Summer Pet Emergencies & How to Prevent Them

Summer is one of the best times of the year in Chattanooga for spending quality time with our pets—long walks, hikes, beach days, or just lounging in the backyard. But with all that sunshine and fresh air comes a unique set of risks.  Here’s a rundown of the most common summer emergencies we see—and what you can do to prevent them.

 

Overheating in Pets: Heatstroke Symptoms & Prevention

Every summer, heatstroke tops the list of critical emergencies. Many people don’t realize just how fast a dog (especially flat-faced breeds like Frenchies, Boxers, and Pugs) can overheat, even in what seems like mild weather.

Look for:

• Heavy panting
• Drooling
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea

What to do: Get your pet out of the heat immediately. Offer cool water (not ice-cold), use a fan, and call your vet or head to the nearest emergency clinic right away. Time matters with heatstroke.

Pro tip: If it’s too hot for your hand on the pavement, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws or a long walk. Stick to early mornings or evenings for exercise.

 

Burned Paw Pads: The Hidden Summer Danger for Dogs

This one catches a lot of people off guard. Sidewalks, blacktop, and even sand can get blisteringly hot—hot enough to cause second-degree burns on your dog’s feet.

If your pet starts limping, refusing to walk, or obsessively licking their paws after being outside, check for redness or damage on the pads.

What to do: Rinse with cool water and avoid any ointments unless your vet advises. Keep them off rough surfaces and call your clinic for guidance.

 

Bee Stings, Snake Bites, and Biting Bugs

Dogs are naturally curious—and unfortunately, that often includes sticking their noses where they don’t belong. Insects, spiders, and even snakes are more active in warm weather, and bites or stings can lead to allergic reactions or worse.

Keep an eye out for:

• Sudden swelling (especially on the face or paws)
• Hives
• Trouble breathing

If in doubt, don’t wait—get to a vet. Bee stings can trigger anaphylaxis just like in people. And if you suspect a snake bite, especially in rural areas, treat it as an emergency immediately.

 

Keep Pets Safe from Summer Food & Trash Hazards

Summer BBQs are a feast for us—and a landmine for our pets. Fatty scraps, skewers, corn cobs, bones, chocolate, grapes, onions—you name it—can cause anything from pancreatitis to intestinal blockages to poisoning.

Even things like citronella candles, sunscreen, and some mulch types (like cocoa mulch) can be toxic if ingested.

Best bet: Keep your pets away from food prep areas and trash, and remind guests not to sneak treats to the dog.

 

Pet Drowning Risk: Pool and Water Safety Tips for Dogs

Not all dogs are born swimmers. And even strong swimmers can panic, get exhausted, or struggle to get out of pools without ramps or steps.

Water inhalation can lead to delayed pneumonia or respiratory distress—so if your pet’s gone under or is coughing/acting off after a swim, it’s time to call your vet.

Always supervise pets near water—and don’t assume they’ll instinctively know how to get out.

 

Fleas, Ticks & Heartworm: Summer Parasite Prevention for Pets

Parasites love warm weather—and some of them can transmit diseases you definitely don’t want your pet dealing with (or bringing into the house).

Make sure your pet is on year-round prevention for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Skipping a month or two, even “just for the summer,” can come back to haunt you.

 

Prevention First: Safer Summers for Your Pet

Summer should be about adventures, not emergency vet visits. A little prevention and awareness can go a long way in keeping your furry companions safe.

If something feels off or you’re unsure, always trust your gut and call your vet. It’s better to have a false alarm than to miss something serious.

Stay cool, enjoy the sunshine, and give your pets a few extra belly rubs—they’ve earned it.

 

Worried About a Summer Emergency? Call Our Chattanooga Vet Team

If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, a bug bite reaction, burned paw pads, or any other summer emergency, don’t wait—call us right away. Our veterinary team in Chattanooga, TN, is ready to provide fast, expert care to keep your pet safe and healthy.