Summer Pet Safety Tips for Pets in Norfolk, Nebraska

Summer Pet Safety Tips for Pets in Norfolk, Nebraska

Summer is one of the best times of year to get outside and enjoy everything Northeast Nebraska has to offer. Whether you're spending the day at Skyview Lake, exploring local parks and trails, enjoying backyard barbecues, or heading out on family camping trips, summer is full of opportunities to make memories with your pets.

As fun as the season can be, warmer weather also brings a few extra risks for our four-legged family members. Heat, parasites, travel, swimming, and seasonal celebrations can all affect your pet's health if you're not prepared.

Here are some of our favorite summer safety tips from the team at Companion Animal Veterinary Clinic in Norfolk.

Protect Your Pet's Paws from Hot Pavement

Even when the air temperature feels comfortable, sidewalks, asphalt, and parking lots can become dangerously hot.

A simple way to check is the 7-second rule: Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws.

To help prevent burned paw pads:

• Walk early in the morning or later in the evening.

• Choose grassy or shaded routes whenever possible.

• Limit time on asphalt during the hottest parts of the day.

Keep Fresh Water Available

Pets can become dehydrated quickly during Nebraska's hot, humid summer days.

Whether you're spending the afternoon at the park or taking a road trip, always bring plenty of fresh water for your pet.

Helpful items to pack include:

• A portable water bottle

• A collapsible travel bowl

• Extra drinking water for longer outings

Watch for signs of dehydration, including excessive panting, dry gums, lethargy, or decreased energy.

Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Vehicle

Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb to dangerous levels within just a few minutes.

If your pet can't safely go inside with you, it's always better to leave them at home in a cool, air-conditioned environment.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can happen quickly.

Pets at higher risk include:

• Senior pets

• Puppies and kittens

• Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats

• Overweight pets

• Pets with heart or respiratory disease

Watch for:

• Heavy panting

• Excessive drooling

• Weakness

• Vomiting

• Bright red gums

• Collapse

If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet into the shade or air conditioning, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, and seek veterinary care immediately.

Swimming Can Be Fun, But Stay Safe

Many dogs enjoy cooling off in lakes, ponds, or backyard pools during Nebraska summers.

After swimming:

• Rinse off lake water when possible.

• Dry your dog's ears thoroughly.

• Ask us whether an ear cleaner is appropriate for your pet.

• Watch for redness, odor, scratching, or head shaking that could indicate an ear infection.

Not every dog is a natural swimmer. Always supervise pets around water and consider a life jacket for boating or deeper water adventures.

Be Careful Around Blue-Green Algae

During the summer, harmful blue-green algae can develop in some Nebraska ponds and lakes.

Blue-green algae toxins can be life-threatening if pets drink contaminated water or lick algae from their fur.

Avoid letting your pet swim in or drink from water that appears:

• Bright green

• Blue-green

• Thick like pea soup

• Covered with floating mats or scum

If your pet has been exposed and develops vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, tremors, or seizures, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Keep Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms Away

Summer is prime season for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes throughout Nebraska.

These parasites can spread serious diseases including:

• Lyme disease

• Ehrlichiosis

• Anaplasmosis

• Heartworm disease

Year-round parasite prevention remains one of the easiest ways to protect your pet.

If you're unsure whether your pet is due for prevention or needs a heartworm test, our team is happy to help.

Watch for Foxtails and Grass Awns

Summer grasses can create hidden hazards for curious pets.

Grass awns and foxtails can become lodged in paws, ears, noses, and even under the skin.

After walks or hikes:

• Check your pet's paws.

• Look between the toes.

• Inspect ears and coat for plant material.

If your pet suddenly begins limping, sneezing repeatedly, or shaking their head, schedule an examination.

Keep Cookouts Safe

Summer gatherings often include foods that aren't safe for pets.

Keep pets away from:

• Corn cobs

• Cooked bones

• Onions and garlic

• Grapes and raisins

• Chocolate

• Alcohol

• Fatty table scraps

Ask guests not to feed your pet without checking first.

Prepare Early for Fireworks

Fireworks around the Fourth of July can be extremely stressful for many pets.

Help reduce anxiety by:

• Keeping pets indoors before fireworks begin.

• Closing windows and curtains.

• Playing calming music or leaving the TV on.

• Making sure ID tags and microchip information are current.

If your pet experiences severe anxiety during fireworks or thunderstorms, talk with us before the holiday. We can discuss medications, calming products, and other strategies that may help.

Enjoy a Safe Nebraska Summer Together

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. A little planning can help prevent emergencies and ensure your adventures stay fun from start to finish.

Whether you're heading to the lake, enjoying a backyard barbecue, camping, or simply taking evening walks around Norfolk, keeping these summer safety tips in mind can help your pet stay healthy all season long.

If you have questions about parasite prevention, summer travel, heat safety, anxiety, or any other seasonal concerns, the team at Companion Animal Veterinary Clinic is here to help. We wish you and your pets a safe, happy, and healthy summer!

Ready to Get Your Pet Protected? Here's what to do next:

1. Call us or book online to schedule a wellness visit or just a heartworm test

2. Ask about our online pharmacy — we can send prevention right to your door

3. Download the PetDesk app to manage appointments, reminders, and your pet's health records from your phone

📞 Call us: 402-379-1200

🌐 Book online: Book an Appointment

💊 Online pharmacy: Visit Our Pharmacy