Watch Out for These Common Summer Dangers for Dogs

The sun is shining and temperatures are rising, filling many of us with excitement for the arrival of summer. There’s nothing quite like seeing the pure delight on their faces as we explore our local parks and hiking trails together, but the season also brings a unique set of potential dangers for our pups.

While we’re reaching for the sunscreen and planning our next adventure, we must remember that our pups face dangers we may not always think about. Keeping our pups safe starts with being informed about the risks and the steps we can take to prevent trouble.

Let’s look at some of the most common summer dangers for dogs, from the obvious heat-related issues to some of the sneakier threats lurking in our backyards and beyond…

Heatstroke

We all know the joys of basking in the summer sun, but the rising temperatures can also pose a significant threat to our pups, with heatstroke being the biggest concern. Unlike humans, who sweat effectively to cool down, dogs primarily rely on panting. This process becomes far less efficient in high humidity and extreme heat, meaning their body temperature can quickly skyrocket.

One of the most common culprits we sadly see far too often is the act of leaving a dog in a parked car – even for a short period, with the windows slightly open, the interior can heat up to lethal levels in minutes. Overexertion during walks or playtime in the hottest part of the day, and a lack of access to shade and fresh water when outdoors, also significantly increase this risk.

Recognizing the signs of heatstroke is crucial. This includes:

• Excessive panting and drooling
• Bright red or pale gums
• Increased heart rate
• Lethargy and weakness
• A stumbling gait
• Vomiting
• Acting disoriented
• Seizures or collapse (in severe cases)

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you must act quickly. Move them to a cool, shaded environment. Apply cool (not ice-cold) water to their body, especially the groin, belly, and neck areas. Offer small amounts of water if they are conscious. Most importantly, contact your veterinarian ASAP - heatstroke is a medical emergency.

Some dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke, including brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, senior dogs, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Extra vigilance is needed for them.

Never, under any circumstances, leave your dog unattended in a parked vehicle during warm weather. Plan your walks and exercise sessions for the cooler early morning or late evening hours. When your dog is outdoors, ensure they have access to plenty of shade and a constant supply of fresh, cool water. Consider using cooling vests or mats as an added layer of protection on the hottest days.

Sunburn and Paw Pad Burns

Just like us, dogs with light-colored fur or thin coats can suffer from sunburn. This is especially true on sensitive areas like their nose, ears, and belly. Using a pet-safe sunscreen on these vulnerable spots can help prevent discomfort and long-term skin damage.

Another often-overlooked hazard is the scorching heat of surfaces like sand, asphalt, and sidewalks. These can become incredibly hot under the summer sun and easily burn your dog’s paw pads, leading to pain and potential infection.

A simple way to check if the ground is too hot for your pup is the “seven-second rule.” Place the back of your hand on the surface and hold it there for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you to comfortably hold it there, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

During the hottest part of the day, try walking your dog on grass or in shaded areas. If that’s not always possible, consider using protective dog boots to shield their paws from the heat.

Dehydration

Water is vital in helping your dog regulate their body temperature and stay healthy. Just like us, your dog’s water needs increase in warmer weather and with increased activity. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a general guideline is that dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. There are also online calculators available to help you understand your dog’s needs – but keep in mind that this can vary depending on their size, activity level, and the ambient temperature.

To help your dog stay hydrated, always ensure they have access to fresh, clean water at home. When you’re out and about, especially on walks or playtime, carry a portable water bowl and offer them water regularly.

Contaminated Water

Not all water sources are safe for our dogs. Summer can bring about hazards in bodies of water like lakes, ponds, and puddles that appear at the surface to be an inviting way to cool off. Blue-green algae, for example, can bloom in stagnant ponds and lakes during warm weather. Ingestion of this toxic algae can lead to serious health issues, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to liver damage and neurological problems.

Similarly, parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium can contaminate natural water sources, causing gastrointestinal problems for dogs who drink the affected water.

It’s best to err on the side of caution and prevent your dog from drinking from random puddles or bodies of water. Always bring plenty of your own fresh water for your dog on outings. If they are being given regular water breaks, they will be less likely to try to sneak a drink along the way.

Pool and Ocean Safety

Swimming is a go-to favorite activity for many when the temperatures climb, but water safety is crucial. While some dogs are natural swimmers, many are not, and even strong swimmers can tire out quickly. Never leave your dog unsupervised near a pool, lake, or the ocean, regardless of how strong their swimming skills may be.

