We all look forward to summer fun with our pets, but the season can come with a few surprises. Every year, our GCVS Houston and NASA Parkway Emergency Rooms see an increase in heat-related illnesses, insect stings, snake bites, and other summer-related emergencies. A little awareness can go a long way toward helping your pet stay safe, healthy, and out of the ER this summer.

Here are some of the most common pet emergencies veterinarians see during the summer months and what you can do to help keep your pet safe.

When Summer Fun Turns Dangerous: Heat Stroke

Many pet owners know that hot cars are dangerous, but heat-related illness can occur much more quickly and, in more situations than people realize. A walk during the hottest part of the day, an afternoon at the park, or even time spent outdoors in a shaded backyard can sometimes lead to overheating.

Hot weather, exercise, and even a little extra time outdoors can increase your pet's risk of dehydration. Senior pets, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers, as well as pets with existing health conditions, may have a harder time handling the summer heat.

Watch for signs such as:

• Heavy drooling

• Bright red gums

• Weakness or wobbliness

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Disorientation

• Collapse

If your dog or cat seems overheated, the safest approach is to contact a veterinarian right away. While some pets may initially appear stable, heat-related illness can worsen quickly and become much more serious in a matter of hours.

In more severe cases, pets may need to be hospitalized for fluids, oxygen support, and continuous monitoring through our emergency services and critical care teams while their bodies recover from the effects of overheating.

Not Every Summer Emergency Looks “Dramatic”

Some emergencies develop more gradually.

Dehydration, for example, often starts with subtle signs that can be easy to miss. A pet may seem unusually tired after a walk, show less interest in food, or simply appear “not quite themselves. As temperatures rise, pets lose more fluids through panting and activity.

Signs of dehydration can include:

• Dry or sticky gums

• Sunken eyes

• Lethargy

• Decreased appetite

• Excessive panting

If your pet seems unusually lethargic during hot weather, it is always worth checking in with your veterinarian.

If your pet seems unusually lethargic during hot weather or you’re concerned about an underlying medical condition contributing to dehydration, our Internal Medicine specialists at GCVS Houston and GCVS NASA Parkway can help identify and manage complex health concerns.

Curious Noses and Buzzing Insects Don’t Always Mix

For many dogs and cats, summer brings an endless supply of fascinating things to investigate. Unfortunately, some of those discoveries sting.

Bee stings and insect bites are common during the warmer months. While many pets experience only temporary discomfort, others may develop significant swelling or even an allergic reaction.

Seek veterinary care if you notice:

• Swelling around the face or muzzle

• Hives

• Vomiting

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe discomfort

• Multiple stings

A swollen face may look alarming, but more importantly, swelling can sometimes affect the airway and breathing. When in doubt, have your pet evaluated through our emergency teams as quickly as possible.

It’s Snake Bite Season

What do you picture when you hear about snake bites? Pet owners often picture a dog hiking through the woods. In reality, we see many snakebite cases in neighborhood parks, along walking trails, and even in backyards. Dogs and cats are naturally curious, and a quick sniff in the wrong place can lead to a painful encounter.

Signs can include:

• Sudden swelling

• Pain or sensitivity

• Bruising

• Puncture wounds

• Weakness

• Collapse

If you suspect a snake bite, the best thing you can do is remain calm, limit your pet’s activity, and seek veterinary care immediately through one of our 24/7 Emergency Rooms. If you were able to see the snake that bit your pet, try to take a photo to identify the species; it can help your veterinary team determine how to treat the bite.

Avoid common internet remedies such as cutting the wound, attempting to suck out venom, or applying a tourniquet. These methods can cause additional injury and do not remove venom.

Water Can Be Fun, and Surprisingly Risky

Many dogs live swimming, but water-related emergencies are more common than most people realize.

Near-drowning incidents can occur in pools, lakes, ponds, and even shallow water. Additionally, some dogs accidentally swallow excessive amounts of water while retrieving toys, which can lead to potentially dangerous water intoxication.

Pet owners should also remember that not every dog is a natural swimmer.

Whenever your pet is around water:

• Provide close supervision

• Offer frequent breaks

• Use a properly fitted life jacket when appropriate

• Ensure easy access to exits from pools and docks

After a day at the pool, lake, or beach, your pet should be tired—but not struggling. If they seem excessively exhausted, start coughing, or have difficulty breathing, have them checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

The Ground Beneath Their Feet Matters

One of the most overlooked summer hazards isn’t in the air; it’s under your pet’s paws.

Sidewalks, asphalt, artificial turf, and other outdoor surfaces can become dangerously hot during Houston summers. Because pets don’t wear shoes, their paw pads are directly exposed to those temperatures.

Burned paw pads can cause:

• Limping

• Redness

• Blistering

• Cracking

• Excessive licking of the feet

Before heading out for a walk, place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s likely too hot for your pet. Early morning and evening walks are often the safest options during periods of extreme heat.

Backyard Gatherings Can Create Unexpected Hazards

Many of the things that make summer fun for people can create problems for pets. Backyard cookouts, gardening projects, pool maintenance, and outdoor gatherings often bring foods, drinks, and chemicals into areas where curious pets can access them. Corn cobs, grapes and raisins, sugar-free products containing xylitol, alcoholic beverages, fertilizers, lawn treatments, pool chemicals, and certain plants are just a few examples of items that can lead to an emergency visit if ingested.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something potentially toxic, call the ASPCA Poison Control number: 888-426-4435. Quick intervention can often improve outcomes and help prevent complications.

We’re Here When You Need Us

We hope your summer is filled with nothing but fun memories with your pets. But if something unexpected does happen, don't ignore the warning signs. Emergency veterinary care can help prevent complications and improve outcomes for many emergency situations.

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists has two locations that provide 24/7 emergency veterinary care, including weekends and holidays. Our emergency teams work closely with specialists across multiple disciplines to provide advanced care for pets when they need it most.

If your pet experiences a medical emergency this summer, our teams in Houston and Webster are here to help.

GCVS Houston 8042 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024 713-693-1111

GCVS NASA Parkway

20610 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX 77598

346-788-4103