Can dogs get heat stroke? 10 summer health hazards for pets, according to a vet

Heat warnings present serious health hazards for people —and our pets. As parts of Canada brace for extreme heat, it's important to remember that soaring temperatures could be potentially fatal for our pets.

It turns out there are plenty of dangers associated with the summer months that can result in an emergency visit to the vet. Keep reading to learn more.

Heat and heat stroke

Last month, a family made headlines after their dog died from heatstroke, something Dr. Rebecca Jackson, an instructor at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, says can happen easily to our pets.

"It’s kind of different because they can't sweat through their skin, so they can really only sweat through their paw pads, and you know, by panting, so we have to keep in mind that they're so much more susceptible to heat stroke," Jackson explained in a previous interview with Yahoo Canada.

The sun also heats the pavement, which can pose another serious risk for pets.

"They're [burnt paws] really difficult to heal because the paw pads aren't very vascular. When there's injury and burning injury in that area, it can take months and months and months to kind of get that tissue back to that paw pad," Jackson added. "That hot pavement, especially dark pavement, is a big problem."

Another important reminder in the summer is to never leave your pet inside the car, especially when it’s hot outside.

A car often heats up quickly and has no air circulation, which means it won’t take long for your pet to suffer the consequences. Jackson said it can take as little as 10 minutes for a pet to suffer "irreparable brain damage from heatstroke" inside a vehicle.

Fertilizers and pesticides

If you're someone who loves keeping your lawn in tip-top shape, just be conscious of chemicals that may be conscious to our pets.

If you're using fertilizer, herbicides or insecticides, it's recommended to keep your pet away from the area being treated until it’s dry.

While fertilizers are typically safe for pets, certain products contain blood meal, bone meal, feather meal, and iron that can be tasty and dangerous in large quantities. Ingesting too much of these products can lead to stomach issues and severe pancreatitis.

If you suspect your pet has ingested one of these products, you can call the pet poison helpline or your veterinarian to see if they need treatment.

Plants

A lot of us enjoy gardening in the summer — but experts say you need to be mindful of what you’re planting to ensure your pets don’t get sick.

Certain garden plants can be harmful to dogs and cats, including tomato plants, rhubarb, garlic, chives, and leeks. If you’re unsure if what you’re planting is dangerous, then it’s always better to do some research first.

It’s not only vegetable plants but flowers you need to be aware of as well. Tulips, lilies, azaleas, irises and monkshood are just a few that can make your pets sick.

Insects

We don’t like bug bites — and neither do our pets.

Bee and wasp stings, spider bites and mosquito bites can happen in the summer, and it’s important to watch for any unusual behaviour from our pets.

If your furry companions are vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, or have a swollen mouth or rash, then you should take them to the vet.

Ticks are also a big issue and can transmit diseases, like Lyme disease, to dogs. It’s advised to check pets for ticks after they've been outside. Run your hands over your pet’s body and head to feel for any bumps you previously didn't notice. Don’t forget about the tail and in between the dog’s toes.

Another risk is heartworm, which the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association says occurs in warmer regions in Canada. The high-risk areas in Canada are southern Ontario, southern Quebec, Manitoba and the Okanagan in British Columbia.

The group said it appears that heartworms are "unable to survive at prevailing temperatures in Alberta and Saskatchewan."

According to Jackson, heartworm is becoming a bigger deal in Canada.

"It's a parasite that's spread by mosquitoes, and the egg hatches and it actually forms a worm in the bloodstream that lives in the heart of dogs," she told Yahoo Canada. "It can cause a variety of syndromes and diseases including a fatality in dogs, and sometimes cats too, but mostly in dogs."

Algae blooms

Most dogs love to go swimming in the summer — but make sure you watch for any warnings about blue-green algae. The bacteria is often found in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs and can multiply in the summer months.

Dogs are especially at risk if they ingest blue-green algae. It can lead to liver and neurological problems if left untreated. Red flags to watch out for include vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, excessive drooling and respiratory problems.

Allergies

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you’re not alone: our pets get them, too.

Jackson says she’s seeing more pets with environmental allergies.

“It can be one to four appointments a day in the summer dealing with allergy flare,” she added. “They're very rarely fatal, but they're very common hazards.”

Dogs aren’t the only ones who suffer from allergies; even indoor cats can be impacted when pollen gets inside through open windows and doors.

Compost

Compost is another hazard that’s common in the summer.

As compost decomposes, it can form mould spores and bacteria. The mould spores may produce a powerful toxin called mycotoxin, which can affect an animal’s muscle coordination.

Jackson says to also be mindful of compost in the spring when the snow melts and exposes old food scraps.

Food scraps

Picnics, barbecues and campfires are all activities we tend to enjoy more in the summer. Unfortunately, many of these events centred around food can be a danger zone for our pets.

Jackson recommends watching out for any food scraps on the ground or giving any food to our pets.

Fatty foods like steak trimmings can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the liver, while uncooked hamburger meat or chicken, as well as corn cobs, also present risks.

Make sure to properly dispose of any skewers left over from kabobs because they can cause a serious issue if a dog swallows them.

Drowning

Summer season is also swimming season, and while your dog may love to take a dip in the pool or beach, experts say it’s best to not leave them unattended.

Dogs can panic if they fall into the water and can also get exhausted after a long swim. Keeping an eye on your furry pals when they’re near any body of water will ensure they’re safe.

Also, be mindful when going boating and make sure your dog has an appropriate life jacket.

Hikes

If you love a good hike and bringing your pet along, be wary of certain risks.

Working in Alberta, Jackson says she sees a lot of animals who suffer from an injury they suffered while hiking.

“Cuts on the pads, sprains, and strains from overexertion or from tripping during a hike can certainly be an issue or gopher holes, tripping in a gopher hole,” she said.

Many summer risks are regional, expert says

While it may seem like there are a lot of risks to watch out for, Jackson noted that it’s important to remember risks are regional when it comes to pets.

The animal specialist says the best way to prepare for any summer plans is to make an appointment with your veterinarian beforehand.

“You really need an individual approach for every animal and that's why it's so important to have regular checkups with the vet because the advice that I would give to owner A is going to be different from the advice I would give to owner B and it really depends on where they're travelling,” she added.

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