Four Summer Hazards Your Dog Wished You Knew

By Bonnie Sweebe

For humans, summertime means flip-flops, sandals and pretty polished toes. For dogs, summertime means romping outdoor play, which can get pretty vigorous for a dog suffering from winter cabin fever. As Fido romps and tumbles this summer without a care in the world, owners need to kick responsibility up a notch. Be on the look-out for the following summertime dog dangers:

Paw Damage: Romps in the green grass can uncover hidden dangers resulting in pad punctures from sharp concealed objects such as rocks, sticks, thistles, even broken glass. Splinters from wooden decks can also pierce tender paw pads.

High summer temperatures can be scorchers for dog paws, too. Dog pads that feel tough as leather can still be vulnerable to injury. Concrete sidewalks capable of heating up to 140+ degrees may not be able to cook an egg, but they can cause dog pad irritation or at worst a dog pad burn.

For swimming pups, take extra care to protect dog pads softened by water. Wipe pads dry and walk dog on grassy areas until pads return to normal. Avoid hot asphalt at all costs! According to Holly Ocasio Rizzo, a writer for Your Dog, a publication of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, the application of old fashioned remedies such as butter or salve on a burn wound do nothing to promote healing. Instead, place dog pads under cool tap water (no ice) for 10 to 30 minutes. More serious burns signified by swelling, redness and blisters require immediate veterinary attention.

Insect Stings: Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and bumble bees are summertime buzzers can pack quite a wallop, especially on tender dog foot pads and muzzles. Frequently inspect foot pads and muzzles for swelling or tenderness. Like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to bee stings. If swelling severely extends beyond the target sting area, or if your dog has difficulty breathing or swallowing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dehydration: Much of a dog’s weight is water. So logic assumes that in order for organs to function properly water must be available. Illness, severe panting or excessive urination can rob a dog of water and create a hazardous health situation. During the summer months, check frequently to make sure pets have fresh water available indoors and outdoors and as always, NEVER leave your pet in your car during the heat of summer. Cracking the window for Fido is not enough. An outdoor temperature of 75 degrees can feel like 100 degrees, turning a parked car into a canine terrarium.

Sunburn: They may be wearing a fur coat, but summertime sunrays can still burn exposed dog skin. Particularly vulnerable burn areas exist around the muzzle, ear tips, nose, armpits and groin area. That is why shaving their coat during summer months is discouraged.

When hot, a dog lowers its body temperature by sweating from the glands in their foot pads.  So shaving a coat does nothing to cool their body.  In fact, their coat is a great insulator and a natural skin protector. And dogs can get skin cancer.

Should dogs use human sunscreen? Research suggests that human sunscreens contain ingredients that if ingested may be toxic to pets. The FDA has approved one sunscreen on the market (Epi-Pet Sun Protector) for dog (not cat) usage. The writer has not used the product and therefore cannot comment on/recommend the product. Please consult your veterinarian for advice on pet sunscreen protection.

These summertime safety tips have been brought to you by WelcomePup.com, where a happy pet means a happy pet owner. Visit us at www.WelcomePup.com.