Heat stroke is a condition arising from extremely high body temperature  which leads to nervous system abnormalities (such as lethargy, weakness, collapse or coma). Abnormally high body temperature (also called hyperthermia) develops after increased muscular activity with impaired ability to give off heat due to high heat and humidity or respiratory obstruction. Allowing a dog to remain in a car with closed windows on a hot summer day is probably the most common cause of heat stroke.

Normal dogs dissipate heat from their skin. In addition, panting allows evaporation of water from the respiratory tract and is an effective method of heat dissipation. When these mechanisms are overwhelmed, hyperthermia and heat stroke usually develop. At temperatures greater than 109 F, failure of vital organs, and consequently death, can occur.

Heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps can occur after exposure to extremely high environmental temperatures. These illnesses occur in all mammals and can be prevented by taking proper precautions.

Animals at greatest risk for heat-related illness include:

There are several things you can do to prevent heat related problems for your pets:

Other Warm Weather Safety Concerns

Poisoning Hazards- Plants and Chemicals

As summer approaches, many people change their antifreeze/water mixture.   Traditional antifreeze, which tastes sweet to pets, is highly toxic. Make sure that even very small spills of antifreeze are carefully cleaned up and removed.  If your pet ingests any antifreeze, call your veterinarian immediately-- this is a true emergency.  Similarly, be sure to store pesticides, lawn and pool chemicals, and lighter fluids in an area which is not accessible to your pets.  If you treat your lawn or garden, be very careful to follow label cautions, and call your veterinarian if your pets appear to be ill following chemical treatments applied in your yard.  Even some indoor pets may be adversely affected by toxins sprayed in the yard, so exercise caution and educate yourself about risks.

Don't forget that many summer flowers are also highly poisonous for pets.  For example, daylilies are so toxic that they can kill a cat who nibbles on them.  Lilies of the valley, many bulbs, and a variety of other flowers can be very dangerous to your cats and dogs.  Educate yourself about plants you have in your garden or bring into your house in bouquets.  Monitor pets around your outdoor plants, and NEVER leave a vase containing daylilies or other toxic plants in a room where your cat can reach them.  If you believe your cat has ingested even a small amount of a toxic plant, call your veterinarian immediately. You may be facing a medical emergency, with only a short window of time available to save your pet's life.  For more information, please see our Pet Links page, which provides a link to the Toxic Plants Database.

Sunburn

Yes, even dogs and cats can get sunburned!  When left in the sun too long, painful sunburns can develop. Both hairless and white pets are at higher risk.  If left untreated, serious skin damage can occur.   Remember how painful sunburn is for humans, and protect your pet from overexposure to the sun.

Table Scraps

Barbeques and picnics are common summer activities. It may be tempting to give your pet leftovers but try to resist this temptation. Instead of including your cat in the fun, you may cause gastrointestinal upset, which can result in vomiting and diarrhea. Most pets are not used to the high fat foods that are commonly associated with picnics and parties. Mayonnaise and other dairy based items can be particularly bad; cats do not have the necessary enzymes to digest dairy products and spoilage can cause food poisoning.   Even if you feed your pet non-dairy items like fried chicken or hamburgers, their pancreas may not be prepared for those foods. The pancreas can become inflamed, leading to pancreatitis and abdominal pain, anorexia and vomiting.

Not only do table scraps pose a threat but so does the charcoal and lighter fluid used to barbeque. Ingesting ash or charcoal can result in significant stomach irritation.  Finally, never give your pet bones from roast chicken, ribs, or other meats.   Sharp bone fragments can puncture your pet's digestive tract, leading to serious injury or death.

Water Safety

Water is often a major part of outdoor family activities. Usually water activities are fun, relaxing and entertaining, but tragedy can occur without proper caution. Pets can drown in lakes and pools just like people.  Near pools, lakes, or streams, you should watch your pet as closely as you would monitor a child.

Be on the lookout for stagnant pools of water. At certain times of the year, algae forms along the edges of stagnant or infrequently used bodies of water. Some forms of this algae, particularly blue-green algae, are very dangerous. Ingesting some of the algae can cause serious, rapid illness and can kill pets. Don’t allow your pet near stagnant water or algae, and make sure he doesn’t drink from these water sources.

Fishhooks

Fishing is a popular spring and summer activity. Be aware that the bait you use to catch fish is also tempting to your pet. Many cats have eaten bait – along with the hook and line. Your pet might also step on a hook, which will result in embedding of the hook in the skin.   When taking your dog for a swim, be very careful to assess whether or not the area is commonly used for fishing.  If it is, you may wish to take your dog to another location, since fishermen frequently snag their hooks, leaving behind cut lines and many hidden hooks. 
A helpful tip:  be sure to keep a pair of wire cutters (or another tool which can cut though metal) handy when taking dogs for a swim at the lake or river.

If a hook is swallowed: 
The most important thing to remember regarding swallowing a hook is NOT TO PULL THE LINE. This will result in setting of the hook and increasing the chance that your pet will require surgery to remove it. Tie the line to your pet’s collar to prevent him from swallowing more of the line and contact your vet.

If a hook is stuck in your pet's paw or another body part:
Removing hooks in the skin can be challenging but may be possible. If possible, cut off the barb end and pull it through. Consult your veterinarian if your pet is bleeding or if you are unable to remove the hook.


Summer can be a wonderful time to share with your pet.  A little caution and awareness will help to keep your pets safe throughout the season.