Summer is a fun time for dogs and humans. With the weather in Connecticut warming and the summer season on its way, dog owners should start making themselves aware that the season brings dangers to their pets. Heat, ticks, and chemicals are all common summer dangers for dogs. The Perfect Pup, LLC is one of Connecticut’s top professional dog training facilities. At The Perfect Pup, we emphasize positive training and safety and that’s why we wanted to publish an article this week on common summer dangers for dogs.
Common Summer Dangers for Dogs
Dangers to canines in the heat
The heat brings many dangers to canines with it. One of the more common summer dangers for dogs is Heat Stroke. Heat Stroke in dogs is recognized by excessive drool, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and barking for no apparent reason. Dehydration is also a serious danger to dogs in the summer. It has very similar symptoms to Heat Stroke but you can test for dehydration in dogs by gently pinching their skin. If the dog is dehydrated, their skin will take some time to return to its former position.
Dogs can also end up with burned pads if they are walked on hot asphalt. Even if the temperature is under 100 degrees, the asphalt can become hot enough to cause serious burns on their feet. A good way to check if it is safe to walk your dog on the road or on the asphalt in the heat is to hold your hand close to the surface. If it is too hot for you, then it is definitely too hot for your dog.
Chemical poisons to dogs in summer
Your dog may love to take a dip in a cool pool in the afternoon but keep in mind that chlorine and other pool chemicals can cause stomach problems in dogs. Pools that have saltwater can also be a danger to dogs with kidney problems and heart problems. The salt content can be toxic. Keep pools gated and watch your canines closely when they are near the pool.
Lawn and landscape chemicals can be a deadly common summer danger to dogs. Pesticides and other lawn-related chemicals can be extremely dangerous even deadly to dogs. Like humans, dogs can suffer symptoms such as skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory problems from landscape chemical exposure. Landscape chemicals can even be tracked in your home and cause exposure there. If you are going to treat your lawn with chemicals for summer, follow the instructions closely and do not let your pets near the treated areas.
Dangerous summer insects and dogs
Ticks are just one of the summer insects that can be a danger to dogs. Ticks cause the illness Lyme Disease. Some cases may progress to kidney failure so if your dog has had a tick on them and has a fever, loss of appetite, lameness, or swelling of the joints, you may want to have them checked for Lyme Disease. Other tick-related diseases that can affect dogs are Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasma, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Mosquitoes also pose a serious threat to dogs in the summer because they can cause Heartworm Disease. This disease is often life-threatening so prevention is key. There are many topical medications now that repel mosquitoes. You can also ask your local landscaping company to apply a repellent around the yard; just be sure it is safe for your dog and family to be around. There are also several garden plants that repel mosquitoes. These include Lavender, Basil, Rosemary, Citronella Grass, Bee Balm, and Catnip.