Summer is a time of joy, outdoor adventures, and basking in the warm embrace of sunlight. Pets and humans alike tend to enjoy the summer months, but there are some hazards to be aware of. If you have a dog or are looking to adopt one, knowing about these hazards can help you keep them safe this summer. With this knowledge and the precautions you choose to adopt, you can enjoy summer fun with your pooch while looking out for their wellbeing. This article covers 12 summer hazards for dogs to keep your eyes peeled for.
1. Heatstroke
Heatstroke is something that impacts dogs as well as humans. It occurs when your dog’s internal body temperature rises above its normal level. Signs and symptoms to look out for include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, hot skin, and a rapid heart rate. Some signs that the heatstroke is severe include dilated pupils, muscle spasms, loss of bowel and/or bladder control, signs of shock, and a drop in blood pressure.
If you notice these symptoms, contact your vet for advice and take measures to cool them off immediately. These may include carrying your dog to a well ventilated area, patting them with a cloth or sponge soaked in cool water, and/or placing a cooling fan near them. To help avoid this issue altogether, make sure to always provide plenty of shade, rest, and water in hot temperatures. Also, remember to never leave your dog in the car as this puts them at extremely high risk for severe heatstroke.
2. Dehydration
Adequate hydration is crucial for nearly all key bodily functions in all mammals, dogs included. Therefore, dehydration is a very serious issue that you should always strive to avoid. It’s easier for dogs (and humans) to become dehydrated in hot weather, making summer the highest risk season for this issue. Signs of dehydration in dogs include loss of appetite, no elasticity in skin, sunken eyes, dry gums and nose, thick drool, panting, lethargy, and vomiting. If you see your dog presenting with these signs and symptoms, there are some key steps to take. Asking a vet for guidance is always advised, as well as providing your dog with plenty of cool water and food (the two sources of hydration for dogs). Your vet may want to provide IV fluids which can help restore not only their fluid levels but their electrolytes too.
To avoid dehydration altogether, make sure your dog always has access to clean drinking water. If your dog doesn’t drink much without encouragement, it’s important to get them drinking as much as you can. Some dogs are picky about water while others may simply forget to drink. In both cases, you can make the drinking process more interesting for them. For example, you could add a few frozen blueberries to the water for them to bob for, or flavour it with dog-safe bone broth. You could also make homemade hydrating treats with dog-safe ingredients, such as frozen fruit cubes, which are both cooling and hydrating in hot summer months. Make sure that when your dog’s activity level increases and/or they are exposed to hot temperatures, their water intake needs to increase as well.
3. Sunburn
Did you know that just like humans, dogs can end up with a sunburn from too much unprotected sun exposure? Some dogs are more susceptible than others, like those with fair skin or fur, as well as those with thin or short fur. The main places dogs get sunburn is on their ears, nose, underside, and spots with thinner hair like the area around the mouth, for example. Signs that your dog has sunburn include redness or pinkness of the skin, skin that is sore or tender to the touch, hair loss, ear tips that seem cracked or dry, ulcers, rashes, infections, or other wounds on the skin, and in severe cases, a fever and more general symptoms of sickness can develop.
If you notice these symptoms, you can apply a cool compress to the areas of concern while contacting your vet. Depending on the severity, they may advise some home treatments, like aloe vera, or prescribe medicated topical treatments and pain relief. If the sunburn is accompanied by dehydration and/or heatstroke, they may also need IV fluids. Sunburn puts dogs at risk for solar dermatitis, actinic dermatitis, and even various types of skin cancer. Therefore, preventing sunburn is crucial for your dog’s long lasting health and quality of life. Some steps you can take include using a dog-safe sunscreen on vulnerable areas, providing plenty of shade and respite from the sun, and looking into UV blocking dog clothing that can help keep your dog cool and safe during summer activities.
4. Hot pavement
It can be tempting to take your dog everywhere with you, especially on beautiful sunny days. However, doing so during the summer heat can expose your dog to hot pavements, which can be very harmful. When the pavement heats up, it can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paws. You may think this is only the case during summer’s hottest days, but even mild heat in the air can create extreme heat in the pavement due to the way it absorbs and slowly releases. Some signs of paw burns from hot pavement include limping, excessively licking paws, paw blisters, redness, swelling, and discharge. If you notice these symptoms, make sure to contact your vet for advice and treatment options to ensure the wounds can heal without infection and your dog can get some much needed pain relief.
To avoid the dangers of hot pavement, always make sure to do the seven second test. This involves testing the pavement by placing the back of your hand on the ground. If you can’t hold it there for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your dog. It’s also a good idea to walk your dog during cooler hours of the day, such as the morning or evening. Additionally, you can choose to take your dog to areas without pavement, like parks and other grassy areas. The important part is to avoid pavement during peak heat times, as this is when your dog will be at the highest risk for burns.
