Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors in Maine with your pets, but warmer temperatures can also increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies. From heatstroke and dehydration to toxin exposure and water-related incidents, pet emergencies are more common during the summer months.
At Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care (PVESC), our emergency veterinary team sees an increase in urgent cases every summer. Knowing the risks, and when to seek veterinary care, can help keep your pet safe and healthy all season long.
Heatstroke in Pets: A Life-Threatening Summer Emergency
Heatstroke is one of the most serious warm-weather emergencies for dogs and cats. Unlike humans, pets have limited ways to cool themselves and can quickly overheat in hot or humid conditions.
Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
Contact a veterinarian immediately if your pet is showing:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weakness or lethargy
- Difficulty walking
- Collapse
Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly and become deadly.
Think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke? PVESC provides 24/7 emergency veterinary care. Call 207-878-3121 immediately for guidance.
Summer Toxins Every Pet Owner Should Know About
Many common summer products and foods can be dangerous for pets.
Common toxic substances include:
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Pool chemicals
- Human medications
- Grapes and raisins
- Alcoholic beverages
- Xylitol-containing products
- Certain mushrooms and plants
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes.
Suspected toxin ingestion is always an emergency. Save PVESC’s emergency number—207-878-3121—before you need it.
Water Safety for Dogs During Summer
Many dogs love spending time at the beach, lake, or pool, but water activities can present unexpected risks.
To help keep your pet safe:
- Supervise pets around water at all times
- Use life jackets when boating
- Provide fresh drinking water
- Prevent pets from drinking saltwater or stagnant water
- Rinse pets after swimming
Even strong swimmers can become exhausted or encounter dangerous currents.
Hot Pavement Can Burn Your Pet’s Paws
Sidewalks, asphalt, and sand can become dangerously hot during summer months.
Before heading outside, place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
To reduce the risk of burns:
- Walk during cooler morning or evening hours
- Choose shaded routes
- Stick to grassy surfaces whenever possible
Backyard BBQ Hazards for Pets
Summer gatherings often include foods that can cause serious health issues for pets.
Keep pets away from:
- Cooked bones
- Corn cobs
- Skewers
- Fatty meats
- Onions and garlic
- Alcoholic beverages
Many emergency veterinary visits occur after pets gain access to cookout leftovers or trash.
When Should You Take Your Pet to an Emergency Vet?
Knowing the signs of a pet emergency can save valuable time.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Heatstroke symptoms
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Suspected poisoning
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Significant trauma or injury
- A swollen or painful abdomen
When in doubt, it’s always better to call and ask.
Not sure if your pet’s condition is an emergency? Our team is available 24/7 to help. Call PVESC at 207-878-3121.
Emergency Veterinary Care Available 24/7 at PVESC
Emergencies don’t follow a schedule. Whether your pet develops heatstroke on a holiday weekend, ingests a toxic substance after hours, or suffers an unexpected injury, immediate access to emergency care can make all the difference.
Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care provides emergency veterinary services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Save Our Number Today
PVESC Emergency Care
📞 207-878-3121
If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, don’t wait. Contact our emergency team immediately.
Because when every minute matters, we’re here—24 hours a day.
