Canine Summer Safety Tips - May 2024

Friends of the Riney Canine Health Center,  

Thank you for joining our pack!  I’m Brian Collins, an extension associate for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, and I’m pleased to share this month’s “From the Vet’s Desk” monthly health tip with our members.

Summer -- my favorite season -- is finally (almost) here! This year the summer solstice officially occurs on June 20^th. The sun will be directly overhead for the longest period of time for the year. What’s not to love about that --- unless you’re in the southern hemisphere, which unfortunately means winter is just beginning for you.

Have you ever wondered why it’s also not the hottest day? It’s due to what is called seasonal temperature lag. After the long, cold winter, it takes a while for the land and oceans to warm up -- which is why the hottest days tend to come in July and August.

Since this year’s summer solstice coincides with my mother’s birthday, I thought I’d write this in her honor. Since she managed to keep four farm kids safe (with minimal Emergency Room trips!), I wanted to follow suit and provide an overview of some summer safety tips.

Before you head out to a state park, hiking trail, or dog park, you’ll want to make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and is protected with monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventives. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos also love summer, and the risk of many infectious diseases is greater during these warmer months.

For many dogs, riding in the car is one of the highlights of the trip, but we can make the ride safer if we keep a few things in mind. While they may love riding with their head out the window, they can be seriously injured by flying debris or even risk falling from the window. Consider a safety vest harness which will keep your pup secure if the window is down and also restrained in the event of quick stops or fender-benders. Alternatives include having your dog ride in the car in a crate or safely behind an adjustable barrier. The back of a pick-up truck is never a safe option. It’s a good reminder every year, and worth mentioning that cars can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes, particularly if the outside temperature is above 70 degrees. The temperature inside the car can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Plan your day so that you won’t need to consider leaving them alone, but instead with an adult who can remain with them with the windows down and/or the air conditioning on.

Once you reach your destination – or if you are traveling on foot – keep in mind that asphalt and cement can become hot enough to burn your dog’s feet. If it seems too hot (check with your hand) or avoid those types of surfaces and walk on grass if you can. Consider stylish boots to protect their feet or choose cooler times of day to explore.

It's a great idea to bring cold water with you, even if you’re heading for a body of water. There are handy water bottles for dogs that come with a convenient bowl attached. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the sun, your dog may benefit from some dog-friendly sunscreen – particularly if they have light colored fur, thin coats or lightly pigmented noses. Dogs are also susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer but remember to avoid products that aren’t deemed safe for dogs as they may contain ingredients that are toxic if ingested. Perhaps your dog would prefer a fashionable sun hat or suit to block the harmful rays. If you can’t find a shady spot to relax, come prepared with a beach tent for you both to shelter from the sun. A battery-powered fan can be very helpful – especially on days when there isn’t much of a breeze.

For many of us and our dogs, summer means swimming as a great way to cool off, exercise, and have fun. If you’re at a lake, pond, or river beware of blue-green algae which is a threat to both humans and dogs. Flotation devices can make swimming safer, particularly if your dog has limitations due to age, health, or mobility and are a must if your dog will be riding in a boat on the open water.

It's important to be able to recognize the signs of heat stress and stroke in dogs. All dogs are susceptible, but those at increased risk include dogs with dark or thick coats, dogs that are overweight, brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, and dogs with underlying heart or lung conditions. Dogs don’t sweat very much so they rely mostly on panting for cooling, but swimming, breezes, and shade are also important. If you are feeling hot, your dog may be hotter! Signs to watch for include seeking shade, excessive panting, whining, restlessness, reluctance to play, vomiting or diarrhea, and even weakness or collapse. If you notice early signs, move your dog to shade or air-conditioning, offer cold water, and seek veterinary guidance. Be careful not to cool your dog off too quickly which can lead to hypothermia. If you are reaching for a garden hose to cool your dog off, use caution as the water can become dangerously hot enough to cause burns.

While swimming can help keep your dog cool, ingesting too much water can be a problem. If you’re at the ocean, drinking too much salt water can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and can be life-threatening. Ingestion of large quantities of fresh water can also be dangerous and can lead to a condition called water intoxication. Signs can include bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, acting confused, and collapse. In either situation, prompt veterinary care is essential.

Summer is a great time to create happy memories with your dog. With a little preparation, you and your dog can have many safe adventures together. Don’t forget to pick up one of the many dog-friendly ice creams or frozen treats -- your dog will be very grateful!

As always, thank you for being a Riney Canine Health Center member. We look forward to catching up with you next month!

extension veterinarian

Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center