7 Summer Precautions: Learn How to Protect Your Dog!

Protect Your Dog from these Summer Dangers!

Know the 7 Ways to Protect Your Dog this Summer! (Image Courtesy of MobilityDog.org)

 

Poison Hemlock is Dangerous to Dogs (and You!)

This plant is harmful to your dog and you! While the roots are the most toxic part, exposure to any part of the plant should always be avoided. Also known as:

  • Poison Parsley.

  • Spotted or Wild Hemlock.

  • Winter Fern.

  • California Fern.

  • Nebraska Fern.

 
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NEVER Allow Your Dog around Blue-Green Algae or “Pond Scum”

These toxic bacteria or “pond scum” are found in slow-moving, stagnant bodies of water including pools and decorative ponds! Do not let your dog drink or swim in water with algae blooms! Blooms may also be blue, bright green, brown or red.

 

Supervise Your Dog’s Drinking to Prevent K9 Water Intoxication

Yes, your dog can consume TOO much water TOO fast and dangerously affect their sodium levels. Always supervise your K9 around water to prevent excessive drinking.

 

Grass Awns, or Foxtails, Can Become Embedded with Dangerous Consequences for Your Dog

Also known as:

  • Cheatgrass.

  • Spikes.

  • Spear/Feather Grass and more.

These stiff plant fibers can be inhaled, swallowed or lodged anywhere on your dog’s body. With their backward-facing barbs - or hooks - foxtails can become embedded with dangerous results if not removed immediately. Once embedded in the body, foxtails cannot come out on their own. Always inspect your dog after being outdoors.

 

ALWAYS Protect Your Dog with Dog-Friendly Suncreen

Even on cloudy days, protect your pup’s nose and lip areas, ear tips along with their belly and groin area with dog-friendly sunscreen (not human sunscreen) and reapply often (especially after swimming!).

 

Know How to Protect Your Dog Against Heat!

Heat exhaustion heatstroke can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences for your dog. Always keep your dog in a cool environment especially if they are at high risk due to:

  • Age.

  • Breed.

  • Excess Weight.

  • Too Much Activity.

NEVER submerge an overheated dog in cold water! Slowly cool them down and encourage (but do not force) them to drink fresh, cool water.

Summer DangersMobility Service Dogs - West Coast ProjectPoison Hemlock and Dogs, Blue-Green Algae and Dogs, K9 Water Intoxication, Foxtails and Dogs, Sunburn and Dogs, Heat and Dogs, Heatstroke, Heat Exhaustion and Dogs