Summer hazards

Summer brings longer lighter days with plenty of time for training, working on fitness levels, long walks in the country, and trips to a beach or a river on hotter days. It's the season of outdoor gatherings and BBQs with friends and family. However, the summer also creates a series of hazards that can put even the fittest dog at risk. Being aware of these seasonal risks can keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy.

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink

Most dogs love a dip in a river in hot temperatures. Training in and around water can be a great alternative on warmer days, helping your dog to stay cool and hydrated. A shallow, slow-moving river is usually the safest bet if you want to practice water retrieves if you can access one. If you normally walk or train near to a canal, a reservoir or a lake then be mindful of blue green algae.

Although sometimes seen as a shimmering covering on the water, these bacteria can’t always be seen with the naked eye. If consumed, blue green algae is highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Try to avoid walking your dog around stagnant water in the summer months or take fresh water with you for them to drink. If they do go into standing water, make sure you wash them off afterwards with fresh water and watch out for any signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, or breathing difficulties. Consult a vet straight away if you think your dog has been exposed to the algae.

Life’s a beach

Dogs usually love the beach, but sea water definitely does not agree with them. If your dog does consume salt water, chances are they will end up with a case of diarrhoea. Unpleasant, but that’s the best-case scenario – the dog will make a recovery and you hope it learns its lesson and doesn’t drink it again.

On a more serious note, dogs who swim in the sea are at risk of consuming large amounts of salt water. This can cause vomiting, fits, or kidney failure. Keep a close eye on them if they do venture into the water and take some fresh water with you if you can, so they can drink that instead. Once you’ve got back from the beach, rinse their coat thoroughly so that they don’t consume more of the salt when they groom themselves.

Another danger at the beach is the sand itself – dogs can ingest it inadvertently if they dig or repeatedly pick up a ball. It can cause a blockage in the intestine (sand impaction) which will need veterinary attention. Limit retrieves on the beach if you are using anything that sand will stick to and again, ensure they are washed off with fresh water once you get back home.

Don’t let the bugs bite

Ticks are a common problem in the warmer months and are more prevalent in certain parts of the country. Make sure you regularly check both yourself and your dog for ticks and have a tick remover in your first aid kit. You can read more about ticks and tick borne diseases in our blog ‘Terrible ticks.’

Stings and bites are a more common problem in summer and some dogs, especially puppies, can be curious about flying insects, making them more prone to being stung. Keep an eye out for swelling, which can be treated with a cold pack and Piriton. If your dog’s breathing is affected or they are distressed in any way, then seek veterinary advice.

The summer months are also the main period when adder bites occur, when they are basking in the sun. If you live in or are travelling to an area where adders are more prolific (typically moorland, sand dunes & coastal paths, rough grassland) then make sure you know where your nearest emergency vet is and save their number in your phone. In case of a bite, keep your dog as calm as possible to slow the spread of the venom in their system and contact the vet to let them know you’re on your way to them. If possible, carry your dog back to your vehicle (consider having a sling in your first aid kit) and don’t interfere with the wound area yourself.

Up the garden path

Several plants that flower during the summer months can cause dogs problems if ingested. Lilies, foxglove, clematis, and wisteria (all parts including the pods) to name but a few. Compost heaps are also a hazard that dogs should be kept away from (due to toxic mould), as well as some composts and fertilisers.

The Animal Poison Line website contains a detailed list of pet-safe plants https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/pet-safe-plants/

Summer also means it’s grass seed season. Check your dog over thoroughly after every walk, especially between their paws, for any signs of seeds or sore areas. If you think a grass seed may have got under the skin, then seek help from your vet straight away before it migrates further.

Another thing that the curious dog may come across in the garden is a toad. Dogs are often interested in them and may try to lick them or pick them up. Toads secrete a toxin from their skin when they feel threatened however, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog starts drooling or frothing at the mouth, wipe it away if you can so that it doesn’t spread to their paws or eyes and seek advice from your vet immediately.

The dog days of summer

Heatstroke is a killer where dogs are concerned and something to be taken very seriously. There is a lot of outdated or incorrect advice on the internet on this subject so make sure you know what to look out for and what to do if your dog shows any signs of heatstroke. Our blog on the topic goes into more detail and can be found here. If you’re in any doubt about whether it’s too hot to walk or train your dog, err on the side of caution and leave them at home.

Grilled to perfection

As much as we enjoy a BBQ and a gathering on a sunny day, many have resulted in an emergency trip to the vet. Skewers, corn on the cob, bones, onions – there’s a long list of items that could cause a serious problem if ingested. As well-meaning as some guests are, inevitably something is dropped on the floor and before you know it, has been hoovered up by the dog.

If you can, keep your dog away from the BBQ while cooking is taking place and until leftovers are disposed of.

Prevention is better than cure

This blog of course covers lots of potential hazards and dangers but with a bit of planning and awareness, many of them can be avoided altogether, while still enjoying the opportunities that summer brings to have some great times with our dogs.

Adapting training sessions and walks, planning before we travel, and checking our dogs regularly and thoroughly, can hopefully avoid any emergency trips to the vets and keep them healthy and happy throughout the summer months.