Learning About Animal HealthLearning About Animal Health

Summer weather offers the perfect tableau to spend more time outside with your dog. The warmer weather leads to more dog park outings, longer walks, and family cookouts. While your pet will enjoy the additional excursions and more time with you, friends, and family, the activities could place them at a higher risk of illness or injury. By being aware of some of these hazards, you may avoid visiting a 24-hour emergency veterinarian.  

Heat

Heat is one of the most dangerous components for your dog faces during summertime. As temperatures soar, so does their risk of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can be brought on by several summer activities, including:

• Staying outside too long during elevated temperatures
• Walking, running, or playing during peak temperature hours
• Lacking shade
• Being in a hot house, car, or other enclosure

While your pet may enjoy long car rides, they should never be left in a parked car. Even on a cool, overcast day, your vehicle can heat up quickly. For example, on an 80-degree day, your vehicle can reach 125 degrees after an hour. Even with windows cracked and water available, your pet's body temperature can rise above a healthy temperature. The rise in the car's temperature can lead to heat exhaustion which you may be able to treat at home, or even heat stroke, which will need the services of a 24-hour emergency veterinarian.

Plants

If your dog can't resist chewing on everything they pass by, be aware that many plants in your garden can quickly cause gastric distress in your pet. Some of these include:

• Lilies
• Tulips
• Azaleas
• Foxglove
• Palm

There are numerous others. If your pet begins vomiting or experiencing severe diarrhea after spending time outside, call your emergency vet and report that they may have eaten something they should not have. 

Cookouts

Everyone loves a cookout, BBQ, or picnic. While it can be a great gathering of family and friends, you may want to be aware such parties can pose a risk for your pet. Non-pet owners do not always understand the risk that human foods can often pose to dogs. 

Be careful about allowing people to slip your pet picnic-related foods. Even bones can pose a choking and splintering risk to your pet. The tartaric acid in grapes and raisins found in many summer treats can be poisonous and cause vomiting and diarrhea. The last thing you want to do following a cookout is spend the rest of the evening at your 24-hour emergency veterinarian. 

Contact a local vet office, such as South Seattle Veterinary Hospital, to learn more.