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By Norma Jeanne Laurette  Table of Contents
Hot VehicleOne of the most common emergencies for dogs in the summer is being left in a hot vehicle. Even with windows slightly open, temperatures inside a car can rise by 20°C or more within 10 minutes, even on a mild day R1. Dogs can quickly develop heatstroke, which can lead to immense suffering, organ failure and death. Unlike humans, dogs have limited sweat glands and rely heavily on panting to regulate body temperature making them highly susceptible to heat R2. Although most dog guardians mean well and believe they will only be gone for a few minutes, things can quickly change causing unexpected delays. Leaving a dog in a car on a warm day for any length of time or for any reason can end in tragedy and this can always be prevented. Left Outside Leaving a dog outdoors for extended periods of time in hot weather, especially without shade and access to cool water can be just as deadly as a hot car. Dogs left outside don’t always move to shade when overheated and some breeds are more vulnerable than others, such as sick or senior dogs. Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs face a higher risk of heat stroke because their respiratory systems struggle to release excess heat efficiently R4. On hot days it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Hot PavementMany guardians seem unaware that walking a dog on pavement on a sunny day can cause severe burns to their paws. Pavement and asphalt absorb and retain heat with surface temperatures reaching up to 60°C when the air temperature is only 30°C R3. If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement or stand on it in bare feet for ten seconds it’s too hot for your dog paws. ThunderstormsStorm phobia is a serious problem for many dogs. With hearing four times greater than ours, it’s important to understand that not only can storms be frightening for dogs – the sheer volume of a crack of thunder can be overwhelming. Thunderstorms can cause clingy dogs, dogs that tremble with fear, pace, hide, vocalize, destroy things or attempt to escape. These reactions can be caused not only by the visual triggers and loud noises, but also by static barometric pressure dropping and an increase in the scent of ozone, which some dogs can detect long before a storm arrives R5. This can cause anxiety before you are even aware of the oncoming storm. Signs Of Stress, Anxiety & Fear Signs of stress, anxiety and fear in dogs can include freezing (not moving), yawning, lip licking, drooling, panting, avoiding eye contact, ears back, wide eyes, tucked tail, cowering, whining, barking, growling, restlessness, pacing, unusual shedding, destructive behaviour and attempts to escape. High Valued Treats Food can be an effective tool when helping dogs overcome fear. In order to override the negativity of a stressful situation, any food you choose to create a pleasant association with unpleasant stimuli must be of high value to the dog – otherwise it won’t be effective. If there’s a particular food your dog values above all others, reserve it specifically for your behaviour modification program to keep it extra special. The secret is aroma because if it isn’t aromatic, it won’t keep your dog’s attention. For some dogs, this could be roast chicken or steak. Since fish tends to be especially aromatic, most of the dogs in my classes go crazy for my fresh-baked salmon cake. Feel free to ask for the recipe. Tools Calming products such as Thunder Shirts and pheromone diffusers can help reduce anxiety for some dogs R7. Supplements such as CBD oil, calming scents such as lavender and other holistic remedies may also be beneficial. However, it’s important to thoroughly research any new remedy to ensure it is safe before trying it with your dog. In more severe cases, prescription medication may be necessary on a temporary basis while working through a behaviour modification program. I always prefer to try safe, holistic options first as all prescription medications used for anxiety in dogs come with risk. Always do your research in order to make informed choices for your dog. A Safe DenCreating a small, dark, comfortable, den-like space that your dog can retreat to, preferably in an interior room away from any windows can help increase your dog’s sense of safety. When that’s not possible, moving to the lower level of your house, covering windows and playing calming music or television loud enough to mask the sound of thunder can further help ease your dog’s distress. Desensitization & Counter Conditioning Behaviour modification through desensitization and counter-conditioning is often the most effective long-term solution R6. Desensitizing your dog to the sounds of a storm works best when started at a young age, although many older dogs can also benefit. Numerous online resources offer downloadable storm sound recordings specifically for desensitization and counter-conditioning. The months between autumn and spring provide a great opportunity to proactively troubleshoot the issue before storm season arrives. Your goal should be to work at a pace that avoids triggering any signs of stress, anxiety or fear. Sound Desensitization Download a high-quality recording that includes rain, wind and thunder. Begin this exercise during a calm, quiet time when your dog is relaxed. Stay close to your dog in order to observe any changes in behaviour. Play the recording for thirty seconds at a volume so low that your dog notices it but does not react or show any signs of stress, anxiety