There are more risks to your dog’s health in summer than in any other time of year. Knowing what these risks are will help you protect your dog all year-round.

Heat Stroke

In Australia, heat is a major issue for dogs. Your dog is at risk of developing heat stroke when its body gets too hot – and during our hot summers this can happen all too often. Dogs must not be left in a car in hot weather – even if the window is left ajar, it will not be enough to cool the car. Make sure your dog has access to a shady spot during the hot part of the day, and consider leaving a paddling pool available for the dog to splash in, as well as plenty of cool water to drink. Also note that muzzling will interfere with a dog’s ability to cool itself by panting, so avoid this in the hot weather.

If your dog shows signs of heat stress – heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhoea or wobbly legs, keep it cool with damp towels, and take it to a vet as soon as possible.

Some breeds are more susceptible to heat stress than others, due to the size and shape of their snouts. Pugs, boxers, bulldogs and King Charles cavaliers have flat faces and thus shorter airways than other breeds. This impacts their ability to pant effectively, so they find it difficult to cool themselves.

Snakes

Snakes become active in the warmer months of the year, and are often seen near waterways. A bite by a brown snake or a tiger snake could kill your dog within hours, so it is important to keep your dog away from long grass and under effective control in bushland, while you keep an eye out for snakes. Dogs often get bitten on their noses and mouths when they confront a snake. If your dog does get bitten, call a vet immediately. You can read more about dogs and snakebites here.

Sunburn

Just because they have fur coats doesn’t mean that dogs are not susceptible to sunburn. In fact, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in dogs. White coated or light-coloured dogs, or those with thin coats are especially at risk.

Use a waterproof sunscreen that is suitable for pets or babies on the tips of your dog’s ears, its nose, the skin around its mouth, and on its belly if it likes to lie on its back. You don’t need to put in on their fur.

Dehydration

Make sure your dog has access to plenty of cool, fresh water both inside and out. Make  "pupsicles" out of frozen chicken broth for them to lick on hot days.

Burned foot pads

Walking the streets in the middle of a hot day should be avoided, as dogs can suffer burns to their feet. Instead, walk in the morning or evening, or choose a place where they can walk on grass, rather than concrete. Try testing how hot the pavement is with your own hand first – if it’s too hot for you, it’ll be too hot for your dog. If your dog does get its paws burned, try applying an aloe vera ointment several times a day – as it will probably be licked off, check with your vet about a suitable brand.

Parasites

Summer means lots of insects, and that includes those that will bother your pet. Ticks, fleas, worms, mosquitoes and flies are at their peak in the summer months. Talk to your vet about the best preventative products for your dog, such as medication, collars, shampoos, and ointments for conditions such as fly bite.

Fireworks

During the festive season, make sure your dog is well away from any fireworks. The loud noises and sudden flashes can startle and disorientate your dog and may cause it to run away. Consider keeping it either chained up or on a short lead during the celebrations.

Rip currents

We all know how dangerous swimming in a rip can be. If your dog gets caught in a riptide, it might be swept out to sea in minutes, and there is very little you can do to help. Strong currents in rivers are equally dangerous, so be aware.

Swimming

Not all dogs know how to swim. Make sure that swimming pools are adequately fenced off, and teach your dog how to find the shallow end of the pool, in case they do fall in. Pool chemicals such as chlorine can be an irritant on your dog’s skin, so make sure you rinse off your dog after a swim in the pool, and don’t let it drink the pool water.

Chemicals

We often do a lots of gardening in the summer months. Be careful not to leave any garden fertilisers or pesticides hanging around in case your curious dog tries to sample them. Be sure to pick up all garden tools as well, to avoid injury.

If you need to talk to an expert about medications for your dog, or to discuss strategies to keep your dog cool in summer, find a veterinarian near you today.