - surgical garments with sun protection, in the same style as post-surgical garments, with UV protection and a comfortable fit without being too tight or causing chafing, like those developed by Pet Med.
These clothes They are our allies for pets light-colored coat, or with genetic alopecia. (lack of by) or even same in dogs with injuries of skin in healing because in addition from the protection solar they They prevent excessive licking, which hinders healing.
One clothing option we have today , which features Dry Fit technology, is breathable, quick-drying, antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and has UV 50+ protection, and offers a comfortable fit, is the Ultra Light Color garment from Pet Med. This company, which already provided us with safety and support in post-operative care, now offers technology that also assists in the dermatological field.
However, we have to to remember what neither all clothing and indicated and if for done the use inappropriate put long periods from the clothing without indication doctor, she go worsen the painting dermatological, retaining heat and moisture causing further skin irritation.
Daily care
Node summer already we understand what the skin requires attention doubled especially of the pets that he has dermatitis, sensitivity and Allergies. So, I prepared a list with care diaries to all you pets:
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Hygiene adequate: maintain the skin clean, avoid baths excessive and with shampoos that were not indicated for dermatological purposes, either therapeutically or as part of a routine cosmetic routine.
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Drying complete from the skin: avoid use of dryers in temperatures intense, mainly in folds, ears and little paws - locations with bigger predisposition humidity .
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Brushing: brush the fur with brush and frequency adequate to removal of the for the dead improvement from the ventilation from the skin and also and one practice what help the Check for possible lesions, nodules, or parasites early on.
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Hydration from the Skin : Dry or exposed skin benefits. of use of lotions and Specific moisturizing serums.
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Protection solar: to all you animals, doubling down the protection , us of fur Light-colored, hairless, and with no fur on the muzzle, ears, and belly. It is recommended to use a suitable sunscreen. to pet what already there is to sale in pets shops or in manipulation veterinary in formats of sticks where we can to use formulas differentiated to prevention more specific.
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Control of parasite: to use preventive of flea ticks.
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To pets with problems dermatological, the better and follow the stripe to the guidelines Consult a veterinary dermatologist and seek help if the condition worsens.
Finally, summer. he can to be one station challenging to health Dermatological issues in dogs and cats can be managed with simple and consistent care – and by following your veterinarian's instructions. dermatologist of trust and possible to enjoy without frights.
OK also Remember , also, that ... in addition from the skin , and necessary to care from the ingestion of Water, always keep fresh water available, and avoid walks during times of strong sun (between 10 am and 4 pm) .
