How to Keep Your Pet Safe During Florida’s Hottest Season

Summer in Florida means longer days, family vacations, backyard barbecues, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with our pets. Unfortunately, it also brings an increase in emergency veterinary visits.

At Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia, Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand, and Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast, our emergency teams see many of the same seasonal emergencies each year. Knowing what to watch for can help you prevent an unexpected trip to the ER and recognize when your pet needs immediate medical attention.

1. Heatstroke and Dehydration

Florida’s intense heat and humidity can quickly become dangerous for pets. Unlike people, dogs and cats have limited ability to cool themselves, making them especially vulnerable to overheating and dehydration during the summer months. Even a short walk on a hot day or time spent playing outdoors can put your pet at risk.

Warning:

Dog and cat breeds with flat faces and short noses, called brachycephalic, are particularly susceptible to heat related illnesses. These include Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Pekingese.

Don’t forget the cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and Himalayans

Signs of heatstroke and dehydration include:

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that can rapidly lead to organ damage and failure if not treated immediately.

Prevention Tips:

• Walk your dog during the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Always provide access to fresh, cool water and shade.
• Bring water with you during walks, hikes, or outings, and offer frequent hydration breaks.
• Limit strenuous exercise on hot and humid days.
• Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle-even with the windows cracked-as temperatures can become deadly within minutes.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke or severe dehydration, move them to a cool area, offer small amounts of water if they are alert, and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

2. Paw Pad Burns

Sidewalks, asphalt, and even sand can become hot enough to burn your pet’s paws.

If the pavement feels too hot for the back of your hand for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your pet.

Signs of burned paw pads:

Try walking on grass whenever possible and limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.

3. Water-Related Emergencies

Many pets enjoy cooling off in pools, lakes, rivers, or at the beach during the summer.

Unfortunately, water activities also come with risks, including:

• Near drowning
• Saltwater poisoning
• Blue-green algae exposure
• Water intoxication from swallowing excessive amounts of water

After swimming, rinse your pet to remove salt, chlorine, or bacteria, and always supervise them around water – even if they’re experienced swimmers.

4. Snake Bites

Florida’s warm weather means snakes are more active throughout the summer.

Most bites occur when curious dogs investigate brush, tall grass, or wooded areas.

Signs of a snake bite may include:

Even if you’re unsure whether the snake was venomous, your pet should be evaluated immediately.

5. Bee Stings and Insect Bites

Summer brings an increase in bees, wasps, spiders, ants, and mosquitoes.

While many insect stings cause only mild swelling, some pets experience severe allergic reactions.

Seek emergency care if your pet develops:

Prompt treatment can be lifesaving.

6. Foreign Body Ingestion

Backyard cookouts, camping trips, and summer gatherings often leave tempting hazards within reach.

Common items pets swallow include:

These objects can cause intestinal blockages or perforations that often require emergency surgery. If you suspect your pet swallowed something they shouldn’t, don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

7. Toxic Foods and Plants

Summer celebrations often include foods that can be dangerous for pets.

Common summer toxins include:

If your pet ingests a potentially toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or seek emergency care immediately.

8. Firework Anxiety and Injuries

While fireworks are most common around Independence Day, many communities hold celebrations throughout the summer.

Loud noises can cause pets to:

• Panic and escape
• Become injured while trying to hide
• Develop severe anxiety

Keep pets indoors during fireworks and ensure identification tags and microchip information are current in case they become lost.

9. Cuts, Lacerations, and Outdoor Injuries

Summer adventures often mean more hiking, boating, beach trips, and time at dog parks.

These activities can lead to:

Even seemingly minor wounds can become infected if not properly treated.

When to seek Emergency Care

If your pet is experiencing any of the following, don’t delay seeking emergency care:

When in doubt, it’s always safest to have your pet evaluated by an emergency veterinarian.

We’re Here When Your Pet Needs Us Most

Emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours, but you don’t have to face them alone. The experienced emergency teams at Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia, Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand, and Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast provide compassionate, high-quality emergency and critical care for pets throughout Central and Northeast Florida. Our emergency teams in Volusia and DeLand are available 24/7, and our Palm Coast location is open evenings, weekends, and holidays.

We hope your summer is filled with happy memories and safe adventures. By recognizing seasonal hazards and acting quickly when emergencies arise, you can help keep your furry family members healthy all season long.

Warmest wishes,

Dr. Diane Johnson | Founder, Medical Director