06/26/2025
🚨 Summer Pet Emergencies to Watch For ☀️🐾
As temperatures rise, so do the risks for our furry companions. At Cumberland County Animal Hospital, we want to help keep your pets safe from common warm-weather emergencies:
🐶 Heat Stroke – Dogs and cats can overheat quickly. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or collapse. NEVER leave pets in hot vehicles and avoid mid-day walks on hot pavement.
🏖️ Sand Impaction – Dogs that dig, roll in, or accidentally ingest sand while playing at the beach can suffer from painful GI blockages. Always bring plenty of fresh water and discourage digging or excessive licking.
🌊 Salt Water Toxicity – Drinking ocean water can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even seizures. Offer fresh water frequently and limit ocean water exposure.
💧 Blue-Green Algae Toxicity – Found in still or stagnant water, this algae is extremely toxic and is usually fatal if ingested. Keep pets away from ponds or lakes with discolored water or algae blooms.
🦴 Foreign Bodies – Summer fun can mean ingesting corn cobs, skewers, rocks, or beach toys. These items can cause choking or blockages and often require emergency surgery.
🦔 Porcupine Quills – Curious dogs often get too close and end up with painful quills embedded in their face, mouth, or paws. Never try to remove quills at home—this can worsen the injury. Immediate veterinary care is required.
🔥 Hot Spots – These painful, inflamed skin infections often appear suddenly, especially in dogs with thick coats or who spend time in water. They can rapidly worsen and require veterinary treatment.
💡 Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer:
✅ Provide shade and plenty of fresh, cool water
✅ Avoid walking during peak heat hours
✅ Rinse off salt and sand after beach visits
✅ Supervise closely during outdoor playtime
✅ Keep them up to date on parasite prevention
✅ Check your yard for pesky critters before outside time
✅ Check for hot spots
✅ Know where your closest emergency vet is located
If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health or behavior, don’t wait—call us at Cumberland County Animal Hospital. We’re here to help keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe all summer long! ☀️🐕🐾