or fear. If you observe any of these signs, stop the recording immediately and take a break. When you resume, be sure to lower the volume significantly. If your dog shows no reaction, calmly reward him or her with a high-value treat, gentle stroking and/or praise. Slowly Increase The Intensity As your dog remains calm and begins to anticipate positive experiences when hearing thunder, gradually increase the volume of your recorded sounds. It’s important to proceed very slowly and let your dog set the pace. Keep your sessions short – approximately five minutes at a time once or twice a day, at least three times a week and always end with a success. If you don’t do it often enough you’ll lose your progress. If your dog starts to show any signs of stress, anxiety or fear, return to your last point of success and proceed more slowly. Create A Pleasant Association With Counter Conditioning If your dog reacts to storms before you’re even aware of them, watch for signs that it has noticed a change in the environment. As soon as you observe any of these signs, begin creating a pleasant association with the storm triggers by pairing them with high-value treats, puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, stuffed Kongs or Nylabones or a favourite or new toy or game reserved exclusively for storms. If your dog only gets its favourite things during storms, there’s a greater chance of pleasant emotions overriding the distractions of the storm. If your dog doesn’t react until after you’re aware of the storm, be ready to do the same the moment you hear rain, wind or thunder or see lightning. Correct timing is essential to helping your dog form a positive association with its fear triggers. Happy Cue Teaching your dog a “happy cue” before a storm is forecasted can help prevent a fear response. I coined the term happy cue to describe a word or series of words used to create pleasant associations in advance of an upsetting event, helping to override negative emotions before they start. This cue sets the stage for a positive emotional state, which can then be reinforced through desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques aimed at reducing stress, anxiety, and fear triggers. These techniques work to replace unpleasant emotional responses with more positive, relaxed ones. Begin by preparing a variety of enticing, aromatic treats and chew options for your dog. Offer the treat or chew item a few times a day while giving a happy cue such as “happy time!” or another word or phrase of your choosing. You can also serve meals in frozen stuffed Kongs or Nylabones and add a healthy, low-calorie chew option in between meals. This creates an opportunity to build happy emotions on cue and sets your dog up for success. A calming scent such as lavender can also be introduced when offering the treat or chew item, creating an additional sensory cue for a happy association. Always research any scent before using it to ensure it’s safe for dogs.
Generalization Once your dog no longer reacts in any way to the sounds of a storm, begin to play the sounds during everyday activities and in as many different locations as possible. This helps achieve generalization, so your dog becomes comfortable with these sounds in any situation. Always let your dog set the pace and never use force or an unpleasant tone of voice, as this will increase stress and exacerbate the problem. It can also be helpful to use some of the aids mentioned above to improve your chances of success. Remember, this is not a quick fix and always let your dog set the pace. When Your Dog Is Not Responding To TreatmentBecause you cannot control a storm, there may be times when the storm is intense and overwhelming, your dog panics and nothing seems to help. In these moments your dog is not able to learn so it’s important to shift your approach to one of emotional support.
Guardians should never scold fearful behaviour as it only increases stress, anxiety and fear. Instead, be present and supportive whenever possible. Dogs are deeply in tune with our energy and emotions, so remaining calm and happy is essential. To be proactive, continue pairing each trigger such as rain, wind, thunder or lightning with a calming scent, tasty treats, chew options and/or fun games to build positive associations. While some believe that comforting a fearful dog reinforces the fear, I believe that calm, reassuring touch in moments of fear provides comfort and strengthens the human-canine trust bond. I want my dogs to know they can always count on me when they need me. That said, not all storms can be predicted so being prepared ahead of time is important. FireworksMuch like thunderstorms, fireworks can trigger an intense fear reaction in dogs. Fireworks can be unpredictable and are often accompanied by flashes of light, loud noises and strong smells, making them extremely frightening to many dogs R8. Fear of fireworks has been linked to increased cortisol levels indicating high stress and physiological distress R9. This stress can cause dogs to bolt, become aggressive or injure themselves trying to escape. Microchipping and ID tags are essential safeguards at all times but especially during holidays and long weekends when more dogs go missing than any other time of year. Another identification option that can drastically speed up the return of a dog is the Supernormal Pawtag. The Supernormal Pawtag gives you real peace of mind, sending your pet’s exact location straight to you the moment the tag is scanned. The tag alerts nearby vets, kennels and also other