We all love a bit of West Yorkshire sunshine — but summer brings a wave of hidden dangers for our pets. From overheated dogs to toxic BBQ leftovers and poisonous garden plants, it’s a season that demands extra awareness from every pet owner.
At Paws & Co Veterinary Centre, we see a sharp rise in avoidable summer emergencies every year. Most of them are preventable. Here’s what to watch for and how to keep your pets safe through the warmer months.
Heatstroke: The Silent Killer
Unlike humans, pets cannot sweat to cool down. Dogs cool themselves by panting; cats rely on shade and hydration. In extreme heat, this is often not enough — and heatstroke can develop rapidly, especially in flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs.
Signs of Heatstroke
- Excessive panting or breathing difficulty
- Drooling or glazed, unfocused eyes
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Staggering, lethargy, or collapse
- Gums that appear bright red, pale, or blue
If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to a cool, shaded area immediately, apply cool (not cold) water to their body, and call us straight away on 0113 868 6100. Never leave a pet in a parked car — even for a few minutes.
BBQ Hazards: Tasty but Dangerous
🦴 Cooked Bones
Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking, internal lacerations, or intestinal blockages. Never give cooked bones to dogs — raw meaty bones only, and always supervised.
💄 Toxic Foods
Onions, garlic, grapes, corn cobs, and anything containing xylitol (sugar-free products) are all toxic to dogs and cats. Keep bins secure and clear up scraps promptly.
🔥 Fatty Meats
Rich fatty foods like sausages and burgers can trigger pancreatitis in dogs — a painful and potentially serious condition. Even small amounts can cause problems in susceptible dogs.
Toxic Plants in Your Garden
Summer gardens are beautiful — but some of the most common plants in UK gardens are highly toxic to pets. These include:
- Lilies (particularly dangerous for cats — even the pollen can cause kidney failure)
- Foxglove, rhododendron, and azalea
- Hydrangea and wisteria
- Buttercups and bluebells
- Conkers and acorns (autumn hazard)
If you suspect your pet has ingested a plant, call us immediately — even if they seem well. Many plant toxins have a delayed effect.
Dehydration and Water Safety
Always ensure clean, fresh water is available — and take extra on walks. Signs of dehydration include dry or sticky gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and reduced skin elasticity. Blue-green algae in standing water is also a serious summer hazard — keep dogs away from stagnant ponds and lakes, particularly in warm weather.
Concerns About Your Pet This Summer?
If your pet has been exposed to a potential toxin or is showing any signs of heatstroke, call us immediately. We’d always rather you ring to check than wait.