July is one of the busiest months for emergency veterinary visits in Northeast Ohio. Higher temperatures, more outdoor activity, and increased exposure to seasonal hazards put pets at greater risk during summer than almost any other time of year. Knowing the warning signs and what to do — and when it’s time to call your vet — can make a real difference in outcomes.
Heat-Related Illness in Dogs and Cats
Pets don’t regulate body temperature the way humans do. Dogs dissipate heat primarily through panting, which becomes less effective as humidity rises. Cats are more heat-tolerant than dogs in some ways but are also vulnerable, especially older or overweight animals.
Heatstroke warning signs in dogs:
- Excessive, labored panting that doesn’t slow down
- Drooling more than usual
- Bright red or pale gums
- Disorientation, stumbling, or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Collapse or seizures
- Being left in a parked car — even briefly, even with windows cracked
- High-intensity exercise during the hottest part of the day
- Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) in any warm conditions
- Senior dogs, overweight dogs, or dogs with underlying heart or respiratory conditions
A dog experiencing heatstroke needs immediate cooling — move them to shade or air conditioning, apply cool (not cold) water to the paw pads and groin, and get to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Heatstroke can cause organ damage within minutes.
Highest-risk situations:
Hot Pavement Burns
Asphalt in direct July sun can reach surface temperatures of 140–160°F — hot enough to cause burns on paw pads within seconds. If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for five seconds comfortably, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
Signs of paw pad burns include limping, licking or chewing at feet, red or darkened pad color, blistering, or refusal to walk. Burns on paw pads are painful and can become infected — if you suspect burns, rinse the paws with cool water and contact your veterinarian.
Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Exposure
July is peak season for external parasites in Stark County. Ticks are active from early spring through late fall and are increasingly common in suburban backyards with any amount of brush or tall grass. Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are all tick-transmitted diseases seen in Northeast Ohio dogs.
Mosquitoes are the vector for heartworm disease — a preventable but serious condition that requires a year-round prevention protocol. If your pet is not currently on heartworm prevention, summer is an important time to start and to have them tested before beginning medication.
Check dogs and cats for ticks after any outdoor time in grass or wooded areas. If your pet is not on flea and tick prevention, talk to your veterinarian about options appropriate for their age, weight, and lifestyle.
Water Safety
Many dogs love water, but not all water is safe. Lake and pond water in Ohio can harbor leptospirosis bacteria, blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), and intestinal parasites. Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that can affect both dogs and humans — vaccination is available and recommended for dogs with outdoor or water exposure.
Blue-green algae blooms appear in warm, slow-moving water during summer and are toxic. If your dog swims in or drinks from a bloom and shows symptoms — vomiting, weakness, seizures, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
Summer Emergency Care in Canton
For non-emergency wellness needs, summer is also an appropriate time to schedule a routine visit — annual vaccines, flea/tick prevention review, and any concerns that have come up during the warmer months.
Lake Cable Animal Hospital in Canton (Jackson Township) provides routine wellness care, emergency services, and summer health counseling for dogs and cats throughout Stark County. Dr. Heidi Watters and the team are available for both scheduled appointments and urgent care needs.
Call (330) 499-9370 to schedule an appointment or discuss a health concern.