As temperatures rise and families spend more time outdoors, summer can be an exciting season for pets. Whether it’s long walks, backyard barbecues, or trips to the park, there are plenty of opportunities for fun. However, summer also brings unique risks that can threaten your pet’s health and safety.

At Noah’s Animal Hospitals, we want to help pet owners recognize common summer hazards and take simple steps to protect their furry companions.

1. Heatstroke and Overheating

Pets can quickly become overheated, especially during hot and humid weather. Unlike humans, dogs and cats have limited ability to cool themselves through sweating.

Signs of Heatstroke:

• Excessive panting 
• Drooling 
• Bright red gums 
• Weakness or lethargy 
• Vomiting or diarrhea 
• Collapse or seizures 

Prevention Tips:

• Provide fresh, cool water at all times. 
• Walk dogs during the early morning or evening. 
• Avoid strenuous exercise during peak heat. 
• Ensure access to shade when outdoors. 
• Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. 

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them to a cool area and contact your veterinarian immediately.

2. Hot Pavement Can Burn Paw Pads

Sidewalks, asphalt, and sand can become dangerously hot during summer months. Surfaces that feel warm to your hand can cause painful burns on your pet’s paws.

Safety Tip:

• Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.
• Consider walking on grass, using protective booties, or limiting outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.

3. Dehydration

Pets lose fluids through panting and activity, making dehydration a common concern during summer.

Signs of Dehydration:

• Dry gums 
• Sunken eyes 
• Lethargy 
• Loss of appetite 
• Thick saliva 

Always bring water during walks, hikes, or outings. Portable pet water bottles and collapsible bowls make hydration easy wherever you go.

4. Parasites Thrive in Warm Weather

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes become more active during the summer and can transmit serious diseases.

Potential Risks:

• Flea infestations 
• Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease 
• Heartworm disease transmitted by mosquitoes 

Prevention:

• Keep your pet on year-round parasite prevention. 
• Check for ticks after outdoor activities. 
• Maintain your yard by trimming grass and removing standing water. 
• If you’re unsure which preventive products are best for your pet, our veterinary team can help.

5. Water Safety Hazards

Many pets enjoy swimming, but lakes, pools, and beaches can present unexpected dangers.

Summer Water Safety Tips:

• Supervise pets around water at all times. 
• Use a pet life jacket when boating. 
• Rinse pets after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, or contaminants. 
• Prevent pets from drinking large amounts of pool, lake, or ocean water. 

Some blue-green algae blooms can be toxic and potentially fatal. Avoid allowing pets to swim in water that appears bright green, scummy, or discolored.

6. Summer Foods Can Be Toxic

Cookouts and family gatherings often include foods that can be harmful to pets.

Foods to Avoid:

• Grapes and raisins 
• Onions and garlic 
• Chocolate 
• Alcohol 
• Corn cobs 
• Xylitol-containing products 
• Fatty table scraps 
• Keep food and trash securely out of reach and remind guests not to feed pets from the table.

7. Fireworks and Loud Noises

Summer holidays often bring fireworks displays that can cause significant anxiety in pets.

Ways to Help:

• Keep pets indoors during fireworks. 
• Create a quiet, comfortable space. 
• Play calming music or white noise. 
• Ensure identification tags and microchip information are current. 
• Anxious pets may attempt to escape when startled by loud noises, making proper identification especially important.

Ask our team about noise aversion medications or other supplements that can help keep your pet calm during fireworks or thunderstorms

Schedule a Summer Wellness Visit

Summer should be a season of fun, not emergencies. By staying aware of common seasonal hazards, you can help keep your pet healthy, comfortable, and safe all summer long.

If you have questions about parasite prevention, travel safety, heat-related concerns, or your pet’s overall health, contact Noah’s Animal Hospitals today to schedule a wellness exam. Our team is here to help your pet enjoy a safe and happy summer!