Dog Days of Summer: 10 Common Summer Emergencies Every Dog Owner Should Know
By Dr. Mackenzie Hellert, DVM
Summer in eastern Iowa means camping, hiking, days on the Mississippi River, backyard barbecues, and spending more time outside with our dogs.
It’s also when we start seeing many of the same emergencies walk through our doors.
Most dogs will enjoy the entire summer without a problem. But knowing what to watch for—and when to call your veterinarian—can make all the difference if something does happen.
Here are the ten warm-weather emergencies every dog owner should know before heading outside.
🚨 Before You Need an Emergency Veterinarian…
One important thing every pet owner in the Dubuque area should know is that there are currently no fully staffed 24-hour emergency veterinary hospitals in Dubuque.
At PetMed, we provide after-hours emergency triage for our current patients, but if your pet requires overnight hospitalization or continuous monitoring, we’ll recommend transfer to the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
The best time to know where you’ll go in an emergency is before you have one.
1. Heat Stroke in Dogs: One of Summer’s Most Serious Emergencies
Heat stroke is one of the most serious emergencies we see during the summer months. Unlike people, dogs have very few sweat glands and rely primarily on panting to cool themselves. During hot, humid Iowa summers, that cooling system can quickly become overwhelmed.
Most people know not to leave a dog in a parked car, but heat stroke can also occur during a walk, a hike, a trip to the dog park, or even spending too much time outside on a hot, humid day.
Heat doesn’t tell the whole story—humidity is often the bigger problem. When the air is already saturated with moisture, panting becomes much less effective, making it harder for dogs to cool themselves.
A dog’s normal body temperature is 100°F to 102.5°F.
- 100°F–102.5°F: Normal body temperature
- 104°F: Heat stress
- 105°F–106°F: Heat stroke
- 107°F or higher: This is the breaking point. At this temperature, heat stroke is frequently fatal, even with aggressive emergency treatment.
One important thing many owners don’t realize is that a dog’s body temperature may continue to rise for several minutes, even after they’ve been moved into the shade or air conditioning and cooling has begun. Recognizing the signs early and beginning treatment immediately can make all the difference.
Dogs at Highest Risk
- Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers
- Overweight dogs
- Senior dogs
- Puppies
- Dogs with heart or respiratory disease
- Dogs that are not acclimated to hot weather
Signs of Heat Stroke
- Excessive or frantic panting
- Thick or ropey saliva
- Bright red or dark red gums
- Weakness or reluctance to walk
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Confusion or disorientation
- Collapse
- Seizures
What Should I Do?
If you suspect heat stroke, don’t wait to confirm it with a thermometer. Begin cooling your dog immediately while heading to your veterinarian. Minutes matter.
- Move your dog into air conditioning or deep shade immediately.
- Begin cooling with cool water—not ice water or an ice bath. Apply cool water to the belly, groin, and paw pads while using a fan if available.
- Offer cool drinking water if your dog is alert and willing to drink.
- Call your veterinarian and let them know you’re on your way.
Even if your dog appears to improve, internal organ damage may still be developing. Many dogs with heat stroke require hospitalization, intravenous fluids, bloodwork, oxygen therapy, and close monitoring.
🚩 Don’t wait.
Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog:
- Continues excessive panting after resting in a cool environment
- Collapses or seems weak
- Is vomiting or having diarrhea
- Appears confused, disoriented, or has a seizure
- Has a body temperature of 104°F or higher (if you’re able to safely obtain one)
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: The weather app says it’s 85°. Iowa says it’s 85° with 4,000% humidity. Believe Iowa.
2. Blue-Green Algae: One Swim Can Be Deadly
Blue-green algae poisoning is one of the fastest-moving emergencies we see during the summer.
Blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) can grow in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water during the warm summer months. Many of the places dogs love to swim can also become the perfect environment for these harmful algae to grow.
The dangerous part is that you can’t always tell if a body of water is safe just by looking at it. Sometimes blue-green algae forms thick green mats that resemble pea soup, spilled paint, or floating scum. Other times, it simply makes the water appear cloudy or slightly discolored.
Dogs are exposed when they swim, drink contaminated water, or lick algae-contaminated water from their fur after leaving the water.
Depending on the toxin produced, blue-green algae poisoning can cause rapid liver failure, severe neurologic disease, seizures, respiratory failure, and death. In some cases, dogs become critically ill within minutes to hours of exposure.
Where Is Blue-Green Algae Found?
