Summer means more time outside, more travel, and more adventures with your pets. It is also one of the busiest times of year for veterinary emergency visits. Across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, emergency veterinarians see a seasonal increase in pets experiencing heatstroke, burned paw pads, water-related accidents, and dangerous food ingestions.
Knowing the warning signs early can make all the difference.
If you believe your pet is experiencing an emergency call us or come into our ER hospital right away.
Signs Your Dog May Be Overheating or Experiencing Heatstroke
Heatstroke is one of the most serious summer emergencies that veterinarians treat. Dogs and cats cannot regulate body temperature as efficiently as humans, which means overheating can happen quickly, especially during humid New England summers.
Even short periods outside, time in a parked car, or intense exercise in hot weather can become dangerous.
Symptoms of heatstroke in pets may include:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weakness or collapse
- Bright red gums
- Disorientation
- Difficulty breathing
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately. Delaying care can lead to organ damage, seizures, or death.
Call our ER or come into our ER hospital your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms.
Can Dogs Burn Their Paw Pads on Hot Pavement?
Yes, absolutely. Pavement, asphalt, sand, and even decks can become dangerously hot during summer afternoons.
A simple rule is that if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Burned paw pads are painful and can quickly become infected.
Signs of burned paw pads include:
- Limping
- Refusing to walk
- Excessive paw licking
- Redness or swelling
- Blisters or peeling skin
Try to walk pets during cooler morning or evening hours and avoid prolonged walks on asphalt during peak heat.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Corn Cob, Bones, or Skewers
Summer cookouts and backyard gatherings bring some of the most common ingestion emergencies veterinarians see.
Foods and objects that can become dangerous include:
- Corn cobs
- Rib bones or chicken bones
- Wooden skewers
- Fatty foods
- Grapes or onions
- Alcohol
- Foil or food packaging
Corn cobs and skewers are especially dangerous because they can cause intestinal blockages that may require emergency surgery.
Signs your pet may have an obstruction:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Straining to defecate
- Restlessness
If your pet eats something questionable, it is best to contact a veterinarian immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Call our ER or come into our ER hospital your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms.
Symptoms of Secondary Drowning in Dogs
Many dogs love swimming, but water-related emergencies happen more often than people realize.
Even after a pet appears fine, inhaled water can sometimes lead to delayed breathing complications known as secondary drowning.
Watch for symptoms like:
- Persistent coughing
- Rapid breathing
- Low energy
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale or blue gums
If your pet develops symptoms after swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, they should be evaluated right away.
Snake Bites, Porcupines, and Wildlife Injuries
Warmer weather means more encounters with wildlife across Massachusetts and Rhode Island hiking trails, beaches, and backyards.
Emergency veterinarians commonly treat:
- Snake bites
- Porcupine quills
- Skunk spray exposure
Bite wounds from wildlife- Allergic reactions from insect stings
Signs your pet may need urgent care include:
- Facial swelling
- Sudden limping
- Difficulty breathing
Excessive drooling- Vomiting
- Visible wounds or punctures
Some reactions can worsen rapidly, especially if swelling affects the airway.
When Should You Bring Your Pet to the Emergency Vet?
You know your pet best. If something feels wrong, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Seek emergency veterinary care if your pet is:
- Struggling to breathe
- Collapsing or unable to stand
- Repeatedly vomiting
Experiencing severe lethargy- Showing signs of heatstroke
- Having a seizure
- In significant pain
- Not acting like themselves after an accident or ingestion
Summer emergencies can escalate quickly, but early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Call our ER or come into our ER hospital your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Pet Emergencies
How hot is too hot to walk a dog?
Once temperatures climb into the high 80s and 90s, pavement temperatures can become dangerous very quickly. Early morning and evening walks are safest during summer.
Can dogs get heatstroke indoors?
Yes. Poor ventilation, lack of air conditioning, or warm enclosed spaces can still lead to overheating indoors.
What should I do if my dog eats a corn cob?
Contact a veterinarian immediately. Corn cobs can cause dangerous intestinal blockages and should never be monitored casually at home.
Can dogs burn their paws on pavement?
Absolutely. Asphalt and sand can become hot enough to burn paw pads within minutes during summer afternoons.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Heavy panting, vomiting, collapse, weakness, excessive drooling, and difficulty breathing are all signs of possible heatstroke.
Can dogs develop problems after swimming hours later?
Yes. Secondary drowning symptoms can appear hours after inhaling water and should always be taken seriously.