Health

Regardless of size, a dog needs to go out at least twice a day. For small breeds, three half-hour walks are sufficient; for large dogs, they should be much longer (around an hour). These walks allow the dog to relieve itself and burn off energy. It's therefore important to walk it in places that are relatively safe (away from traffic, for example) and where it's allowed off-leash. Every weekend, a long two-hour walk will allow the dog to truly break its daily routine in parks or forests where it will encounter a new environment and other dogs!

These exercises will obviously be adjusted according to the dog's age: a young puppy will need many short walks, while older or sick dogs will be satisfied with two short, thorough walks a day. Upon returning, the dog must undergo a systematic inspection.

The paws

In summer, it's especially important to check that the paw pads haven't been injured by any sharp or pointed objects (thorns, pieces of glass, etc.). You should also check that a foxtail awn hasn't become embedded between the toes. Originating from grasses, and therefore from most meadow plants, foxtail awns are microscopic harpoons that can pierce the tissues they encounter and cause serious injuries. In winter, if the dog has been walking in snowy areas, the risk of cracked paw pads is high due to the harshness of road salt. In this case, rinse the paws with lukewarm water.

The ears

They are a favorite hiding place for foxtails. If these are lodged in the ear canal, they must be removed with tweezers. This delicate procedure is often painful, so a visit to the veterinarian is necessary.

The coat

In summer, if your dog enjoys swimming, it's essential to rinse it off. Whether in a river or the sea, particles can settle on your dog's coat and may be irritating. A thorough rinse will remove these particles. Your dog may also find its coat is soiled with tar. In this case, never attempt to remove it with petroleum-based products, which are highly toxic. Simply apply vegetable oil to the stains and bathe your dog after waiting a few minutes for the oil to dissolve the tar particles.

In winter, it's possible to put a coat on your dog if it's too cold. However, most dogs tolerate the rigors of winter perfectly well (except for hairless dogs), and if they're used to being covered, they'll be less tolerant of going outside again without a coat.