- Farm ponds
- Small lakes
- Retention ponds
- Slow-moving rivers
- Stagnant water
- Water with visible surface scum or algal blooms
In eastern Iowa and throughout the Midwest, warm temperatures combined with nutrient-rich water create ideal conditions for blue-green algae to grow.
Signs of Blue-Green Algae Poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Difficulty breathing
What Should I Do?
- Prevent your dog from drinking any more water.
- Rinse your dog’s coat thoroughly with clean water if algae is present.
- Wear gloves if possible while rinsing to minimize your own exposure.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Head to the nearest veterinary hospital without delay.
There is no antidote for blue-green algae poisoning. Early, aggressive supportive care offers the best chance for survival.
🚩 Don’t wait.
Any suspected exposure to blue-green algae should be treated as an emergency—even if your dog appears completely normal.
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: Dogs have never looked at a pond and thought, “That water seems questionable.” That’s why they have us.
3. “We Were Just in the Yard”: ACL Tears & Sudden Limping
One of the most common phone calls we receive during the summer starts with the same sentence:
“We were just in the yard.”
Your dog wasn’t hit by a car or attacked by another animal. They simply turned, chased a squirrel, jumped for a ball, or got a case of the “zoomies”—and suddenly they wouldn’t put weight on a back leg.
Sometimes one awkward step is all it takes.
The most common cause of sudden rear leg lameness in dogs is a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), the canine equivalent of an ACL tear in people. Some dogs experience a complete tear, while others start with a partial tear that worsens over time.
Although CCL injuries can happen year-round, we diagnose many more during the summer because dogs are outside running, hiking, swimming, and simply being dogs.
What Are the Signs?
- Suddenly holding up a back leg
- Limping after running or playing
- Difficulty getting up
- Sitting with one leg stretched out to the side
- Reluctance to jump into the car or onto furniture
- Improving after a few days of rest, then limping again with activity
Many owners assume their dog pulled a muscle. While muscle strains do occur, cruciate ligament injuries are far more common.
What Should I Do?
- Restrict activity immediately.
- No running, jumping, or playing.
- Keep leash walks short and only for bathroom breaks.
- Do not give over-the-counter pain medications unless directed by your veterinarian.
- Schedule an examination as soon as possible.
Early diagnosis matters. Untreated CCL injuries often lead to progressive arthritis, meniscal damage, and chronic pain.
Most dogs with a sudden limp do not require a middle-of-the-night emergency visit, but they should be examined promptly to determine the cause and develop the best treatment plan.
🚩 Don’t wait if your dog has:
- An obvious deformity
- An open wound
- Been hit by a car
- Severe, uncontrolled pain
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: “We were just in the yard” has probably started more orthopedic conversations than any other sentence I hear during the summer.
4. Lacerations & Paw Injuries: Small Cut or Big Problem?
Dogs have an incredible ability to find the only sharp object in a ten-acre field…or a backyard.
Whether it’s broken glass, sharp metal, barbed wire, landscaping materials, or a hidden stick, lacerations are one of the most common injuries we treat during the summer. Paw pads are especially vulnerable, but cuts to the legs, chest, abdomen, and face are also common.
Some wounds bleed dramatically, while others look minor but extend much deeper than they appear. It’s impossible to know how deep many wounds are without clipping the hair and examining them.
What Are the Signs?
- Bleeding
- Limping or refusing to bear weight
- A visible cut or flap of skin
- Swelling
- Pain when the area is touched
- Excessive licking or chewing at the wound
What Should I Do?
- Keep your dog calm and as quiet as possible.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean towel or gauze if the wound is bleeding.
- Do not pour hydrogen peroxide or alcohol into the wound. Both damage healthy tissue and delay healing.
- Prevent your dog from licking the wound if possible.
- Contact your veterinarian for further recommendations.
Many lacerations require sutures, drainage, pain medication, antibiotics, or sedation to allow proper cleaning and repair. The sooner a wound is treated, the better the chance of a smooth recovery.
Most cuts and puncture wounds don’t require a middle-of-the-night emergency visit, but they should be examined within 24 hours.
🚩 Don’t wait if:
- Bleeding doesn’t stop after several minutes of direct pressure.
- The wound is deep or you can see fat, muscle, tendon, or bone.
- The cut involves the eye.
If you’re unsure whether your dog’s injury can wait until morning, call your veterinarian.
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: Dogs have an incredible ability to find the only sharp object in a ten-acre field…or a backyard.
5. Wildlife Encounters: When Curiosity Gets the Better of Your Dog
Summer means more time outside—not just for our dogs, but for wildlife.
