30 ways to keep your pets safe from common summer dangers
For starters, your pup should never eat corn on the cob
Tossing them the cob.
Tossing them the cob.
Dogs love corn on the cob (butter and salt!) but if they swallow a portion of the cob, it can get stuck in the stomach or intestines, explains Heather Loenser, DVM, a veterinary advisor with the . Always toss that cob in the trash.
Leaving the temp too high.
Leaving the temp too high.
Some animals, like chinchillas and rabbits, can get overheated indoors. If you're traveling and leaving them at home, have someone check in periodically to feed them and make sure it hasn't gotten too hot in the room, advises Loenser.
Letting them get at a shish kabob.
Letting them get at a shish kabob.
Your dog doesn't know that the wooden stake left over from a chicken shish kabob isn't food, says Travis Lanaux, DVM, clinical assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Hello, it tastes like chicken! Discard once the food is off the grill.
Using unsafe fertilizers.
Using unsafe fertilizers.
Opt for pet- and kid-safe products, but also make sure that the person applying these does so in appropriate areas and in appropriate amounts, and stash the bag somewhere safe, advises Lanaux.
Leaving your dog in a hot car.
Leaving your dog in a hot car.
Never ever leave any pet in a parked car alone. "There's a greenhouse effect inside the car that can increase temperatures quickly — an animal can die in 5 minutes," says Lanaux.
Giving them gristle.
Giving them gristle.
Oh, grilled is so good — but not for the pup. Eating gristle regularly can up a dog's risk of pancreatitis, says Lanaux. Don't fall for those puppy dog eyes.
Letting them ride shot gun.
Letting them ride shot gun.
When you're out and about on an adventure, have your dog ride in the
Using dog flea meds on cats.
Using dog flea meds on cats.
Some owners accidentally apply the dog versions to their cat (not reading the label) or will use the same dog formula for their cat to save money. This can be fatal for your cat, says Loenser. Always use the appropriate products for cats and dogs.
Forgetting to stock their airline crate.
Forgetting to stock their airline crate.
Taking them on a far-from-home adventure? Lucky pets! Just make sure their is stocked with everything they might need, including water — and even ice packs.
Having a run in with an unfriendly pooch.
Having a run in with an unfriendly pooch.
Just because a dog meets a new friend at a dog park doesn't mean he's friendly or well-socialized. Google "doggy body language" and read up, suggests Loenser. Knowing what it really means when a pup wags his tail can help keep everyone safe.
Leaving without a plan.
Leaving without a plan.
If you're leaving an animal of any kind at home — even a lizard — develop a clear plan with someone you trust for how they'll care for them should an emergency arise and they can't get in touch with you. What's reasonable vet care? Are there any financial limits for care?
Feeding them potato chips.
Feeding the potato chips.
Well-meaning party goers in your home may try to make fast friends with your feline by feeding her snacks. But salty foods like chips and popcorn, along with others like coconut, nuts and raw eggs can pose a variety of problems from excessive thirst and vomiting to food poisoning. For a full list of possibly poisonous foods, visit the .
Getting into feline fights.
Getting into feline feline fights.
"After 10 years of working in the ER, the bulk of cats I saw that suffered a calamity were outdoor cats," says Loenser. Watch out for fights with wildlife and other cats. (In the future, consider keeping indoor felines.)
Chickens going thirsty.
Chickens going thirsty.
It's true: raising chickens is kind of trendy right now. Since the cluckers tend to kick their water bowl, make sure you visit them regularly and provide them with clean and fresh water, says Loenser.
Gulping too much water.
Gulping too much water.
If you're playing at a beach with Fido and he drinks a large amount of salt water, the sodium levels in his body can rise, causing vomiting and seizures, says Lanaux. Fresh water lakes and rivers, on the other hand, can cause sodium levels to drop too far, leading to unconsciousness. Always bring a fresh supply of water and make pets rest.
Not being able to find an animal hospital.
Not being able to find an animal hospital.
Everything will probably be fine if you're taking your pet on vacation with you, but in case of an emergency, you want to know where to go. Head to to find an animal hospital accredited by the AAHA.
Forgetting heartworm medications this month.
Forgetting heartworm medications this month.
Not everyone picks up after their dogs at the dog park, and that poop can contain parasites if the pooch isn't dewormed. The monthly heartworm meds you give them also kills any intestinal parasites. Don't skip a dose!
Trying a tough hike.