5. Poisonous plants, grass seeds & foxtail
Summer plants can be eye-catching, but they can also be hazardous to our furry companions. Unfortunately, common summer plants like lilies and azaleas are toxic to dogs. To avoid issues associated with toxic plants, make sure to only plant dog-safe options at home. Additionally, it’s important to be vigilant about the plants your dog is allowed to interact with on walks and at other people’s homes. If your dog does ingest a toxic plant, make sure to contact your vet immediately. Symptoms of toxic plant poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and drooling, among others. Be sure to give your vet as much information as possible, including the plant type, which part(s) of the plant was ingested, when it happened, a list of symptoms, and a clipping of the plant if possible. This will allow your vet to quickly treat your pet effectively based on their specific circumstances.
Foxtail and grass seeds may seem like harmless foliage you would walk past without a second glance, they can actually be extremely dangerous for your dog. Both grass seeds and foxtail can embed themselves into your dog’s skin, which may cause infection and further complications in addition to the initial pain and discomfort. Symptoms of an injury of this nature include abscesses, swelling, limping, and excessive licking. If they lodge deep enough, they may also travel to other areas within your dog’s body like their respiratory tract, causing severe issues like difficulty breathing. Therefore, it’s important to avoid grass seeds and foxtail where possible, and always check your dog for signs of them after a walk. If you think your dog has an infected grass seed or foxtail injury or you’re worried that one has made its way deeper into their body, call your vet for prompt treatment.
6. Insects and parasites
Insects can be as much of a nuisance to dogs as they are to humans, especially during summer months. Some of the worst offenders include those with stingers such as bees and wasps, as they can cause severe pain, swelling, and other uncomfortable symptoms. If your dog is allergic to these stings, the effects may be much more severe. Another troublesome insect that may bother your dog this summer is mosquitos. Their bites are extremely itchy and may also cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Parasites like ticks and fleas also cause similar issues and can even spread disease to your dog if they are carriers.
It’s largely impossible to avoid all insects and parasites, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding areas with particularly high concentrations of them, such as long grass. You can also arm yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to act accordingly if a bite or sting does occur. For example, there are specific tools for removing ticks properly. You can also keep some dog-safe disinfectant sprays on hand to ensure any wound your dog incurs from these pests stays clean and free from infection. For stings, you’ll need tweezers to remove the stinger and some baking soda to mix with water to place on the site of the sting. Ice packs are also useful as most bites and stings cause swelling and discomfort. If you are concerned about bites or stings or you’re worried your dog is in pain or discomfort, contact your vet for advice and treatment.
7. Compost bins
Composting is an excellent thing to do for the environment, but it can be very dangerous if dogs come into contact with it for various reasons. Firstly, it can pose a choking hazard and could cause intestinal blockage depending on what your dog picks up and manages to swallow. Additionally, the decaying nature that leads to mould and other toxic substances puts your dog at risk of compost poisoning when ingested. This can manifest as symptoms like vomiting, tremors, seizures, drooling, panting, agitation, high temperature, and difficulty walking. If your dog ingests any matter from a compost bin, contact your vet immediately for urgent treatment.
To avoid this largely overlooked danger, make sure your composting practices are as safe as possible. For example, make sure your compost bin is completely secure and inaccessible to your dog at all times. It’s also important to wash your hands after dealing with compost before interacting with your pooch. Additionally, when you visit other homes or places with compost bins, keep a close eye on your dog and ensure they steer clear of it. Unfortunately, most dogs are attracted to compost, so extra effort is usually necessary to ensure they stay away. Distracting them with tasty treats or chews can help move their attention away from the harmful matter and onto something healthy and dog-safe.
8. Overexertion
We all like to make the most of the warm weather, including our dogs. However, dogs can get lost in how much fun they’re having and before they know it they have overexerted themselves. This is why it’s up to us as dog parents to ensure they don’t push themselves too hard. Signs of overexertion to look out for include heavy panting, reluctance to move, soreness, heat sickness (discussed above), behavioural changes, drooling, lethargy, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If your dog shows these signs, make sure they get lots of rest and fluids, plus healthy food that can revive their energy levels. If you have concerns that your dog has severely overexerted themself or their symptoms persist, contact your vet for advice on the best course of action.
To avoid overexertion in your dog, make sure to keep play sessions short in hot weather. Ensure they have plenty of rest breaks in the shade, and that they have access to clean drinking water. Taking shorter walks more frequently rather than having them exercise in hot weather for longer periods of time can also help reduce overexertion risk without compromising on exercise time. It may be difficult to convince your dog to slow down and take a break, but it’s essential to their health and wellbeing that they don’t overdo it.
9. Beach hazards
Beaches are the perfect summer setting, but they’re also full of potential hazards to be aware of. If you live near a beach or plan to take your dog to any beaches this summer, make sure you’re vigilant about what your dog picks up. Ingesting sand, shells, or pebbles can cause digestive upset and possibly intestinal blockage, which can become a life threatening issue if left untreated. Look out for symptoms like loss of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting, and contact your vet if they occur. Sharp shells may also cause internal injuries in the mouth and digestive tract. Another issue to watch out for is saltwater poisoning, which causes symptoms like dizziness, confusion, lethargy, stiff muscles, shaking, diarrhoea, muscle spasms, vomiting, seizures, and difficulty walking. Contact your vet if your dog shows severe symptoms or their symptoms don’t abate after some re-hydration and recovery time.