Groundhogs, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, and even stray cats become much more active during the warmer months. Most dogs aren’t looking for a fight. They’re simply curious, protecting their yard, or following their nose.
Wildlife usually has other plans.
Even a small bite or scratch can become infected, and puncture wounds are often much deeper than they appear. Hair can hide surprisingly significant injuries, especially around the face, neck, and chest.
What Are the Signs?
- Bite marks or scratches
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Pain when touched
- Limping
- Puncture wounds hidden beneath the hair coat
- Crying or reluctance to move
What Should I Do?
- Safely separate your dog from the wild animal.
- Check your dog for obvious wounds, remembering that puncture wounds are often hidden beneath the fur.
- Prevent excessive licking.
- Contact your veterinarian.
- Avoid handling or attempting to capture the wild animal.
- Monitor the wound over the next several days for swelling, drainage, or signs of infection.
Many bite wounds require clipping and cleaning, antibiotics, pain medication, or placement of a drain. Small puncture wounds often look minor on the surface but can hide significant tissue damage underneath.
Any dog bitten by a wild mammal should be examined by a veterinarian within 24–48 hours, even if the wounds appear minor. During the visit, we’ll also review your dog’s rabies vaccination history. Dogs that are current on their rabies vaccination should receive a rabies booster following exposure to a wild mammal, in accordance with current public health recommendations.
Most wildlife encounters don’t require a middle-of-the-night emergency visit, but they should be examined within 24–48 hours.
🚩 Don’t wait if:
- Bleeding can’t be controlled.
- Your dog has difficulty breathing.
- The wound involves the eye.
- Your dog is weak, collapsed, or appears to be in severe pain.
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: Every groundhog believes today is a good day to defend the neighborhood. Every dog believes today is a good day to investigate the groundhog. One of them usually ends up in my exam room…and the groundhog doesn’t have a credit card.
6. BBQs, Campfires & Corn Cobs: Summer’s Tastiest Mistakes
Summer cookouts are fun—for people and for dogs.
Fatty table scraps can trigger pancreatitis, cooked bones can splinter, skewers can puncture the stomach or intestines, and grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, xylitol, and alcohol are all toxic to dogs.
One of the biggest offenders we see every summer, however, is the innocent-looking corn cob.
Dogs rarely chew a corn cob into small pieces. Instead, they swallow large chunks—or sometimes the entire cob. The corn is easy to digest. The cob isn’t. It can become lodged in the stomach or intestines, creating a life-threatening intestinal obstruction that often requires surgery.
What Are the Signs?
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Repeated attempts to vomit
- Straining to defecate
These signs may not appear immediately. Some dogs seem perfectly normal for a day or two before becoming very sick.
What Should I Do?
- Contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so.
- Monitor your dog for vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or lethargy.
- Prevent access to additional food until you’ve spoken with your veterinarian.
Early intervention may allow us to remove some foreign objects before they move into the intestines, potentially avoiding a much more complicated surgery.
🚩 Don’t wait if:
- Your dog is repeatedly vomiting.
- Your dog has a painful or swollen abdomen.
- Your dog can’t keep water down.
- Your dog becomes weak or lethargic.
- You know your dog swallowed a corn cob, skewer, or another large foreign object.
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: The corn is fine. The cob is not. What goes in must come out…and corn cobs have a nasty habit of stopping somewhere in the middle.
7. Bee Stings & Bug Bites: When the “Spicy Flies” Bite Back
Dogs are naturally curious, and summer is full of bees, wasps, hornets, spiders, mosquitoes, and other biting insects. Most stings cause temporary pain and swelling, but some dogs develop allergic reactions that require immediate veterinary care.
The face, lips, tongue, and paws are the most common places dogs are stung, usually because they tried to investigate—or eat—the insect.
What Are the Signs?
- Sudden swelling of the face, muzzle, lips, or eyelids
- Hives
- Redness or swelling at the sting site
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Limping after stepping on a bee
- Whining or excessive drooling
What Should I Do?
For mild reactions:
- Remove the stinger if it’s still present.
- Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
- Contact your veterinarian if you’re unsure how severe the reaction is.
General dosing for plain diphenhydramine (Benadryl®): 1 mg per pound (2 mg/kg) by mouth every 6–8 hours as needed.
Example: A 25-pound dog receives one 25 mg tablet.
Benadryl may cause drowsiness in some dogs.
Important: Only use plain diphenhydramine. Many over-the-counter allergy medications contain additional ingredients, such as decongestants, that can be dangerous for dogs.