Trying a tough hike.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two common problems with dogs in summer. Your dog may not be acclimated to the heat, making a three-mile hike dangerous. Build up their stamina outdoors in warmer weather gradually.
Jumping into a pool.
Jumping into a pool.
Even if your pup's a championship swimmer, he may not be able to get out of the pool on his own. Stay around the area and keep an eye on him so you can all have some safe summertime fun.
Walking on hot asphalt.
Walking on hot asphalt.
You know what it's like when you step in bare feet on asphalt in the middle of a sunny day? Scorching. Keep their paws protected from by walking on grass or sidewalks and keeping strolls short when it's steamy out.
Letting the tank heat up.
Letting the tank heat up.
Even your fish can get overheated. You don't want their fish tank to turn into a hot tub. Monitor the water temp too.
Using bug spray on them.
Using bug spray on them.
Don't apply human bug sprays to your furry friends. DEET can be to dogs. Use the dog flea and tick medication you get from your vet.
Running around the grill.
Running around the grill.
Keep an eye on your pup around a — all they know is that the smells wafting from that thing are delicious. Don't trust that they know those things burn at hundreds of degrees.
Displaying lilies around the house.
Displaying lilies around the house.
Every part of these — the leaves, pollen and water they grow in — can be toxic to cats and cause kidney failure, says Loenser. Don't keep lilies in a vase if you have an indoor cat and don't grow them outside in your yard.
Opening your windows.
Opening your windows.
There's an actual condition cats suffer called "high rise syndrome," a set of injuries sustained from falling out open windows. Keep screens on your windows and make sure they're secure.
Dropping a peach pit on accident.
Dropping a peach pit by accident.
Peach and avocado pits aren't high on a dog's must-eat list, but they can be accidentally swallowed too. Make sure that when you finish your fruit, you discard the pits pronto.
Lagging on vaccinations.
Lagging on vaccinations.
If your dog is super social — especially in the summer — he'll need to be up-to-date on rabies, distemper, parvovirus and influenza (both strains) and Bordetella. Check out the AAHA and American Veterinary Medical Association's .
Planting a sago palm.
Planting a sago palm.
Dogs are especially vulnerable to this plant, and can have liver failure if they ingest it, says Lanaux. Because pups can be unpredictable, you're better off getting rid of this if you have it in your yard. For a list of plants poisonous to dogs, cats and horses, visit the .
Using snail bait.
Using snail bait.
If you use these in your veggie garden to poison slugs and snails, know it can also poison your dog. "It can cause tremors that progress to seizures and heat stroke," says Lanaux. Even watch out for those considered safe for pets.
Blanking on sunscreen.
Blanking on sunscreen.
White-nosed dogs and cats (or any white pigmented pet, really) are "just like us; they can get sunburns as well as skin cancers," says Laneaux. Luckily, you can find pet sunscreens online ($18, ).
Tossing them the cob.
Tossing them the cob.
Dogs love corn on the cob (butter and salt!) but if they swallow a portion of the cob, it can get stuck in the stomach or intestines, explains Heather Loenser, DVM, a veterinary advisor with the . Always toss that cob in the trash.
Leaving the temp too high.
Leaving the temp too high.
Some animals, like chinchillas and rabbits, can get overheated indoors. If you're traveling and leaving them at home, have someone check in periodically to feed them and make sure it hasn't gotten too hot in the room, advises Loenser.
Letting them get at a shish kabob.
Letting them get at a shish kabob.
Your dog doesn't know that the wooden stake left over from a chicken shish kabob isn't food, says Travis Lanaux, DVM, clinical assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Hello, it tastes like chicken! Discard once the food is off the grill.
Using unsafe fertilizers.
Using unsafe fertilizers.
Opt for pet- and kid-safe products, but also make sure that the person applying these does so in appropriate areas and in appropriate amounts, and stash the bag somewhere safe, advises Lanaux.
Leaving your dog in a hot car.
Leaving your dog in a hot car.
Never ever leave any pet in a parked car alone. "There's a greenhouse effect inside the car that can increase temperatures quickly — an animal can die in 5 minutes," says Lanaux.
Giving them gristle.
Giving them gristle.
Oh, grilled is so good — but not for the pup. Eating gristle regularly can up a dog's risk of pancreatitis, says Lanaux. Don't fall for those puppy dog eyes.
Letting them ride shot gun.
Letting them ride shot gun.
When you're out and about on an adventure, have your dog ride in the
Using dog flea meds on cats.
