Summer is a time for making memories with our pets—whether it’s hiking in the woods, spending the day at the beach, or relaxing in the backyard. But as we’ve shared in our other blogs on heatstroke and dehydration, pets in hot cars, and drowning risks, the warm weather brings more than just sunshine. There are several other hazards that pet owners should be aware of to keep their animals safe all season long.
We’d like to highlight some of the lesser-known but equally important summer risks, including beach dangers, insect bites and stings, and exposure to toxins. Knowing what to look for—and how to prevent these issues—can go a long way in keeping your pets healthy and out of the emergency room.
Beach Hazards
A beach day may sound perfect, but the environment poses a few hidden dangers for dogs.
Sand impaction Dogs who dig, fetch, or chew toys covered in sand can unintentionally swallow enough of it to cause a blockage in their digestive system. This can lead to vomiting, a loss of appetite, or abdominal discomfort. If your pet starts showing any of these signs after a trip to the beach, a veterinary visit is advised. Playing fetch away from sandy areas—like on grass or a blanket—can help reduce the risk.
Saltwater toxicity Swimming and retrieving toys in the ocean may also lead to ingestion of seawater, which can quickly result in salt poisoning. Signs include vomiting, tremors, disorientation, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. Pets should always have access to fresh water, and play sessions should be monitored to ensure they’re not drinking from the ocean or pool.
Insect Bites and Stings
Warmer weather brings an increase in insect activity, and pets exploring grassy trails or gardens are more likely to get stung or bitten.
Mild reactions such as localized swelling, itching, or redness are common and usually not serious. However, sudden facial swelling, redness around the eyes, or hives (bumps across the body) may indicate an allergic reaction requiring prompt veterinary treatment.
In rare but serious cases, pets may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction with signs like vomiting, collapse, or difficulty breathing. This requires immediate emergency care.
Tick bites are another concern, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, which may not show symptoms for weeks. Regular tick checks, preventative medication, and prompt removal of ticks are essential during outdoor excursions. (see our blog about Lyme Disease and how to prevent)
Drowning Risks
While some dogs are natural swimmers, no pet should ever be left unsupervised near a pool, lake, or other body of water. Even strong swimmers can become exhausted, disoriented, or unable to exit, especially if they fall into a pool with high walls or no steps.
If your pet falls into water and appears normal afterward, a post-immersion vet visit is still important. Oxygen deprivation can lead to lung injury, brain damage, or heart arrhythmias hours after the event. Check out our blog on drowning for more information.
Summer Toxins
Many warm-weather products and garden chemicals can be hazardous to pets:
- Sunscreen or insect repellent made for humans may contain zinc oxide or DEET, both toxic to pets if ingested.
- Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides used on lawns and gardens can cause vomiting, tremors, or worse if pets lick their paws or eat treated grass.
- Saltwater pools or freshwater lakes can contain bacteria or algae, including blue-green algae, which is extremely toxic and potentially fatal to pets even in small amounts.
- Certain summer plants, like lilies (toxic to cats), tulip bulbs, and daffodils, can also pose serious health risks if chewed or ingested.
If your pet shows signs of poisoning—drooling, vomiting, tremors, or collapse—seek veterinary help immediately.
Summer Pet Safety Summary
With preparation and awareness, you can help your pet enjoy all the fun of summer while avoiding a visit to the emergency vet.
Remember, if you’re ever unsure about your pet’s condition, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. We hope you never need an emergency vet, but if you do, Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is open 24/7—emergency walk-ins welcome. We are VECCS Level 1 certified and capable of handling even the most critical emergencies and trauma, with specialists on staff and on call to handle even the most life-threatening situations.