If you’ve never given Benadryl before, ask your veterinarian about the appropriate dose for your dog before you need it.
🚩 Don’t wait if:
- Your dog has difficulty breathing.
- The tongue or throat appears to be swelling.
- Your dog collapses.
- Your dog has a known history of severe allergic reactions.
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: Dogs always seem to catch the spicy flies. Wasps don’t appreciate the attention.
8. Fish Hooks: They Catch More Than Fish
Whether you’re fishing along the Mississippi River, at a neighborhood pond, or spending the weekend at the lake, fish hooks and dogs don’t mix.
Dogs investigate tackle boxes, bait buckets, fishing lures, and freshly caught fish with their noses—and often their mouths. We most commonly see fish hooks embedded in the lips, tongue, mouth, throat, or paw pads.
What Are the Signs?
- A visible fish hook
- Your dog was playing with fishing tackle or bait.
- You know or suspect your dog swallowed or stepped on a fish hook.
What Should I Do?
- Stay calm and keep your dog as still as possible.
- Do not pull the hook back out. Fish hooks are designed to resist backing out, and doing so usually causes more tissue damage.
- If possible, cut the fishing line to prevent the hook from catching on other objects.
- Prevent your dog from pawing at the hook.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Many fish hooks can be removed safely with sedation and the proper instruments, minimizing additional injury. Treble hooks can be especially challenging because multiple barbs may become embedded at the same time.
🚩 Don’t Wait.
Fish hooks should be removed as soon as possible, especially if they involve the mouth, tongue, throat, or eye.
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: Fish hooks smell like fish. Dogs like fish. The hooks like the dog.
9. Eye Injuries: Why Waiting Is Almost Never the Right Answer
Summer is prime time for eye injuries. Running through tall grass, chasing sticks, playing with other dogs, exploring the woods, or simply getting debris in the eye can all lead to painful injuries.
The good news is that many eye injuries heal very well with prompt treatment. The bad news is that the eye has very little tolerance for injury. Waiting even a day or two can be the difference between a simple corneal ulcer and permanent vision loss.
What Are the Signs?
- Squinting or holding one eye closed
- Cloudiness of the eye
- Blood in or around the eye
- A visible cut or puncture to the eyelids or eye
- Sudden inability to open the eye
- A stick, grass awn, fish hook, or other foreign object in or around the eye
What Should I Do?
- Prevent your dog from rubbing or pawing at the eye.
- If you have an Elizabethan collar (cone), put it on.
- Do not use human eye drops or leftover prescription eye medications unless directed by your veterinarian.
- Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Many eye injuries require special stains, magnification, and specialized equipment to determine the extent of the injury. What looks like “just a scratch” may actually be a corneal ulcer or another condition requiring prompt treatment.
🚩 Don’t wait.
Eye injuries should be examined as soon as possible. Prompt treatment relieves pain, protects vision, and often prevents a much more serious problem.
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: If your dog is squinting, there’s a reason. Eyes are one body part that rarely gets better by waiting until Monday.
10. Hot Pavement: It’s Not Just Paw Pads That Get Burned
When the air temperature reaches 85°F, asphalt can exceed 130°F. On the hottest summer days, pavement can become hot enough to burn skin in just seconds.
A simple rule of thumb: If it’s too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Most people think about burned paw pads, but they’re not the only body part at risk. Dogs lying down on hot pavement can also suffer burns to the scrotum, abdomen, and other areas with little hair protection.
What Are the Signs?
- Constantly lifting the feet
- Reluctance to walk
- Blisters or peeling paw pads
- Red, painful, or burned skin
- Excessive licking of the paws
What Should I Do?
- Move your dog onto a cool surface immediately.
- Rinse the affected area with cool (not ice-cold) water.
- Prevent your dog from licking the area if possible.
- Contact your veterinarian if you notice blistering, peeling skin, or significant pain.
Most mild burns can be managed successfully with prompt veterinary care. More severe burns may require bandaging, pain medication, antibiotics, and weeks of wound management.
🚩 Don’t wait if:
- Large areas of skin are burned.
- The paw pads are blistered or peeling.
- Your dog refuses to walk because of pain.
🐾 Dr. Hellert’s Two Cents: Paw pads aren’t the only thing that can get burned. Ask me how I know.
Enjoy Summer—Just Be Prepared
Summer is one of the best times of the year to make memories with your dog. Whether you’re camping, hiking, fishing, spending the day on the Mississippi River, or simply relaxing in your own backyard, a little preparation can go a long way.