Using dog flea meds on cats.
Some owners accidentally apply the dog versions to their cat (not reading the label) or will use the same dog formula for their cat to save money. This can be fatal for your cat, says Loenser. Always use the appropriate products for cats and dogs.
Forgetting to stock their airline crate.
Forgetting to stock their airline crate.
Taking them on a far-from-home adventure? Lucky pets! Just make sure their is stocked with everything they might need, including water — and even ice packs.
Having a run in with an unfriendly pooch.
Having a run in with an unfriendly pooch.
Just because a dog meets a new friend at a dog park doesn't mean he's friendly or well-socialized. Google "doggy body language" and read up, suggests Loenser. Knowing what it really means when a pup wags his tail can help keep everyone safe.
Leaving without a plan.
Leaving without a plan.
If you're leaving an animal of any kind at home — even a lizard — develop a clear plan with someone you trust for how they'll care for them should an emergency arise and they can't get in touch with you. What's reasonable vet care? Are there any financial limits for care?
Feeding them potato chips.
Feeding the potato chips.
Well-meaning party goers in your home may try to make fast friends with your feline by feeding her snacks. But salty foods like chips and popcorn, along with others like coconut, nuts and raw eggs can pose a variety of problems from excessive thirst and vomiting to food poisoning. For a full list of possibly poisonous foods, visit the .
Getting into feline fights.
Getting into feline feline fights.
"After 10 years of working in the ER, the bulk of cats I saw that suffered a calamity were outdoor cats," says Loenser. Watch out for fights with wildlife and other cats. (In the future, consider keeping indoor felines.)
Chickens going thirsty.
Chickens going thirsty.
It's true: raising chickens is kind of trendy right now. Since the cluckers tend to kick their water bowl, make sure you visit them regularly and provide them with clean and fresh water, says Loenser.
Gulping too much water.
Gulping too much water.
If you're playing at a beach with Fido and he drinks a large amount of salt water, the sodium levels in his body can rise, causing vomiting and seizures, says Lanaux. Fresh water lakes and rivers, on the other hand, can cause sodium levels to drop too far, leading to unconsciousness. Always bring a fresh supply of water and make pets rest.
Not being able to find an animal hospital.
Not being able to find an animal hospital.
Everything will probably be fine if you're taking your pet on vacation with you, but in case of an emergency, you want to know where to go. Head to to find an animal hospital accredited by the AAHA.
Forgetting heartworm medications this month.
Forgetting heartworm medications this month.
Not everyone picks up after their dogs at the dog park, and that poop can contain parasites if the pooch isn't dewormed. The monthly heartworm meds you give them also kills any intestinal parasites. Don't skip a dose!
Trying a tough hike.
Trying a tough hike.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two common problems with dogs in summer. Your dog may not be acclimated to the heat, making a three-mile hike dangerous. Build up their stamina outdoors in warmer weather gradually.
Jumping into a pool.
Jumping into a pool.
Even if your pup's a championship swimmer, he may not be able to get out of the pool on his own. Stay around the area and keep an eye on him so you can all have some safe summertime fun.
Walking on hot asphalt.
Walking on hot asphalt.
You know what it's like when you step in bare feet on asphalt in the middle of a sunny day? Scorching. Keep their paws protected from by walking on grass or sidewalks and keeping strolls short when it's steamy out.
Letting the tank heat up.
Letting the tank heat up.
Even your fish can get overheated. You don't want their fish tank to turn into a hot tub. Monitor the water temp too.
Using bug spray on them.
Using bug spray on them.
Don't apply human bug sprays to your furry friends. DEET can be to dogs. Use the dog flea and tick medication you get from your vet.
Running around the grill.
Running around the grill.
Keep an eye on your pup around a — all they know is that the smells wafting from that thing are delicious. Don't trust that they know those things burn at hundreds of degrees.
Displaying lilies around the house.
Displaying lilies around the house.
Every part of these — the leaves, pollen and water they grow in — can be toxic to cats and cause kidney failure, says Loenser. Don't keep lilies in a vase if you have an indoor cat and don't grow them outside in your yard.
Opening your windows.
Opening your windows.
There's an actual condition cats suffer called "high rise syndrome," a set of injuries sustained from falling out open windows. Keep screens on your windows and make sure they're secure.
Dropping a peach pit on accident.
Dropping a peach pit by accident.
Peach and avocado pits aren't high on a dog's must-eat list, but they can be accidentally swallowed too. Make sure that when you finish your fruit, you discard the pits pronto.
