Summer may be all about outdoor adventures and fun in the sun. But for our four-legged friends, the season also comes with hidden dangers. From scorching temperatures and beachside risks, warm weather can turn harmful for dogs if you’re not careful. In this list, we’re uncovering the 10 dangerous summer hazards that can harm your dog.
10. Overexertion in Hot Weather
If your dog is training under the sun or running around as a form of exercise, then you might want to slow down and check on them. If you don’t stop them, dogs will run until they collapse. As an owner or trainer, it is your duty to check on the welfare of your dogs. Also, water activities should be considered for them during summer.
9. Hot Pavements
While we’re on vacation this summer, bringing your dog to sunny destinations seems nice. However, doing so may expose your dogs to hot pavements, which may be harmful and painful for furry ones. With this, their paws are prone to paw burns, with noticeable signs of limping, excessive paw licking, blisters, and swelling. If you see these signs, then you should contact your vet for treatment options. Also, don’t walk your dog during the peak heat hours of the day.
8. Poisonous Plants
Did you know that certain summer plants and grasses can pose harm to dogs? Summer plants such as lilies and azaleas are harmful to dogs and can be poisonous if they are ingested. Also, dangerous grasses such as foxtails and grass seeds can cause pain or swelling if they poke your dog’s skin. It might even reach the lungs and organs, which can be very dangerous.
7. Backyard Cookouts
Summer cookouts are everywhere this season, so you’d also want to share your feast with your dogs. However, be reminded of the food hazards that may come with a barbeque feast. Common foods like onions, bones, and corn cobs may pose serious harm to dogs. The bones from meat may puncture the digestive tract of your dog, while corn cobs may cause a blockage when digested, which requires surgery.
6. Insects and Parasites
When outside, be on the lookout for insects like bees, wasps, and mosquitoes. Getting bitten or stung by these insects may cause allergic reactions, pain, or swelling in dogs. Parasites like ticks or fleas are also common during summer. With this, you should stay away from areas with tall grass. Also, call your vet for first aid when your dog experiences discomfort due to pain.
5. Dehydration
Hydration is vital for your dog’s health, especially during summer. You might think that your dog drooling, panting, or having low energy is a common experience due to hot weather, but it’s a sign of dehydration. You must always give your dog clean and fresh water to avoid this. If your dog is active, then they might need even more water. Remember that your dog is wearing a thick jacket called fur, and they might feel the heat 20 times more than you.
4. Sunburn
Yup, dogs can get sunburn, too, just like you. It’s more common in dogs with fair skin and those with short or thin fur. The burning spots happen in the parts where they have no hair, such as the nose or tummy area. Observe your dogs’ skin, and if you notice pink/red skin, dryness, or rashes, they likely developed sunburn. Just apply a cool compress to cool down their skin and ask your vet for advice.
3. Swimming Without Supervision
You may have read somewhere that all dogs know how to swim since it’s in their nature. While some dogs are natural swimmers, others don’t like wet toes. Even a dog that’s a natural swimmer can get in trouble if they panic or is exhausted from paddling their arms. To prevent water accidents, always keep your dog supervised when swimming and never leave them unattended.
2. Beach Dangers
Summer is the perfect season to take your dogs to the beach with you, but you need to look for health hazards. First is ingesting harmful finds like sand and shells, which might cause intestinal blockage or internal injuries from sharp edges. Next is saltwater poisoning, which happens if your dog drinks too much saltwater when swimming. It might cause vomiting, muscle spasms, and even seizures.
1. Heatstroke
Probably one of the biggest summer hazards among dogs is heatstroke. It happens once a dog’s internal body temperature goes above normal (higher than 103°F or 39.4°C). It happens when a dog is left in a hot environment, like a parked car or under the heat with no shade. Early warning signs to watch out for are heavy panting, excessive drooling, or rapid heartbeat. Meanwhile, the severe symptoms are low blood pressure and collapse. First aid would be cooling your dog immediately in a well-ventilated area with a sponge of cool (not ice-cold) water. Also, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care.