Longer days and warmer weather – when summer hits the UK, the nation is undeniably happier. But for our four-legged friends, these sunny months can bring hidden dangers. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to avoid these risks and make sure your dog has a happy, healthy summer.
We sat down with Policy Expert’s resident vet nurse, Faye, to ask about the things she’s seen dogs get into trouble with during summer, and how she’d recommend avoiding them.
Hot weather & heatstroke
Dogs rely on panting to cool down, but when the weather is really hot or humid, this doesn’t always work and can lead to heatstroke.
Top tips
- Never leave your dog in a car, even for a few minutes or with the window slightly open.
- Give them shade, fresh water, and cool surfaces.
- Do not take them out for intense exercise during the hottest parts of the day. Aim for shaded spots, take it slow and make it short.
- Watch for signs of heatstroke: panting too much, much drool, being weak, and falling over If you suspect heatstroke, immediately move your pet to a cooler place, put cool water on them, and take them to a vet.
Pavements and burnt paws
Roads and pavements can get as hot as 52C, enough to severely burn your dog’s paws.
Top tips
- Test the ground with the back of your hand for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog.
- Try to walk your dog in the shade and on grass if possible.
Sunburn
Just like humans, dogs can get sunburnt, especially those with pale fur, limited hair or skin that shows a lot, like their nose, ears or belly.
Top tips
- Use pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas like ears, nose, belly and paws.
- Avoid being in the sun for a long time, especially when it’s strongest.
- Give them shade and let them go to cool areas to rest.
Dehydration
Dogs heavily rely on panting to cool down, which uses up a lot of water. If you’re not careful, in hotter weather this can lead to dehydration which can be extremely dangerous.
Top tips
- Always give fresh, clean water.
- Encourage drinking throughout the day, especially during warm weather.
- Look for signs: gums that are dry, eyes that look sunken, and acting very tired.
Insect bites and stings
Summer is prime time for insects, which means spending time with your dog outside will naturally lead to a higher risk of bites and stings. Some bites will just make them a little itchy, but others can be much more dangerous.
Top tips
- Use bug sprays that are safe for pets, and products for fleas and ticks.
- Check pets often for ticks and fleas, and remove them quickly.
- Be careful around bees, wasps and hornets both flying around and on the ground.
- Think about areas where insects are likely to gather, such as near stagnant water (mosquitoes), wooded areas and long grass (ticks), and flowering gardens (bees).
Drowning
While the splashing in water during hot weather is fun for your dog, it’s essential to be aware of the very real risk drowning.
Top tips
- Never leave pets alone near any water.
- Make sure all pools have proper fences.
- Be careful when doing activities that involve water.
Pond hazards: Toads and algae
Hot weather draws dogs to ponds, but hidden bacteria that forms on the top of the water can be fatal if your dog swallows them. On top of this, dogs often lick or pick up toads which live near ponds. Toads can let out a poisonous venom from glands on their skin which can be lethal if not treated immediately.
Top tips
- Try to keep your dog away from ponds.
- If you are near any water, look for toads and don’t leave your dog alone.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your dog’s health this summer, always get advice from your vet. And don’t forget, our policies include free access to a 24/7 vet advice line for your peace of mind.