Lagging on vaccinations.
Lagging on vaccinations.
If your dog is super social — especially in the summer — he'll need to be up-to-date on rabies, distemper, parvovirus and influenza (both strains) and Bordetella. Check out the AAHA and American Veterinary Medical Association's .
Planting a sago palm.
Planting a sago palm.
Dogs are especially vulnerable to this plant, and can have liver failure if they ingest it, says Lanaux. Because pups can be unpredictable, you're better off getting rid of this if you have it in your yard. For a list of plants poisonous to dogs, cats and horses, visit the .
Using snail bait.
Using snail bait.
If you use these in your veggie garden to poison slugs and snails, know it can also poison your dog. "It can cause tremors that progress to seizures and heat stroke," says Lanaux. Even watch out for those considered safe for pets.
Blanking on sunscreen.
Blanking on sunscreen.
White-nosed dogs and cats (or any white pigmented pet, really) are "just like us; they can get sunburns as well as skin cancers," says Laneaux. Luckily, you can find pet sunscreens online ($18, ).
Tossing them the cob.
Tossing them the cob.
Dogs love corn on the cob (butter and salt!) but if they swallow a portion of the cob, it can get stuck in the stomach or intestines, explains Heather Loenser, DVM, a veterinary advisor with the . Always toss that cob in the trash.
Leaving the temp too high.
Leaving the temp too high.
Some animals, like chinchillas and rabbits, can get overheated indoors. If you're traveling and leaving them at home, have someone check in periodically to feed them and make sure it hasn't gotten too hot in the room, advises Loenser.
Letting them get at a shish kabob.
Letting them get at a shish kabob.
Your dog doesn't know that the wooden stake left over from a chicken shish kabob isn't food, says Travis Lanaux, DVM, clinical assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Hello, it tastes like chicken! Discard once the food is off the grill.
Using unsafe fertilizers.
Using unsafe fertilizers.
Opt for pet- and kid-safe products, but also make sure that the person applying these does so in appropriate areas and in appropriate amounts, and stash the bag somewhere safe, advises Lanaux.
Leaving your dog in a hot car.
Leaving your dog in a hot car.
Never ever leave any pet in a parked car alone. "There's a greenhouse effect inside the car that can increase temperatures quickly — an animal can die in 5 minutes," says Lanaux.
Giving them gristle.
Giving them gristle.
Oh, grilled is so good — but not for the pup. Eating gristle regularly can up a dog's risk of pancreatitis, says Lanaux. Don't fall for those puppy dog eyes.
Letting them ride shot gun.
Letting them ride shot gun.
When you're out and about on an adventure, have your dog ride in the
Using dog flea meds on cats.
Using dog flea meds on cats.
Some owners accidentally apply the dog versions to their cat (not reading the label) or will use the same dog formula for their cat to save money. This can be fatal for your cat, says Loenser. Always use the appropriate products for cats and dogs.
Forgetting to stock their airline crate.
Forgetting to stock their airline crate.
Taking them on a far-from-home adventure? Lucky pets! Just make sure their is stocked with everything they might need, including water — and even ice packs.
Having a run in with an unfriendly pooch.
Having a run in with an unfriendly pooch.
Just because a dog meets a new friend at a dog park doesn't mean he's friendly or well-socialized. Google "doggy body language" and read up, suggests Loenser. Knowing what it really means when a pup wags his tail can help keep everyone safe.
Leaving without a plan.
Leaving without a plan.
If you're leaving an animal of any kind at home — even a lizard — develop a clear plan with someone you trust for how they'll care for them should an emergency arise and they can't get in touch with you. What's reasonable vet care? Are there any financial limits for care?
Feeding them potato chips.
Feeding the potato chips.
Well-meaning party goers in your home may try to make fast friends with your feline by feeding her snacks. But salty foods like chips and popcorn, along with others like coconut, nuts and raw eggs can pose a variety of problems from excessive thirst and vomiting to food poisoning. For a full list of possibly poisonous foods, visit the .
Getting into feline fights.
Getting into feline feline fights.
"After 10 years of working in the ER, the bulk of cats I saw that suffered a calamity were outdoor cats," says Loenser. Watch out for fights with wildlife and other cats. (In the future, consider keeping indoor felines.)
Chickens going thirsty.
Chickens going thirsty.
