Summer is a fantastic time for outdoor fun and adventures with your four-legged pal. However, the season also brings specific risks that pet owners must be aware of to keep their furry friends safe. Our Omega Veterinary Group team shares essential summer safety tips to help you navigate the warm months ahead.

1: Focus on your pet’s hydration

Pets can rapidly become dehydrated in the summer heat, especially active pets. Provide your pet with fresh, clean water at all times, offering several options whether they are inside or out, such as pet drinking fountains and collapsible water bowls.

Monitor your pet for dehydration signs such as:

  • Dry gums
  • Lethargy
  • Skin elasticity loss

If your pet is vomiting, has sunken eyes, or is extremely lethargic, seek emergency care immediately. 

2: Never leave your pet in a hot car

You may crack the windows, but the temperature inside your car can skyrocket in minutes, leading to heatstroke or death. If you must take your pet, take someone else who can stay with them in the car. Otherwise, leave your furry pal at home to relax in the air-conditioning with a special treat.

When your pet is outside or tagging along on errands, watch closely eye for overheating or heatstroke signs, such as:

  • Heavy panting
  • Drooling
  • Bright red gums
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Weakness
  • Collapse

If your pet shows heatstroke signs, cool them with cool water and head to Omega Veterinary Group immediately. Heatstroke can cause organ failure and requires urgent treatment.

3: Avoid walking your pet on hot pavement

Asphalt, concrete, pavement, and sand can become scorching hot and burn your pet’s paws. Walk your pet during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, and stick to the shade or grassy paths whenever possible.

Signs of burned paws in pets include:

  • Limping
  • Blisters
  • Red or damaged pads

If your pet’s paws are severely blistered or they are refusing to walk, seek veterinary care.

4: Beware of water hazards for your pet

Not all pets are natural swimmers skilled at the doggy paddle. Never leave your four-legged friend unattended around water, and consider a pet life jacket for added safety. Avoid stagnant or discolored water bodies that may contain blue-green algae, a bacteria that can be fatal if ingested.

If your pet ingested water containing blue-green algae, they may show the following signs:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Weakness
  • Pale gums

As poisoning progresses, muscle tremors, paralysis, seizures, and respiratory arrest may also develop.

If your pet shows any of these signs, seek immediate veterinary treatment for supportive care.

5: Avoid sharing barbecue foods with your pet

Many foods common at barbecues, such as onions, garlic, chocolate, and grapes, are toxic to pets. Bones, corn cobs, and metal or wooden skewers are also dangerous, because they can cause gastrointestinal obstructions or perforations in your pet. Keep these foods out of your pet’s reach and instruct your guests to avoid sharing.

Indications that your pet has eaten food that did not agree with them include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Inappetence
  • Abdominal pain
  • Lethargy
  • Excessive thirst and urination

If your pet ingests any toxic food, hazardous cooking items, or trash, they need urgent veterinary care to prevent severe health issues.

6: Protect your pet against parasites

Summer is peak season for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can transmit a multitude of serious diseases. Protect your pet from parasitic threats by regularly administering parasite prevention year-round.

Parasite infestation signs can include:

  • Excessive scratching
  • Hair loss
  • Visible parasites (e.g., fleas, ticks)

Other biting and stinging insects can also harm your pet and potentially cause an allergic reaction. If your pet shows signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, swollen muzzle, vomiting), seek veterinary care.

7: Shield your pet from the sun

Pets with light-colored or thin coats are susceptible to sunburn, particularly on their nose and ears. Additionally, white cats exposed to ultraviolet radiation are at increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma. Shield your pet from the sun whenever possible, and apply a pet-friendly sunscreen when outdoors.

If your pet is sunburned, you may see:

  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Blisters
  • Peeling skin

Severe sunburn can be incredibly painful and lead to skin infections. If your pet’s skin appears damaged or they are in significant discomfort, seek veterinary care.

Summer can be a wonderful time to enjoy with your pet, but you must be aware of potential hazards. Follow these safety tips and know when your furry friend needs emergency care. If your pet does encounter a summertime hazard and needs immediate veterinary care, contact our Omega Veterinary Group team.