Supernormal users to help you find your pet quickly. You can build a fully custom pet profile, to keep all of your pet’s data in one place, updating your address and contact information in seconds. Preventive strategies for helping dogs cope with fireworks and keeping them safe can include keeping them indoors during displays to reduce exposure to sudden sights and loud noises. Calming aids such as CBD oil (used with expert guidance), calming scents, pheromone diffusers, safe herbal supplements and Thunder Shirts can also be beneficial. Providing distractions such as puzzle toys, treats or interactive games can help the dog focus on other things. Using counter conditioning and desensitization to firework sounds (as described above) using online recordings throughout the year can help the dog become accustomed to the triggers and form a more positive association before the next fireworks display. As with thunderstorms, carefully creating positive associations from a young age can prevent long-term problems. However, be aware that sick or elderly dogs can become sensitive to thunderstorms and fireworks even if they showed no fear when they were younger. Age-related changes such as declining hearing or vision can make the sudden sounds and flashes more disorienting R22. Cognitive decline including conditions such as canine cognitive dysfunction can reduce a dog’s ability to process and cope with stress, making them more reactive to environmental stimuli R23. Chronic pain from issues such as arthritis may also heighten their overall sensitivity and contribute to anxiety (R24). Neurological changes or illness-related stress can further lower their tolerance for loud noises R25. As dogs age, they may also become more emotionally dependent or anxious, which increases their vulnerability to developing phobias later in life R26. Other Seasonal HazardsFlea & Tick Medications With the arrival of warm weather comes an increase in mosquitoes, fleas and ticks – parasites that can carry serious diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and heartworm R10. While many holistic options are available, not everyone agrees on their effectiveness. Proof of success with these products depends on the specific area in which you walk your dogs and the local tick population. Some swear by holistic remedies but only walk their dogs on sidewalks or in low-risk areas where ticks are rarely present. When Greg and I moved to our current location, we quickly realized we were now in a high-tick environment. We tried many holistic options but only one worked for us – spraying our dogs with a mixture of one-third Avon Skin So Soft and two-thirds water before each hike. It worked very well and repelled a variety of insects however, it created another hazard – our floors became extremely slippery, so we had to stop using it. All of the prescription flea and tick medications on the market are potentially toxic and all carry some degree of risk. We experienced this firsthand when one of our dogs suffered his first seizure shortly after receiving his first dose of Bravecto. He passed away a few months later after enduring many more seizures. Oral flea and tick medications have been associated with a higher risk of neurological side effects including seizures – compared to topical products R21. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that oral isoxazoline products may cause muscle tremors, ataxia (loss of coordination) and seizures, even in dogs with no prior history of neurological problems R19, R20. Educate yourself thoroughly in order to make informed decisions as your dog’s life could depend on it. Water Safety Swimming Swimming can be great exercise for dogs but not all dogs are natural swimmers. Fast-moving water, slippery rocks or docks and strong currents can lead to accidents. Dogs should never be left unsupervised around pools, rivers or lakes and life vests are recommended for boating, fast currents and dogs that are new to swimming R11. Blue-Green Algae It’s important to always be aware of and cautious about toxic blue-green algae, which is often found in warm, stagnant bodies of water during the summer months. Ingestion of even small amounts can be fatal R12. Dry Drowning Dry drowning in dogs is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog inhales water into its lungs usually while swimming, playing in water or playing with a running hose or sprinkler. Drowning occurs without showing immediate signs of distress such as choking or coughing. Instead, over time the water irritates the lungs and causes inflammation and/or fluid build-up leading to respiratory issues hours after the incident R15. Symptoms can include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, pale gums and unusual behaviour R16. Because the signs can be delayed, it’s crucial for dog guardians to monitor their pets closely after any water exposure, especially if the dog has swallowed water or gone underwater at any time R17. If any of these symptoms appear, immediate veterinary attention is necessary to prevent complications and possibly death R18. SunburnLight coloured and shorthaired dogs are prone to sunburn, especially on the nose, ears and belly. Dog-safe sunscreens (zinc-free and non-toxic) can offer protection. Prolonged exposure to UV rays has been linked to skin cancer in dogs, particularly squamous cell carcinoma and hemangiosarcoma R13. Barbeque and Picnic Hazards Cookouts present multiple dangers such as bones, fatty meats, alcohol, skewers, corn cobs, toxic foods such as grapes, onions or chocolate, which are