It's true: raising chickens is kind of trendy right now. Since the cluckers tend to kick their water bowl, make sure you visit them regularly and provide them with clean and fresh water, says Loenser.
Gulping too much water.
Gulping too much water.
If you're playing at a beach with Fido and he drinks a large amount of salt water, the sodium levels in his body can rise, causing vomiting and seizures, says Lanaux. Fresh water lakes and rivers, on the other hand, can cause sodium levels to drop too far, leading to unconsciousness. Always bring a fresh supply of water and make pets rest.
Not being able to find an animal hospital.
Not being able to find an animal hospital.
Everything will probably be fine if you're taking your pet on vacation with you, but in case of an emergency, you want to know where to go. Head to to find an animal hospital accredited by the AAHA.
Forgetting heartworm medications this month.
Forgetting heartworm medications this month.
Not everyone picks up after their dogs at the dog park, and that poop can contain parasites if the pooch isn't dewormed. The monthly heartworm meds you give them also kills any intestinal parasites. Don't skip a dose!
Trying a tough hike.
Trying a tough hike.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two common problems with dogs in summer. Your dog may not be acclimated to the heat, making a three-mile hike dangerous. Build up their stamina outdoors in warmer weather gradually.
Jumping into a pool.
Jumping into a pool.
Even if your pup's a championship swimmer, he may not be able to get out of the pool on his own. Stay around the area and keep an eye on him so you can all have some safe summertime fun.
Walking on hot asphalt.
Walking on hot asphalt.
You know what it's like when you step in bare feet on asphalt in the middle of a sunny day? Scorching. Keep their paws protected from by walking on grass or sidewalks and keeping strolls short when it's steamy out.
Letting the tank heat up.
Letting the tank heat up.
Even your fish can get overheated. You don't want their fish tank to turn into a hot tub. Monitor the water temp too.
Using bug spray on them.
Using bug spray on them.
Don't apply human bug sprays to your furry friends. DEET can be to dogs. Use the dog flea and tick medication you get from your vet.
Running around the grill.
Running around the grill.
Keep an eye on your pup around a — all they know is that the smells wafting from that thing are delicious. Don't trust that they know those things burn at hundreds of degrees.
Displaying lilies around the house.
Displaying lilies around the house.
Every part of these — the leaves, pollen and water they grow in — can be toxic to cats and cause kidney failure, says Loenser. Don't keep lilies in a vase if you have an indoor cat and don't grow them outside in your yard.
Opening your windows.
Opening your windows.
There's an actual condition cats suffer called "high rise syndrome," a set of injuries sustained from falling out open windows. Keep screens on your windows and make sure they're secure.
Dropping a peach pit on accident.
Dropping a peach pit by accident.
Peach and avocado pits aren't high on a dog's must-eat list, but they can be accidentally swallowed too. Make sure that when you finish your fruit, you discard the pits pronto.
Lagging on vaccinations.
Lagging on vaccinations.
If your dog is super social — especially in the summer — he'll need to be up-to-date on rabies, distemper, parvovirus and influenza (both strains) and Bordetella. Check out the AAHA and American Veterinary Medical Association's .
Planting a sago palm.
Planting a sago palm.
Dogs are especially vulnerable to this plant, and can have liver failure if they ingest it, says Lanaux. Because pups can be unpredictable, you're better off getting rid of this if you have it in your yard. For a list of plants poisonous to dogs, cats and horses, visit the .
Using snail bait.
Using snail bait.
If you use these in your veggie garden to poison slugs and snails, know it can also poison your dog. "It can cause tremors that progress to seizures and heat stroke," says Lanaux. Even watch out for those considered safe for pets.
Blanking on sunscreen.
Blanking on sunscreen.
White-nosed dogs and cats (or any white pigmented pet, really) are "just like us; they can get sunburns as well as skin cancers," says Laneaux. Luckily, you can find pet sunscreens online ($18, ).
For starters, your pup should never eat corn on the cob
Related Content
- Here's how to tell if you have a spider bite and how to treat them
- Why you should never let your dog eat a corn cob
- This tweet is inspiring pet owners to share their incredible adoption stories
- Olive's guide to the perfect summer photo
- American pets are getting fatter, says research
- Cannabis oil benefits pets in pain
It's not all fun in the sun. Whether your furry friend is a dog, cat or chinchilla (or if they're a not-so-furry fish or lizard), they can encounter some serious risks. From hot asphalt to beach problems and even sunburns, learn about these must-know pet safety tips to follow this season.