Summer is many people’s favorite season, with sunshine and barbeques, long walks with your dog, or sun worshipping with your cat. But this glorious season comes with its own set of dangers – for us and our pets.
So, before you fire up the grill or decorate your dog with a glow stick for a Fourth of July celebration, let’s review some common hazards you need to know to avoid that dreaded emergency vet visit.
Glow Sticks: Not as fun as you think
Glowsticks spark joy in many people as they light up the summer nights, but that pretty glow is generated by a poisonous chemical called dibutyl phthalate (DBP). If your pet chews on the stick, they can start to drool excessively, vomit, or experience other gastrointestinal (GI) issues – especially if they swallow the broken bits of the internal glass vial.
If your pet is inadvertently exposed, try to dilute the foul taste with water or offer them a tasty treat. Turn the lights off and clean off any glowing spots to prevent them from being exposed again.
Corn Cobs, Bones: Tasty but potentially deadly
Eating corn on the cob seems synonymous with an outdoor celebration, but most dogs don’t understand that the cob shouldn’t be swallowed! Corn cobs do not break down in a dog’s GI tract and can block the intestines, causing vomiting, no appetite, or worse.
Similarly, those tasty, cooked bones from ribs or chicken can cause choking, an intestinal blockage, or worse if the bone has splintered and punctures the intestine. Emergency surgery is the most common treatment.
Do yourself and your pet a favor and keep them away from bones and corn cobs! If your dog accidentally eats one, contact your veterinarian right away.
Gopher Baits, Mole Baits, and Rodenticides: Be careful what you use for vermin control
Many poisons are marketed to control pests like gophers, moles, rats, and other rodents, but they can be just as dangerous for your pet. More common rodenticides contain anti-coagulants that can cause your pet to bleed excessively.
Newer generation rodenticides, including gopher and mole baits, contain even more dangerous chemicals like bromethalin, which can cause tremors, seizures, and death. It’s safest to leave any poisons at the store and find another solution that carries less risk for your pet.
Take your pet to the vet immediately if you suspect any exposure to these substances.
Heatstroke: Do you know the signs?
Heatstroke can happen any time it is warm out – especially for dogs with flatter faces, like pugs or bulldogs. Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, reduced energy, drooling, and collapse.
Change your walk schedule to the cooler parts of the day and make sure you have water handy for you and your dog. Don’t forget to check the sidewalk with your hand: if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them!
And it shouldn’t need to be repeated, but it continues to happen: NEVER leave your pet in a car – not in the shade, not with the windows down. Cars heat up quickly and can kill.
Poisonous Plants and Garden Supplies: There are more than you think
From lilies to mushrooms, cocoa mulch to compost, your yard could be full of potential poisons that your pet may nibble on. Make sure you know what is in your yard is and how it may affect your pet.
There are many reputable online resources to help ensure your yard is pet-safe, but keep an eye out for changes like new mushrooms popping up or deadly blue-green algae developing in water sources.
Avoid the Unexpected Vet Visit
Summer should be a fun time, full of play and relaxation, so keep your pet safe from these common summer dangers by being vigilant and proactive. If you have any questions, your veterinary team is ready to help. Now go and enjoy the wonderful season ahead!
