7 Summer Dangers Hiding in Your Backyard
Vet Reviewed by Dr. Jacob Klos, DVM
Summer means more outdoor time for your dog. It also means new risks that aren't present during cooler months. Here are seven warm-weather hazards that veterinarians see every year and how to protect your dog from each one.
1) Hot pavement and surfaces
Asphalt and concrete absorb heat and can reach temperatures well above the ambient air temperature. On an 85-degree day, asphalt can reach 135 degrees or higher. That's hot enough to burn paw pads in under 60 seconds.
What to do: Use the back-of-hand test. Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog. Walk during early morning or evening hours when surfaces are cooler.
2) Heatstroke
Dogs don't regulate heat the way humans do. They cool themselves primarily through panting, which is far less efficient than sweating. Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers), overweight dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with thick coats are at highest risk.
Signs include: excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, disorientation, and collapse.
What to do: Provide shade and fresh water at all times. Limit intense exercise during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Never leave a dog in a parked car, even with windows cracked.
3) Toxic plants in bloom
Several common garden plants are toxic to dogs when ingested. Sago palms, oleander, azaleas, lilies, and certain mushrooms can cause serious illness or death.
What to do: Audit your yard and garden. Remove or fence off toxic plants. Check the ASPCA's searchable toxic plant database for a complete list.
4) Lawn chemicals
Fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides applied to lawns can be toxic if your dog walks through treated areas, rolls in the grass, or licks their paws afterward. Bone meal and blood meal fertilizers are particularly attractive to dogs.
What to do: Use pet-safe lawn products when possible. If you treat your lawn, keep your dog off the treated area until the product has fully dried or as directed on the label.
5) Standing water
Puddles, birdbaths, ponds, and kiddie pools that sit in warm weather can harbor bacteria, parasites, and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Blue-green algae exposure can be fatal to dogs within hours.
What to do: Prevent your dog from drinking standing water. Empty and refresh outdoor water bowls daily. Avoid lakes or ponds with visible algae blooms.
6) Fleas and ticks
Warm weather dramatically increases flea and tick activity. Both carry diseases that can affect your dog's health. Fleas cause dermatitis, tapeworms, and anemia in severe cases. Ticks transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and other infections.
What to do: Use a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventative year-round. Check your dog for ticks after outdoor time, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
7) Dehydration
Dogs lose more water through panting in warm weather. Active dogs, dogs spending extended time outdoors, and dogs on dry food diets are especially vulnerable.
What to do: Always have fresh, clean water available. Bring water on walks and hikes. Watch for signs of dehydration: dry gums, loss of skin elasticity, lethargy, and sunken eyes.
The simple rule
Summer should be fun for your dog. A few minutes of prep and awareness can prevent the most common warm-weather emergencies. Audit your yard, adjust your routine, and keep your dog cool, hydrated, and protected.
