Keep Your Dog Safe This Spring and Summer: Must-Know Warm Weather Tips

I As the weather warms and we head into the vibrant seasons of spring and summer, many of us look forward to more time outdoors—and so do our dogs. While the sunshine and fresh air are invigorating, hot days bring serious risks to our four-legged companions. From overheating and burned paws to lesser-known threats like foxtail weeds and snake encounters, it's crucial to stay vigilant.

Here’s what every dog owner should know to keep their furry friends safe when temperatures rise:

1. Heatstroke: A Silent Killer

Dogs don’t sweat the way we do. They rely on panting to regulate their body temperature, which isn’t always effective in extreme heat. Heatstroke can happen quickly and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Signs of heatstroke include:

Excessive panting or drooling

Lethargy or confusion

Vomiting or diarrhea

Bright red gums or tongue

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Prevention tips:

Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening.

Always provide fresh water and shade.

Never over-exercise your dog in the heat.

2. Burned Paws on Hot Pavement

If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Sidewalks, asphalt, and sand can reach dangerous temperatures quickly.

Paw safety tips:

Test the pavement with the back of your hand for 7 seconds.

Stick to grassy or shaded areas during walks.

Invest in protective booties if needed.

3. NEVER Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car

This can’t be stressed enough: Never leave a dog locked inside a vehicle, even for a “quick minute.” On a warm day, the inside of a car can reach over 100°F (38°C) within minutes, even with the windows cracked.

Heatstroke, brain damage, and even death can occur rapidly. If you see a dog left alone in a car on a hot day, contact local authorities immediately.

4. Sneaky Spring & Summer Dangers: Foxtail Weeds

Foxtails are more than just a nuisance. These barbed grass seed heads can burrow into a dog’s skin, ears, nose, eyes, and even genitals. Once embedded, they can cause painful infections and may even require surgery.

Avoid foxtails by:

Keeping your yard clear of wild grasses.

Avoiding overgrown fields on walks.

Checking your dog’s fur, paws, ears, and between toes after being outside.

5. Watch Out for Snakes

Warmer weather brings snakes out of hiding, and curious dogs are often the first to find them. Venomous snakes, like rattlesnakes, can be a serious threat.

Snake safety tips:

Keep your dog on a leash in wilderness areas.

Avoid tall grass, rock piles, and bushy areas.

Consider rattlesnake aversion training if you live in a high-risk area.

Final Thoughts

Spring and summer are perfect times to bond with your pup, explore nature, and soak up the sun. But it’s up to us as pet parents to make sure our dogs enjoy the season safely.

Always stay alert, be mindful of the heat, and know the risks unique to warmer months. A little awareness can go a long way toward keeping tails wagging all season long.

Stay cool, stay safe, and give your pup some extra belly rubs from us!