Ten Summer Health Hazards for Pets

1 Heatstroke and Dehydration

Dogs do not cool themselves as efficiently as people. They rely mainly upon panting, and their body temperature can rise dangerously during exercise, in a hot room or vehicle, or while lying in direct sunlight.

Rough Collies have a double coat that provides insulation against heat as well as cold. The coat should be kept clean, free from compacted undercoat and well groomed. It should not automatically be shaved off for summer.

Signs of overheating or heatstroke may include:

• Heavy or continuous panting
• Excessive drooling
• Red gums or tongue
• Restlessness, confusion or agitation
• Rapid heartbeat
• Weakness or staggering
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse or seizures

Flat-faced dogs, older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, dark-coated dogs and dogs with heart, lung or mobility problems may be at increased risk. However, any dog can develop heatstroke.

What to do:

• Stop exercise and move the dog out of the heat.
• Pour water that is cooler than the dog over the neck, stomach and thighs, avoiding the head.
• Create air movement by using a fan, breeze or air conditioning.
• Call your veterinary surgeon and arrange immediate assessment.
• Transport the dog in a cool, well-ventilated vehicle while continuing cooling where practical.

Do not leave a wet towel draped over the dog because it can warm up and trap heat. Cool first, then transport to the vet.

Provide constant access to fresh water and shade. Exercise during the cooler early morning or evening and carry water and a portable bowl when away from home.

2 Ticks

Ticks are small parasites that attach to animals and feed on blood. They are often encountered in woodland, heathland, moorland and long grass.

Check your dog after walks, paying particular attention to the head, ears, neck, armpits, groin, feet and between the toes.

Remove an attached tick promptly with a suitable tick-removal tool, following its instructions carefully. Avoid squeezing, burning or covering the tick with substances.

If you cannot remove it safely, part appears to remain in the skin, or the area becomes swollen or infected, contact your veterinary practice.

Ask your veterinary surgeon which preventative treatment is appropriate for your pet. Never use a dog-only product on a cat.

3 Bee and Wasp Stings

Most stings cause local pain and swelling, but a sting inside the mouth or throat can obstruct breathing. Some pets can also develop a severe allergic reaction.

Possible signs include:

• Sudden whining or distress
• Swelling
• Pawing at the face or mouth
• Licking or biting the affected area
• Holding up a painful paw
• Hives or raised swellings
• Drooling
• Vomiting, weakness or collapse

Seek urgent veterinary assistance if your pet has been stung inside or near the mouth, has facial or throat swelling, struggles to breathe, vomits repeatedly, becomes weak or collapses.

8 Fertilisers, Pesticides and Garden Chemicals

Garden products vary considerably. Some may cause only mild irritation, while others can be extremely dangerous if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Potential hazards include:

• Slug and snail pellets
• Weed killers
• Insecticides and pesticides
• Concentrated fertilisers
• Moss killers and lawn treatments
• Rat and mouse poisons
• Ant and fly-control products
• Compost containing mouldy food or other toxins

Keep pets away while garden chemicals are being applied and for as long as the product instructions require. Store containers securely and clean up any spillages promptly.

Possible signs of poisoning include:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Drooling or nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or unusual behaviour
• Difficulty breathing
• Tremors or seizures
• Collapse

If exposure is suspected, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately. Keep the product container or photograph the label so the ingredients can be identified. Do not make your pet vomit unless instructed by a veterinary professional.

9 Poisonous Plants and Flowers

Many garden and household plants can cause illness. The level of danger depends upon the plant, the part eaten, the amount consumed and the species of pet.

Examples of plants that may be hazardous include:

• Lilies: extremely dangerous to cats. The flowers, leaves, stems, pollen and vase water can all pose a risk of acute kidney failure.
• Foxglove: contains substances that can affect the heart and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, collapse or abnormal heart rhythms.
• Oleander: all parts can be highly toxic and may affect the heart.
• Sago palm: can cause severe liver damage, particularly if the seeds are eaten.
• Yew: can cause serious heart and nervous system effects and may be rapidly fatal.
• Azalea and rhododendron: may cause drooling, vomiting, weakness and heart problems.
• Laburnum: may cause vomiting, weakness, poor coordination, seizures or collapse.
• Hydrangea: may cause vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy if eaten.
• Geranium: may cause skin irritation, vomiting, reduced appetite or lethargy.

This is not a complete list. Check whether plants are pet-safe before adding them to a garden or home, and keep cut flowers, bulbs, seeds and gardening waste out of reach.

If your pet eats an unknown or poisonous plant, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately. Take a clear photograph or a sample of the plant in a secure container, but do not delay seeking help.

10 Hot Cars and Other Enclosed Spaces

Never leave a dog in a parked vehicle during warm weather, even for a few minutes. Opening a window, parking in shade or leaving water does not make a hot vehicle safe.

The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly. Shade may move, and dogs can develop fatal heatstroke before an owner returns.

Conservatories, caravans, sheds, tents and poorly ventilated rooms can also become dangerously hot.

If you see a dog showing signs of distress inside a hot vehicle, call 999 and ask for the police. Give the exact location, vehicle registration and a description of the dog’s condition. Follow the instructions given by the emergency operator.

If the dog is not currently distressed but you remain concerned, note the vehicle details, try to locate the owner and seek advice from the police on 101 or an appropriate animal welfare organisation.