Summer brings long days, warm evenings, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures with your dog. But while sunshine and fresh air are great for both of you, summer also introduces serious health risks for your canine companion.
At Cortaflex, we’re passionate about proactive pet care. Beyond joint support and mobility, we believe in full-body wellness—which includes knowing how to keep your dog safe all summer long. Here are the key seasonal dangers every dog owner should watch for.
1. Heat and Hydration: The Basics
Before we dive into specific hazards, always remember the fundamentals:
- Avoid walking your dog during peak heat (11am–3pm).
- Always provide fresh, cool water and shade.
- Never leave dogs in parked cars—even for a few minutes.
These may sound basic, but they’re often overlooked—and can mean the difference between a fun summer outing and a medical emergency.
2. Swimming Dangers – The Sea Isn’t Always Safe
Many dogs love the water, especially on hot days. But saltwater swimming carries risks you might not expect.
Saltwater Ingestion
Dogs that drink too much seawater can suffer from saltwater poisoning, which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, seizures, or even death. Always bring fresh water to the beach and encourage your dog to drink from their bowl—not the ocean.
Strong Currents and Exhaustion
Even strong swimmers can get caught in rip tides or venture too far from shore. Dogs may panic or become too tired to return. Always supervise your dog around water, and consider a dog life jacket if you're near open water or boating.
3. Blue-Green Algae – A Silent Killer
Warm, stagnant water—like lakes or ponds—can harbor blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). This toxic algae may look like green scum, foam, or pea soup on the surface of water.
Just a few laps or licks of contaminated water can be fatal. Symptoms can start within minutes, including vomiting, seizures, muscle tremors, and collapse.
If you suspect algae is present, don’t let your dog drink or swim in the water, and seek immediate veterinary care if they do.
4. Grass Seeds – Tiny Trouble with Big Consequences
Summer is peak season for grass seeds, especially from long or wild grasses like foxtail, barley, and rye. These tiny, sharp seeds can easily work their way into your dog’s paws, ears, eyes, nose, and skin.
Once embedded, grass seeds can migrate deeper into the body, causing infections, abscesses, or internal damage. In severe cases, they can even be fatal if left undetected.
Watch for signs like constant paw licking, limping, head shaking, sneezing, or swelling. After walks—especially in long grass—check your dog thoroughly, focusing on paws, ears, and underarms.
5. Food and Picnic Hazards
Summer gatherings are full of tempting smells, but many common foods are dangerous for dogs. Corn cobs, skewers, cooked bones, and fatty leftovers can cause choking or digestive blockages.
Toxic foods like onions, grapes, and chocolate can lead to poisoning—even in small amounts. Alcohol and caffeine are especially dangerous.
Remind guests not to feed your dog scraps, and keep food and drink well out of reach during BBQs or picnics.
Summer Safety Checklist
- Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat.
- Always carry water and avoid hot pavement.
- Skip suspicious ponds and lakes with visible algae.
- Rinse your dog after saltwater swimming and discourage drinking sea water.
- Inspect for grass seeds after walks in long grass.
- Keep food and drink out of reach during outdoor meals.
- Groom regularly to catch issues early and maintain coat health.
Your dog depends on you to keep summer fun and safe. With a few simple precautions—and support from Cortaflex—they can enjoy every sunny day to the fullest.
Supporting Your Dog’s Health, Joint to Paw
Summer should be a season of joy—not vet visits. A combination of awareness, preparation, and healthy routines can help your dog stay safe, happy, and active in the warm weather.
At Cortaflex, we support healthy, mobile dogs with science-backed joint supplements—perfect for dogs who love to explore, run, and swim. But we also believe wellness includes the everyday choices that keep them safe from hidden dangers like blue-green algae or grass seeds.
