6 Tips to Avoid Common Pet Emergencies in the Summer

Common Pet Emergencies to Avoid

The most common pet emergencies that occur during hot summer days and the possible ways to prevent these troubling situations from happening are listed below:

1. Heatstroke

In summer, when the temperature rises and reaches a critical level, your pet's body usually becomes unable to regulate its internal temperature. This dangerous situation is termed heatstroke.

How to avoid heatstroke?

• Never leave your pet in hot, small, and confined places such as cars. Keep in mind heat stroke can occur within 6 minutes if the pet is unable to come out of the hot space.
• Always look for signs like excessive panting, red gums, drooling, and increased body temperature when playing in the sun. These symptoms can be indicative of heat stress. Hence heatstroke can also occur as a result of exertion during summertime.

2. Outdoor or Garden Pet Poisons

Sago palm, oleander, and azaleas are some of the most common poisonous plants for pets. Moreover, the compost, bone meal, and soil amenders can also be dangerous for our pets due to the presence of toxins.

How to avoid garden pet poisons?

• ASPCA’s list of nontoxic plants provides complete guidelines to make your backyard pet-friendly.
• Keep in mind that insecticides and rodenticides may also produce harmful effects during summer playing times in the garden. So, to avoid any pet emergency, we should opt for pet-friendly pest control rather than noxious products.

3. Accidents While Escaping

As the sun gets brighter, pet owners love being outside more with their favorite four-legged pal. This can expose your pet to a lot of new, loud noises. This may trigger anxiety and your dog or cat may run away. Unfortunately, this can result in the pet being hit by a car.

How to avoid escape and accidents?

• · If hosting a large gathering at home, find a quiet and secure place in the house for your pet to stay.
• · Make sure all the gates, doors, and windows are tightly secured when leaving your pet unsupervised.
• · In case of fireworks, thunderstorms, or any event that may cause anxiety in the pet, never leave your pet alone.
• · Keep your pet’s microchip information updated at all times.
• · Keep a recent photograph of your pet in your records. You will need to post their information in case of escape.

4. Summer BBQs and Grilling Hazards

Who doesn’t love summer parties with the smoke of the grill and a drink in hand? Unfortunately, this exciting pastime also comes with some summertime pet emergency risks.

How to avoid grilling hazards for pets?

• Keep bones, corncobs, and skewers away from your pet as they are all flavorful and tempting for your beloved pup. They may cause choking and life-threatening gastrointestinal tract obstructions.
• Make sure your pet is at a safe distance from the hot grill and meat grease to avoid any burns.
• Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs so keep an eye on your pet when you’re cooking with these ingredients.
• Never feed your pet your food, greasy foods particularly. It may result in pancreatitis.
• However, it is ok to give a little portion of green beans or baby carrots as a reward for their good behavior.

5. Bites and Stings

Summer is a great time to come outside for all, including insects or snakes. They become more active in warm weather, leading to an increased risk of summertime pet emergencies.

How to avoid bites and stings?

• Every time you take your pet out, even if for just a few minutes, always check for signs of bites or stings.
• If you suspect your pet has been bitten or stung, contact your vet immediately before any concerning symptoms appear.

6. Pets Around Water

Lastly, the most loved summertime activity is to fill up the backyard pool or take pets to the lake and swim around. It is very important to be vigilant while being around the water with your pet.

How to avoid summertime emergencies when pets are around the water?

• Always put your furry pals in a life vest before a swim to be able to rescue effectively in case of an emergency in the water.
• Train your pet not to drink ocean water. The salt content in the water can make your pet sick.
• Avoid stagnant water that can have elevated levels of protozoa or other toxic microorganisms.
• Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet shows signs like diarrhea or vomiting. Watch for abnormal behavior (depression) or appetite changes.

How to Prepare for a Pet Emergency

First things first, keep calm and never leave your furry pal unattended. If you must leave, ask someone to stay with your pet while you are away. Try to come back to your beloved pet as soon as possible.

In cases where the pet already has some medical complications, it is the responsibility of the owner to know the pet emergency procedures beforehand. You must know your vet’s contact information and how to transport your pet in case of an emergency.

Keep every piece of advice from your vet in mind to ensure your pet's wellness in any incident, especially during summertime emergencies. You must implicate pet-proofing methods inside and outside of the house. Always put on a leash whenever you take your pet outside, and never leave your pet unattended inside a car.

Our fur babies are our family members, so of course, we want to keep them safe. Keep these recommendations in mind to avoid accidents and enjoy fun and happy moments with your pet.

Read more:

Dog Park Safety Tips

Safety Considerations for Indoor and Outdoor Cats

Tips to Prevent Dog Bites

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your pet’s summer routine or another condition?

Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.