This is the second installment of our “Summer Hazards” series, designed to help you educate and protect your clients’ pets all season long.
As the days grow warmer and longer, many of us are heading outside to enjoy the sunshine, and we want to bring our pets along for the fun. From hiking to beach days, summer is packed with fun outdoor adventures. However, it also brings hidden risks, particularly for our pets.
Here’s a vet-approved breakdown of common summer dangers to watch out for when pets are enjoying the great outdoors.
1. Heatstroke
What it is: A dangerous and potentially deadly rise in a pet’s body temperature, often caused by overexertion or high heat and humidity.
Symptoms to look for:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Weakness or collapse
- Vomiting
- Disorientation or confusion
- Sticky or discolored gums
Who’s at higher risk:
Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus), senior pets, overweight animals, and pets with underlying health conditions.
Precautions:
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. (When in doubt, leave your pet at home).
- Opt for early morning or evening outings.
- Always bring fresh water and offer frequent breaks in the shade.
- If you suspect heatstroke: move the pet to a cool, shaded area, apply room-temperature wet towels to their armpits, groin, and neck, and call your vet immediately.
2. Burned Paw Pads
What it is: Walking on hot pavement, sand, or metal surfaces can quickly burn a pet’s paw pads.
Symptoms:
- Limping or reluctance to walk
- Red or inflamed pads
- Blisters or peeling skin
Precautions:
Use the 7-second rule: place your palm on the surface for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Stick to grassy or shaded areas, or try protective booties.
3. Foxtails & Grass Awns
What they are: Barbed seed heads that can easily become embedded in a pet’s skin, commonly occurring around the paws, ears, eyes, and nose.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Sudden limping
- Excessive licking or biting at a specific area
- Redness, swelling, or discharge
- Head shaking or sneezing
Why they’re dangerous:
Foxtails can migrate through the body and cause serious internal infections if not removed. It’s important to contact your vet as soon as you notice abnormal symptoms, or suspect your pet may have a foxtail or grass awn embedded somewhere.
Precautions:
- Avoid overgrown fields and dry, grassy areas.
- Inspect your pet after walks, especially between toes and around ears.
- Consider booties or a grooming trim for long-haired dogs who love the outdoors.
4. Snake Bites
What it is: Venomous snake bites can cause severe swelling, tissue damage, or worse.
Higher risk areas: Arid or rural environments, tall grass, brush piles, or woodlands.
Symptoms to look for:
- Sudden pain or yelping
- Swelling at the site (often face or legs)
- Puncture wounds
- Lethargy, drooling, or collapse
Precautions:
- Keep pets leashed on trails.
- Know what venomous snakes are in your area.
- If bitten, keep your pet calm and seek emergency veterinary care immediately—do not apply ice or a tourniquet.
5. Water Hazards
Whether you’re at the lake, river, or beach, water activities come with their own set of pet risks. Here are a few to be aware of:
Blue-Green Algae Toxicity
Found in stagnant or slow-moving freshwater during warm months.
Danger: Produces toxins that can be fatal if ingested.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and collapse.
Prevention: Avoid letting pets swim or drink from ponds with visible algae or scum. Also, be sure to monitor any warnings or announcements released by park officials or rangers,
Saltwater Ingestion
Pets who drink saltwater while playing at the beach are at risk of salt poisoning.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or seizures.
Prevention: Provide fresh water, discourage drinking ocean water, and rinse off after swimming. If symptoms persist, seek veterinary care.
Waterborne Illnesses
Parasites like Leptospirosis and Giardia are found in contaminated water.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and fever.
Precautions: Avoid letting your pet drink from or swim in unknown water sources. Ask your vet about the Leptospirosis vaccine to help prevent serious illness if your pet is exposed.
6. Sunburn
Who’s at risk: Pets with light-colored fur, hairless breeds, or shaved areas.
Symptoms: Redness, tenderness, peeling, or blistering skin.
Prevention:
- Limit sun exposure during peak UV hours.
- Use pet-safe sunscreen on vulnerable areas like the nose and ears.
- Consider lightweight sun shirts—but avoid overheating!
7. Travel Risks
Danger: Heatstroke from parked cars, stress, or motion sickness.
Car Safety Reminder:
Even a 70°F day can turn deadly inside a parked vehicle, and quickly.
Symptoms of motion sickness: Panting, restlessness, drooling, and vomiting.
Precautions:
- Make sure your pet is always wearing an ID tag with your contact information in the event they get loose while traveling.
- Always be sure you have a copy of their vaccination records.
- Use crash-tested travel crates or harnesses.
- Talk to your vet about travel anxiety or car sickness remedies.
Know Before You Go
Outdoor adventures can be a wonderful way to bond with our pets, but awareness while partaking in these activities is key. As veterinary professionals, helping clients recognize seasonal hazards ahead of time empowers them to make safe, informed decisions for their companions.
Stay tuned—Part 3 of our Summer Hazards series is coming soon!
Be sure to download our free infographic on when you should take your pet to the emergency room.