07/28/2026
Great message for our small animal clients
My Take Tuesday: A Water Bowl and a Little Common Sense
Summer is here in full force. Temperatures this weekend will surpass 102 degrees here in Springville.
As a veterinarian, I enjoy summer. I enjoy seeing dogs riding in vehicles, families hiking mountain trails, and children tossing tennis balls for their four-legged companions. But summer also brings a predictable increase in emergency visits to veterinary clinics.
Many of them are entirely preventable.
Unlike people, dogs and cats do not cool themselves efficiently through sweating. They rely primarily on panting to regulate their body temperature. When temperatures climb into the 90s and beyond, it becomes much easier for them to overheat than many people realize. Some recover. Tragically, some do not.
One of the simplest things you can do for your pet is provide unlimited access to fresh, clean water and a shaded place to rest. On especially hot days, consider bringing pets indoors during the afternoon heat. Air conditioning is not a luxury for some animals—it can be lifesaving.
If your dog needs exercise, schedule walks during the early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are cooler. Midday walks may be comfortable for you, but they can be dangerous for your pet.
A good rule of thumb is the “seven-second test.” Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Hot asphalt can burn sensitive paw pads surprisingly quickly.
And while we’re talking about heat, let’s address one of the most important summer safety messages.
Never leave a pet inside a parked vehicle.
Not for five minutes.
Not with the windows cracked.
Not while you “run in real quick.”
Last summer, I treated a Labrador who suffered heat stroke after being left in a car for just ten minutes. Thankfully, quick action saved his life, but not all pets are so lucky.
The temperature inside a vehicle can become deadly in a matter of minutes. Every summer, pets die from heat stroke after being left in parked cars. It is a heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedy.
Knowing the signs of overheating can also save a life. Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, or seizures should always be treated as an emergency. If your pet is showing these signs, move them to a cool area immediately and seek veterinary care without delay.
Certain pets are especially vulnerable. Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Persian cats have a much harder time cooling themselves. Elderly pets, overweight pets, and those with heart or lung disease also face increased risks during hot weather.
Summer fun often means water activities as well. Many dogs love swimming, but not all dogs are natural swimmers. If you’re spending time around pools, lakes, rivers, or on boats, supervise pets carefully and consider a flotation device. After swimming, rinse chlorine, salt, and lake water from their coat and always provide fresh drinking water.
Summer also brings fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other unwelcome guests. Stay current on parasite prevention and check pets regularly after hiking or spending time outdoors. Prevention is almost always easier—and cheaper—than treatment.
Gardeners should be cautious as well. Fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and certain ornamental plants can pose significant risks to pets. Read labels carefully and keep animals away from treated areas until they are completely dry and safe. A curious nose can quickly turn a beautiful summer afternoon into an unexpected trip to the emergency clinic.
And then there are the backyard barbecues.
Many of the foods we enjoy are not pet-friendly. Fatty table scraps can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that may require emergency treatment. Alcohol can be toxic. Corn cobs, bones, grapes, raisins, onions, and certain desserts can all cause serious problems. As difficult as it may be to resist those pleading eyes, your pet is usually safest sticking to their regular diet.
Our pets give us their loyalty every day of the year. They greet us at the door. They accompany us on adventures. They make our homes happier places.
A little common sense and a little preparation can help ensure they enjoy summer just as much as we do.
Stay cool. Stay hydrated.
And if you’re headed outside today, don’t forget the water bowl.
And that is My Take.
N. Isaac Bott, DVM