often unattended and within reach as well as campfires, fire pits and hot BBQs. Also be aware that heat-related dehydration can also be worsened by salty or inappropriate human foods R14. Plan AheadSeasonal safety for dogs involves much more than providing water and shade. Recognizing the signs of distress and being prepared with both preventive and emergency strategies can save lives and greatly enhance a dog’s quality of life. Whether it’s heat, preparing for storms or fireworks, water or campfire safety or keeping pests at bay, your best approach is a preventative and proactive plan rooted in knowledge and compassion. ReferencesR1: McLaren, C., Null, J., & Quinn, J. (2005). Heat stress from enclosed vehicles: Moderate ambient temperatures cause significant temperature rise in enclosed vehicles. Pediatrics, 116(1), e109–e112. R2: Bruchim, Y., Horowitz, M., & Aroch, I. (2009). Heat stroke in dogs: A retrospective study of 54 cases (1999–2004) and analysis of risk factors for death. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 23(2), 320–325. R3: Asphalt Institute. (2015). Pavement surface temperatures. Heat Safety Guidelines. Retrieved from asphaltinstitute.org R4: Bloxham, L. (2018). Recognising and managing heat stress in dogs. Veterinary Nursing Journal, 33(9), 267–271. R5: Levine, E. D., Ramos, D., & Mills, D. S. (2007). A prospective study of two self-help CD based desensitization and counter-conditioning programmes with the use of Dog Appeasing Pheromone for the treatment of firework fears in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 105(4), 311–329. R6: Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier. R7: Landsberg, G. M., Hunthausen, W. L., & Ackerman, L. J. (2012). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (3rd ed.). Saunders. R8: Sherman, B. L., & Mills, D. S. (2008). Canine anxieties and phobias: An update on separation anxiety and noise aversions. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 38(5), 1081–1106. R9: Dreschel, N. A. (2010). The effects of fear and anxiety on health and lifespan in pet dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 125(3-4), 157–162. R10: Little, S. E. (2010). Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis in dogs: Emerging tick-borne diseases. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 40(6), 1121–1140. R11: American Kennel Club. (2020). Water safety for dogs: Tips for summer swimming. Retrieved from akc.org R12: Backer, L. C., McNeel, S. V., Barber, T., Kirkpatrick, B., Williams, C., Irvin, M., … & Cheng, Y. S. (2009). Recreational exposure to microcystins during algal blooms in two California lakes. Toxicon, 55(5), 909–921. R13: Goldschmidt, M. H., & Shofer, F. S. (1992). Skin tumors of the dog and cat. Pergamon Press. R14: ASPCA. (2023). People food to avoid feeding your pets. Retrieved from aspca.org R15: American Kennel Club. (2022). Can Dogs Get Dry Drowning? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dry-drowning-in-dogs/ R16: PetMD. (2023). Near-Drowning in Dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/c_dg_near_drowning R17:Veterinary Emergency Group. (n.d.). Dry Drowning in Dogs: What It Is and How to Spot It. https://veterinaryemergencygroup.com/blog/dry-drowning-in-dogs R18: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. (2021). Emergency Preparedness and Water Safety Tips for Pet Owners. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/emergency-preparedness R19: U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2018). FDA alerts pet owners and veterinarians about potential for neurologic adverse events associated with certain flea and tick products. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-alerts-pet-owners-and-veterinarians-about-potential-neurologic-adverse-events-associated R20: EMA (European Medicines Agency). (2019). Assessment report: Isoxazoline class—pharmacovigilance review. EMA/774580/2019. European Medicines Agency. Summary of neurological adverse effects reported across the isoxazoline class. R21: Wismer, T., & Means, C. (2021). Veterinary toxicology: Basics and clinical implications. In P. J. Pascoe & L. A. McDonell (Eds.), Flea and tick medications (pp. 347–355). Wiley-Blackwell. Discusses systemic versus topical treatment risks and safety in neurologically sensitive dogs. R22: Landsberg, G. M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behavior problems of the dog and cat (3rd ed.). Saunders. Discusses sensory decline and its behavioral impacts in aging pets. R23: Fast, R., Schütt, T., Toft, N., Møller, A., & Berendt, M. (2013). An observational study with long-term follow-up of canine cognitive dysfunction: Clinical characteristics, survival, and risk factors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 27(4), 822–829. Examines cognitive decline in aging dogs and how it affects behavior. R24: Lascelles, B. D. X., Dong, Y., Marcellin-Little, D. J., & Wright, B. D. (2010). Pain and movement in dogs with osteoarthritis. Veterinary Surgery, 39(5), 535–545. Explores how chronic pain influences behavior and sensitivity in dogs. R25: Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of clinical behavioral medicine for dogs and cats. Elsevier Health Sciences. Covers neurological and medical contributors to behavior changes. R26: Sherman, B. L., & Mills, D. S. (2008). Canine anxieties and phobias: An update on separation anxiety and noise aversions. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 38(5), 1081–1106. Photo By Norma Jeanne Laurette
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