NBSPCA shares top summer safety tips for dog owners

As New Brunswickers head outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather, the New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) is reminding dog owners that summer brings unique risks for pets. From dangerous heat exposure to tick-borne illnesses, a few simple precautions can help keep dogs safe and healthy all season long.

“Summer is a wonderful time to spend with our pets, but it’s also a season when we see preventable emergencies occur,” said NBSPCA Chief Animal Protection Officer Don Metcalfe. ​“A little planning and awareness can make a big difference in protecting your dog.”

The NBSPCA is encouraging dog owners to keep the following important summer safety tips in mind.

Never leave a dog in a parked vehicle

Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly and become deadly for a dog. Dogs can only cool themselves through panting and limited sweating through their paw pads, making them especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. 

Leaving a dog in a hot car is an offence under the SPCA Act, with potential penalties including fines up to $10,000 and prohibition from owning animals. If you see a dog in distress in a business parking lot, ask management to make an announcement, or call the NBSPCA hotline at 1−877−722−1522. If the animal is in severe distress, call local police or the RCMP for immediate response.

Provide water, shade and rest

Dogs can overheat quickly during periods of high heat and humidity. When spending time outdoors:

  • Always provide access to fresh, cool drinking water.
  • Ensure your dog has access to shade.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Consider walking early in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.
  • Be mindful of hot pavement, which can burn sensitive paw pads.

Dogs can quickly overheat when forced to run or walk long distances in high temperatures. If your dog shows signs of heat distress — including excessive panting, lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing or collapse — move them to a cool area, wet their paws and ears with cool (not ice-cold) water, offer small amounts of water to drink and seek immediate veterinary care.

Keep walks safe by using a leash

Summer outings can expose dogs to a variety of hazards, including discarded food, toxic substances, sharp objects, wildlife encounters and conflicts with unfamiliar animals. Keeping dogs on a leash helps prevent them from wandering into dangerous situations and gives owners better control in busy parks, trails and public spaces.

A leash can also help prevent dogs from ingesting harmful items, including picnic leftovers, garbage and other substances — such as discarded drugs — that may cause illness or injury.

Protect against ticks

Ticks are active throughout New Brunswick and can transmit serious diseases to pets. Dogs are particularly susceptible to tick bites and tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, which can be difficult to detect and may not show symptoms for days or even weeks after a bite.

The NBSPCA recommends:

  • Speaking with your veterinarian about appropriate tick prevention products.
  • Checking your dog for ticks after walks, hikes and outdoor activities.
  • Removing ticks promptly and properly if found, using clean, fine-point tweezers, and washing the bite area with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Keep vaccinations current

Summer often means more travel, outdoor activities, and interactions with people and animals. Ensuring your dog’s vaccinations are up to date helps protect both your pet and the community.

Rabies vaccination is particularly important. Rabies remains a serious public health concern, and vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect pets and people.

Beware of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)

Dog owners should also be mindful of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, when visiting lakes, rivers and other recreational waters. While not all cyanobacteria are harmful, some produce toxins that can pose serious health risks to people and animals. Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they may drink contaminated water, swim through blooms or ingest algae and vegetation along the shoreline. 

Cyanobacteria can appear as blue-green, green, brown or red surface blooms, or as dark green, brown or black mats that grow along the bottom of lakes and rivers and may wash ashore. Because these mats can emit an odour that attracts dogs, pet owners should keep their dogs away from any suspicious-looking water, prevent them from eating shoreline vegetation or floating mats, and bring fresh drinking water on outings. If you suspect your dog has been exposed and is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

“With a few simple precautions, families can enjoy a safe and fun summer with their dogs,” said Metcalfe. ​“Our goal is to help prevent emergencies before they happen and ensure pets stay healthy, comfortable and protected.”