While these issues are a little daunting, there are still ways to have a safe and fun summer beach visit with your dog. The first step is educating yourself about potential dangers so you know what to look out for and don’t get caught off guard. You can also make sure to bring plenty of drinking water to ensure your dog stays well hydrated. Additionally, try to pick a location that poses lower risk based on your dog’s habits. For example, if your dog particularly likes to pick up rocks and pebbles, try to find a sandy beach instead, and vice versa. Most importantly, make sure to closely monitor your dog during your beach visit so you can prevent issues and act quickly if they occur.
10. Blue-green algae blooms
Blue-green algae is actually a type of bacteria but is named for its algae-like appearance. It typically blooms during hot summer weather in freshwater areas like lakes, ponds, and rivers. It can contain toxins which are extremely dangerous for dogs and may also cause illness in humans. It appears as a blue or green scum on the water’s surface, which some people describe as looking like pea soup or spilled paint. Foam around the edges of the water and green flakes, bundles, or dots are also signifiers of this toxic bacteria. Another thing to look out for is dead fish in the water, and this should immediately deter you and your dog from going near it. Not all blue green algae is toxic, but looking at it won’t tell you whether it’s safe or not, so it’s always best to avoid it.
If your dog swims in or drinks from contaminated water, they are at risk of blue-green algae poisoning. They may also become ill from trying to groom the scum from their coat. The toxins it produces cause life threatening issues like liver function problems. Many cases are fatal, and dogs that survive often end up with lingering health issues from the ordeal. Look out for symptoms like vomiting, weakness, collapse, diarrhoea, disorientation, seizures, drooling, and breathing difficulties. If you think your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, get them to the vet without hesitation. While there is no specific antidote for this type of poisoning, your vet may be able to induce vomiting to remove the toxin from their system before it’s too late. To avoid the issue entirely, be hyper vigilant about avoiding areas where blue-green algae blooms occur.
11. Snakes and other wildlife
As was the case in spring, many different types of wildlife are particularly active during summer. One key animal to look out for is adders, a venomous type of snake. They’re the UK’s largest venomous animal, and while attacks from them are quite rare, they can be very dangerous. Adders can be easily identified by their small size, grey or brown colouring, v-shaped marking on their head, and zigzag pattern down their body. If you think your dog has suffered an adder bite, contact your vet immediately.
Hedgehogs are another animal to look out for, as while they may seem harmless, they can cause injury if your dog bites down on their spikes. These injuries will be painful and could lead to infection and complications, so they typically require vet treatment. Other critters like snails, slugs, and toads can give your dog serious illnesses like lungworm. You’ll need to contact your vet if this occurs, as treatment is necessary to avoid the condition becoming fatal. Symptoms to watch for include coughing and breathing difficulties in addition to generic signs of illness like diarrhoea and vomiting. Make sure to keep up to date with deworming treatments to avoid this serious complication of potential wildlife encounters this summer. It’s also important to keep a close eye on your dog and make an effort to teach them not to chew, lick, or swallow any dangerous creatures.
12. Campfires and grills
Campfires and outdoor grills are summer staples, but they also pose risks to your dog. When a campfire is burning, your dog can easily get burned, leading to severe pain and potential infection. The same goes for grills that your dog can access. In addition to burns, your dog may ingest charcoal or pointy skewers, both of which are extremely dangerous. Charcoal can cause internal burns, intestinal blockages, and toxicity. Symptoms may include vomiting, abnormal behaviour, and lethargy, among others. Contacting your vet if your dog ingests charcoal is the best course of action. Skewers can also cause intestinal blockages and internal burns, and the contents of the skewers may be toxic to dogs (like onions). Look out for the symptoms above and contact your vet for advice if your dog consumes something they shouldn’t.
To avoid these issues, make sure to keep your dog at a safe distance from all grills and campfires. Dogs are naturally curious, especially when there’s tasty barbeque food or roasted marshmallows on offer. So, it’s up to us as dog parents to quell their curiosity with safe, healthy alternatives like long-lasting chews while we enjoy these summer activities. Keep a close eye on your dog and make sure to prioritise their safety if partaking in a campfire or using a grill. That way you can enjoy your activity without disaster striking, and your dog can avoid any potential pain or illness that could result from contact with campfires and grills.
Final thoughts
Summer is many peoples’ favourite time of year, and most dogs agree with this too. While it’s important to let your dog enjoy their outdoor time during summer, it’s also crucial to keep them safe. Arming yourself with knowledge and tools regarding potential hazards helps you ensure you can do both. All of us at Chomp & Chew hope you and your furry friends have a safe summer full of fun and joy!
