Unsupervised Swimming Is One Of Many Summertime Dangers for Dogs

Some dogs seem like they were born to swim — but there can be a lot of hidden dangers in the water. Lakes and ponds may contain dangerous algae, snakes, leeches, and sharp submerged objects. Rivers and oceans can carry dogs away in riptides and heavy currents. Pools are filled with tummy-troubling chlorine. Always use your best judgement when letting your pups paddle around. Be sure to outfit them in lifejackets and always keep a close watch.

During the hot summer months — when dogs and their humans are at their most active — it's essential to always have a source of fresh, clean water nearby. Whether going for a walk or a long car ride, always have a portable water bowl and and some cool water on-hand. Dehydration is a very serious threat to our pups.

The buzzing of bees might be scary to us — but to dogs, it's a cause to investigate. However, this natural curiosity might get your furry friend stung. Not only are these stings painful, but they can result in airway-blocking swelling. Multiple stings or allergic reactions can be very dangerous, so be sure to keep your dogs far from nests and hives.

Summer is filled with many delicious foods — but these dishes are best enjoyed by humans, not dogs. Corn on the cob, pitted fruits, and meat with bones are all serious choking hazards to our beloved pets. Be sure to keep foods with skewers and toothpicks far from dogs, as they can puncture our pups' intestines. When hosting cookouts, be sure to remind your family and friends to keep their plates away from your pets.

Just like humans, dogs shouldn't be in the sun for too long. Always be sure your dog has plenty of shade to rest in, or bring her indoors to cool down. During hot days, be sure to limit your dog's physical activity outside. Also, protect your dog from the harsh rays with dog-safe sunscreen. Her nose, belly, ears, and inner-thighs are all prone to burning — and, if left unprotected, skin cancer.

For humans, fireworks are fun and beautiful — but for dogs, they're often scary and dangerous. The burning smells, the bright lights, the loud sounds — all of this can be incredibly overwhelming for our pups. But even when they're not exploding, fireworks can pose a real hazard to dogs. If consumed, debris and unlit fireworks can be very dangerous.

While it might be tempting to give your furry friend a quick buzz cut to beat the heat, it can actually cause great discomfort to your dog. A dog's coat provides natural climate control, so it acts as a temperature regulator during the hot summer months; it also helps to prevent sunburn. Though it's always good to keep dogs' fur well-brushed and maintained, resist the urge to buzz her.

According to the ASPCA, temperatures inside a car can reach up to 120 °F on an 85 °F day — even with the windows cracked. Though it might seem innocent, leaving a dog inside of a hot car can be incredibly stressful, dangerous, and uncomfortable for our precious pooches.

With the hot summer sun beating down, sidewalks and beach sand can reach very hot temperatures — and because our dogs' little paws are very tender, walking on these hot surfaces can be very dangerous. According to vets, if we wouldn't want to walk on the surface with our bare feet, we shouldn't subject our dogs to it either. Walk in the shade, or during cooler times of the day.

Dogs love to run through tall grasses and brush — but it can be dangerous to let them. Snakes, scorpions, and sharp objects can all be lurking within overgrown fields and yards, so be very careful. If your dog spots a snake, she may be tempted to chase or investigate the creature — which might lead to a deadly bite.

With all of the outdoor prancing and playing, dogs are incredibly vulnerable to parasites like fleas and ticks. Be sure to check your dog thoroughly every day for the little critters, fully examining her body and fur. Be sure to always administer flea and tick preventative on your pup — and keep any specimen you might find for a Lyme disease test at your vet.

Flowers might seem innocent — but ingesting certain types can lead to serious danger for doggies. Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, peace lilies, and azaleas are just a few flowers that can be very harmful to dogs if swallowed. Plant food can also be fatal if consumed, so keep your gardening supplies off-limits to dogs.

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