August is a great time to pause and check in on your animals before the season changes. Summer can be hard on horses and dogs, with heat, humidity, increased activity, travel, changes in routine, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Even animals that seem happy and energetic can experience subtle changes that are easy to overlook during the busy summer months.
A wellness check doesn’t always mean a trip to the veterinarian either. It can start with simply taking a few extra minutes to observe your animal and make sure everything seems normal.
Pay attention to their appetite and water intake, energy levels, movement, behavior, coat or skin condition, breathing, and overall appearance. Small changes can sometimes be early clues that something needs attention before a minor concern becomes a bigger problem.
Check Your Horse
Check Hydration
Horses can lose significant amounts of water and electrolytes through sweating, especially during hot weather, exercise, and periods of high humidity. Staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining normal body temperature, circulation, muscle function, and overall health.
Make sure your horse has constant access to clean, fresh water throughout the day. During particularly hot weather or after exercise, pay attention to how much your horse is drinking and watch for any noticeable changes in normal drinking habits.
Signs that may indicate dehydration or heat-related stress include:
If your horse appears overheated, severely dehydrated, weak, or otherwise unwell, stop exercising immediately and begin appropriate cooling measures while contacting your veterinarian for guidance. Heat-related illness can become serious quickly, so early recognition and intervention are extremely important.
Look at Body Condition
Take a few minutes to assess your horse from both a visual and hands-on perspective. Gently run your hands over the ribs, shoulders, back, and hindquarters.
Ask yourself:
Unexpected changes in body condition can have many causes, including pasture availability, increased or decreased exercise, heat, dental problems, illness, stress, or changes in diet. Keeping track of your horse’s body condition throughout the year can help you identify gradual changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
If you notice a significant or unexplained change in weight or muscle condition, consider discussing it with your veterinarian or equine nutrition professional to determine whether adjustments to your horse’s diet, exercise routine, or overall care may be needed.
Hoof Health Check
Summer conditions can present a variety of challenges for your horse’s hooves. Hot, dry ground can contribute to dryness, cracking, and brittleness, while frequent exposure to wet or muddy conditions can soften the hoof and create an environment where certain hoof problems are more likely to develop.
Take a few minutes to inspect your horse’s hooves regularly, especially after turnout, riding, or changes in weather or footing. Look and feel for:
Regular farrier care, appropriate hoof maintenance, and daily observation are some of the best ways to catch potential problems early.
If you notice sudden heat, swelling, significant tenderness, an unusual odor or discharge, or any change in your horse’s gait, contact your veterinarian or farrier for guidance.
Pay Attention to Movement
Is your horse moving the way they normally do? August is a good time to pay close attention to your horse’s movement, especially if they have been more active during the summer months.
Watch your horse as they walk, turn, stand, and move during exercise. Look for subtle changes such as:
Horses are often very good at hiding discomfort, so changes can be subtle. Knowing what is normal for your horse makes it easier to recognize when something is different.
Even a minor change in movement or performance is worth paying attention to. If an unusual gait, stiffness, or reluctance to move persists, consult your veterinarian or farrier to help determine the cause.
Look at Skin and Coat
Summer brings plenty of opportunities for skin irritation and other coat-related concerns. Take time to check your horse for insect bites, irritation, sunburn, rain rot, sores, rub marks, or other noticeable changes in the skin or coat.
Grooming is the perfect opportunity to give your horse a quick hands-on wellness check. As you brush, run your hands over their entire body, paying attention to areas that may be hidden beneath the coat. Look and feel for:
Catching small changes early can help prevent minor skin issues from becoming more serious. If you notice persistent irritation, spreading skin changes, significant swelling, or an area that appears painful, consider contacting your veterinarian for guidance.
Check Their Behavior
You know your horse’s normal personality and daily habits better than anyone. That makes you one of the best people to notice when something seems a little different.
Changes in behavior can sometimes be subtle, so pay attention to shifts such as:
A change in behavior doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong, but a noticeable or persistent change is worth paying attention to. Horses may show signs of discomfort or illness through changes in their behavior before more obvious physical symptoms appear.
If a behavioral change is sudden, persistent, or occurs alongside changes in appetite, movement, temperature, digestion, or overall appearance, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Check Your Dog
Check Their Paws
Summer walks can be tough on your dog’s paws, especially when pavement, sidewalks, and other surfaces become dangerously hot.
After walks, check for:
Whenever possible, schedule walks during the cooler parts of the day and stick to grass, dirt, or shaded paths. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Watch Their Weight
Summer activities can change your dog’s exercise routine—and sometimes their eating habits, too. Take a moment to check their overall body condition and look for any changes.
Ask yourself:
Small changes can be easy to overlook, but they can add up overtime. Regularly checking your dog’s body condition can help you catch changes early and keep them feeling their best.
Check Their Ears, Eyes & Skin
While giving your dog some attention, take a few extra moments to check them from nose to tail. Regular hands-on checks can help you notice small changes before they become bigger concerns.
Look at their:
Regular grooming and handling are great opportunities to spot changes you might otherwise miss. Knowing what’s normal for your dog makes it easier to recognize when something has changed.
Pay Attention to Energy Levels
Dogs may naturally slow down during hot weather, but it’s important to recognize when your dog’s behavior goes beyond simply taking it easy.
Watch for signs such as:
These can be signs of heat-related illness and require prompt attention. If your dog appears overheated, don’t assume they will simply “rest it off.” Move them to a cool area, begin cooling measures, and seek veterinary care promptly.
Check Their Hydration
Fresh, clean water should always be available to your dog, especially during the warmer months and after walks, playtime, or outdoor activities.
For longer walks and adventures, bring water with you and offer your dog regular opportunities to drink and take a break.
Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your dog comfortable, healthy, and safe in the summer heat.
Check Their Behavior
Changes in behavior can sometimes be just as important as physical symptoms. You know your dog’s normal personality and routines better than anyone, so pay attention when something seems different.
Watch for changes such as:
Behavior changes can have many causes, including stress, environmental changes, discomfort, or illness. They don’t always mean something is wrong, but they’re worth paying attention to, especially when combined with other changes.
Knowing what’s normal for your dog makes it easier to recognize when something isn’t.
Don't Forget the Everyday Wellness Basics
Whether you have a horse, dog, or both, August is a great reminder to stay on top of the basics:
✔ Fresh water
✔ Appropriate nutrition
✔ Regular exercise
✔ Grooming
✔ Hoof and nail care
✔ Dental care
✔ Parasite prevention
✔ Comfortable shelter and shade
✔ Plenty of rest
✔ Regular veterinary care
And perhaps most importantly, pay attention to the little things.
You spend more time with your animals than almost anyone else. You know how they normally eat, move, sleep, interact, and behave. Those everyday observations can help you notice changes early.
As Summer Comes to an End...
August doesn't have to be about making major changes. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply slow down, observe, and check in.
Give your horse a grooming session. Take a few extra minutes to look over your dog's paws. Watch how they move. Notice their appetite. Pay attention to their mood.
A few minutes of observation today can help you catch potential problems before they become bigger ones.
Because wellness isn't just about treating problems, it's about knowing your animals well enough to recognize when something isn't quite right!
If you notice a significant or sudden change in your animal's health, behavior, appetite, hydration, or movement, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