The vast majority of dogs will never experience any of the emergencies on this list. But if they do, knowing what to watch for—and when to call your veterinarian—can make all the difference.
Pack plenty of fresh water, don’t forget the leash, keep a small pet first aid kit handy, and enjoy everything summer has to offer.
We’ll take care of the rest if you need us.
About the Author
Dr. Mackenzie Hellert, DVM
PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic
Dubuque, Iowa
➡️ Learn more about Dr. Hellert
Disclaimer: Every pet and every situation is different. If you’re concerned about your pet, contact your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is too hot for dogs?
Dogs can quickly overheat when temperatures climb into the 80s, especially when humidity is high. A dog’s normal body temperature is 100°F–102.5°F. Heat stress begins around 104°F, heat stroke occurs around 105°F–106°F, and 107°F is the breaking point, where heat stroke is frequently fatal, even with aggressive emergency treatment.
Can dogs get heat stroke even if they aren’t left in a car?
Yes. While hot cars are extremely dangerous, we also see heat stroke after walks, hikes, trips to the dog park, playing fetch, or simply spending too much time outside on hot, humid days. In Iowa, humidity often makes the heat far more dangerous than the temperature alone.
How do I know if blue-green algae is dangerous?
The problem is you often can’t tell just by looking. Blue-green algae may appear as pea soup, spilled paint, floating scum, or simply cloudy water. If you suspect your dog has been exposed, treat it as an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately.
My dog suddenly started limping. Should I wait a few days?
Not necessarily. Many dogs that suddenly start limping have a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—the canine equivalent of an ACL tear. Most dogs don’t need a middle-of-the-night emergency visit, but they should be examined promptly to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment.
My dog ate a corn cob. Should I wait to see if it passes?
No. Corn kernels digest. Corn cobs do not. They commonly become lodged in the stomach or intestines and may require surgery. If you know your dog swallowed a corn cob, contact your veterinarian right away.
How much Benadryl can I give my dog?
For plain diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), the general dose is 1 mg per pound (2 mg/kg) by mouth every 6–8 hours as needed.
For example, a 25-pound dog receives one 25 mg tablet.
Only use plain diphenhydramine. Many allergy medications contain additional ingredients that can be dangerous for dogs. If you’re unsure whether Benadryl is appropriate for your pet, contact your veterinarian first.
My dog was bitten by a groundhog, squirrel, or other wild animal. Does he need to see a veterinarian?
Yes. Even small puncture wounds often become infected and can hide significant tissue damage beneath the skin. Most wildlife bites don’t require a middle-of-the-night emergency visit, but they should be examined within 24–48 hours. Dogs that are current on their rabies vaccination should also receive a rabies booster after exposure to a wild mammal.
What should I do if my dog gets a fish hook in its mouth or paw?
Don’t try to pull it out. Fish hooks are designed to resist backing out and pulling usually causes more tissue damage. Keep your dog calm, cut the fishing line if possible, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Should I use hydrogen peroxide to clean a cut?
No. Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol damage healthy tissue and can delay healing. If your dog has a cut or laceration, gently control any bleeding with clean gauze or a towel and contact your veterinarian for guidance.
When should I worry about an eye injury?
If your dog is squinting, holding an eye closed, has blood in or around the eye, or has a visible injury or foreign object in the eye, don’t wait. Eye injuries rarely improve by waiting until the next day, and prompt treatment can often prevent permanent vision loss.
Can hot pavement really burn my dog’s paws?
Yes. When the air temperature is 85°F, asphalt can exceed 130°F. A simple rule of thumb: If it’s too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Remember, paw pads aren’t the only thing that can be burned—dogs lying on hot pavement can also burn their abdomen and scrotum.
What should I keep in my dog’s summer first aid kit?
A basic summer pet first aid kit should include:
- Gauze and non-stick bandages
- Self-adhering vet wrap
- Tweezers
- Saline eye wash
- Plain diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
- Digital thermometer
- Clean towels
- Your veterinarian’s phone number
- The nearest emergency veterinary hospital’s phone number
Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer
If your dog experiences any of these emergencies—or if you’re simply not sure whether your pet needs to be seen—contact your veterinarian.
If you’re in the Dubuque area, the team at PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic (link name to dbqpetmed.com) is here to help. Whether it’s a heat stroke emergency, sudden limping, a fish hook, or something that “just doesn’t seem right,” we’d rather answer your questions early than treat a problem that has become more serious by waiting.