If you have a pool or pond on your property, teach your dog how to enter and, more importantly, exit safely. Even if you have the area fenced off, there is always the risk that the barrier fails.

A dog life vest can provide an invaluable layer of safety for dogs who are not strong swimmers or if you plan on boating.

When at the beach, be mindful of saltwater ingestion. Too much saltwater can lead to dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. Always offer your dog plenty of fresh water while hanging out at the beach to discourage them from drinking the salt water during their play.

Fleas and Ticks

While fleas and ticks can be a nuisance year-round, their populations often surge during the summer months, making it more important than ever to be on top of the necessary preventative measures.

Fleas can cause intense itching, trigger allergic reactions, and even transmit tapeworms. On the other hand, ticks transmit several serious diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and potentially serious illnesses.

The best defense against these tiny terrors is consistent, year-round flea and tick prevention, ideally recommended by your veterinarian. Various types of preventatives are available, including topical treatments, oral medications, and collars. Your vet can help you choose the safest and most effective option for your dog’s needs and lifestyle. In addition to these preventative measures, I recommend regularly checking your dog for fleas and ticks, especially after being outdoors. 

Mosquitoes and Heartworm

Beyond the itchy bites, mosquitoes play a significant role in transmitting heartworm, a potentially fatal disease affecting a dog’s heart and lungs. You should talk to your vet about year-round heartworm prevention, typically administered monthly, to protect your dog from this serious threat. While heartworm is the primary concern, mosquito bites can also cause skin irritation and, in some regions, transmit other diseases.

Stinging Insects

The buzzing and darting around of stinging insects like bees, wasps, and hornets can be tempting for your dog to chase, but these pesky hitchhikers can pose a significant risk to curious pups. While most stings result in localized pain and swelling, some dogs can have severe allergic reactions.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Uncharacteristic drooling
• Vomiting
• Excessive swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives

If you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

To minimize the risk of a sting, try to avoid areas where a large number of flowering plants may encourage insects to congregate. Be extra careful around picnic areas where they may be attracted to food. By being vigilant of these pests and taking appropriate preventative measures, we can help our dogs enjoy a comfortable and safer summer.

Gardening and Lawn Care Products

When tending to our gardens and lawns, it’s crucial that we are aware of the potential toxicity of many common products. Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, while beneficial to our plants, can be harmful if ingested by our dogs or if their paws come into contact with treated areas. Always store these chemicals in secure areas away from your dog’s reach. Meticulously follow the label instructions, paying close attention to any warnings about keeping pets off treated areas for a specified time.

Many seemingly innocuous plants can pose a life-threatening risk to our furry friends. Certain popular garden additions like lilies, azaleas, and sago palms are toxic to dogs and can cause a range of health issues if ingested. Researching pet-safe landscaping options can help create a genuinely safe outdoor space for your dog.

Grilling and Picnics

Hot grills can cause burns if a curious puppy nose gets too close, and discorded food items can be equally dangerous. Cooked bones, particularly, can be brittle and splinter, leading to internal damage if swallowed.

Many human foods commonly found at picnics and summer barbeques are toxic to our dogs, including onions, grapes, chocolate, and alcohol. It’s essential to keep your pup at a safe distance from grilling areas and ensure that all food scraps are promptly and securely disposed of where they cannot be scavenged. After all, if an opportunity presents itself, many dogs will take it!

Other Potential Hazards

There are many other less obvious hazards that you should be aware of as a loving dog parent. Open sheds or garages can become accidental traps, especially if doors close unexpectedly. Sharp tools, like gardening tools, left lying around can lead to injuries.

Even something as seemingly harmless as enthusiastic sprinkler play can become problematic if a dog ingests too much water too quickly, potentially leading to a condition known as water intoxication.

Try crouching down and looking around at this new angle for dangers that may not be visible from our level. A quick scan of your yard from a dog’s perspective can often reveal hazards that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Enjoying a Safe Summer with Your Pup

Summer offers many excellent opportunities for us to bond and have fun with our dogs. However, it also introduces some unique potential hazards. By being aware of the risks that come with the warmer weather and taking steps to minimize the danger, we can ensure our pups enjoy a happy, healthy, and safe summer right alongside us.

Let’s embrace the sunshine and longer days responsibly, keeping our dogs’ well-being at the forefront of our summer adventures. Share this vital information with other pet parents so they can keep their best friends safe this season!

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