![\"summer](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/1.png\")
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If your pet is experiencing an allergic reaction, burns, or ear\/skin infections, symptoms may vary in severity:<\/p>\n
Warmer weather means more time outside<\/span>\u2026but unfortunately, the great outdoors comes with increased risks<\/span> for our pets. One risk that is often overlooked is our pet\u2019s skin health<\/span>! <\/span>Just like humans, different elements of summer fun can cause a variety of <\/span>symptoms like <\/span>itchy<\/span> or red skin. So as your pet enjoys <\/span>time outside with you, be sure to watch for any of these potential warm weather skin concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You may have seen those bright red, circular, flat lesions on your dog\u2019s belly. If they are not bothersome, and your dog has been lying in the grass or traipsing through the woods, these could be gnat or black fly bites. The good news is that such bites will resolve on their own and are not a threat to your pet\u2019s health. However, if the lesions are itchy, become bigger, progress into more lesions, or last for more than three days, a visit to your family veterinarian is in order.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Does your dog or adventurous cat take a dip in the nasty pond in your neighborhood, and you want to bathe them? Be careful with the garden hose! Water that sits in the hose throughout the day can become extremely hot and burn your pet. If you must use the hose, let the water run for a minute to flush out the hot water, but if bathing your pet inside is an option, that\u2019s ideal. Keep in mind that <\/span>pavement<\/span><\/a>, decks, and sand can also get hot in the sun so check these surfaces with a bare foot or hand before letting your pet walk or lie down.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many pets enjoy a dip in the <\/span>lake<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>pool<\/span><\/a>. However, these can lead to skin and ear infections in certain dogs. If you notice your dog displaying any of the following signs after a swim, talk to your family veterinarian.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Signs of an Ear Infection:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Signs of a Skin Infection:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Summer is peak <\/span>allergy season<\/span><\/a> for both dogs and cats. Signs include scratching, biting, licking, chewing, rubbing, and infections (as noted above). If you see these signs, discuss with your family veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, as there are many <\/span>treatment options<\/span><\/a> available.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this list helps you keep your pet\u2019s skin safe and comfortable throughout the summer! If you notice anything abnormal about your pet\u2019s skin during these warmer months, consult with your family veterinarian or board-certified veterinary dermatologist to determine a diagnosis and develop the best treatment plan to help your pet.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota\u2019s Dermatology Service <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"summer](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/2.png\")
<\/p>\n1. Black Fly & Gnat Bites<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"summer](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/3.png\")
<\/p>\n2. Burns<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"summer](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/4.png\")
<\/p>\n3. Swimming<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"summer](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/5.png\")
<\/p>\n4. Allergies<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"veterinary](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Copy-of-Copy-of-About-the-Author-8.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Animal](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Facebook-Post-Instagram-Post.png\")
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