Extreme Hot or Cold Temperatures
Taking your dog outside in extreme hot or cold temperatures can be dangerous and lead to heat stroke or hypothermia. According to Dogs Love Running, most healthy medium or large dogs can walk for 30 minutes if the temperature is above 20 degrees F. Smaller dogs should limit walks to 15-20 minutes in temperatures below 20 degrees F [1]. Stella and Chewys recommends avoiding walking dogs when temperatures are above 90°F, as heat stroke risk increases [2].
Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness. Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, lethargy, low heart rate, muscle stiffness, disorientation, and loss of consciousness.
To prevent heat stroke and hypothermia, keep walks short when temperatures are very high or low. Make sure your dog has access to shade and water. Consider the breed, coat length, age, and health of your dog when determining safe temperatures for walks.
Poor Air Quality
Air pollution can be dangerous for dogs, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI), air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups when it reaches 101-150 (source). At this level, owners of dogs with respiratory issues should limit their time outdoors. An AQI above 150 is considered unhealthy for everyone, and prolonged exposure can irritate any dog’s airways.
Signs that poor air quality is negatively impacting your dog include coughing, gagging, wheezing, excessive panting, and nasal discharge. Their eyes may also become red and watery. If your dog shows these symptoms after being outside when air pollution is high, keep them indoors and call your veterinarian if the symptoms persist or worsen (source). It’s important to be aware of air quality levels in your area and limit outdoor activities on days when pollution poses a health risk.
Extreme Weather Events
Severe weather like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can be very dangerous for dogs when they are outdoors. The high winds, heavy rain, hail, lightning, and other hazards associated with extreme weather events put dogs at risk of injury or death if they are left outside (Smith 2022).
Pet owners should bring dogs inside well ahead of any expected severe storms in the area. Pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service and local news to know when thunderstorms, tornadoes, or hurricanes are approaching. If a warning gets issued for your area, bring pets in immediately (ASPCA 2022).
Some signs of storm anxiety in dogs include trembling, panting, pacing, whining, hiding, loss of appetite, and clingy behavior. To ease their stress, create a comfortable and secure area inside with their bed, toys, and treats (Jones 2018). Stay nearby and use calming techniques like soothing music or pheromone diffusers.
Leaving dogs outside during dangerous weather events puts them at risk of serious injury or death. Their safety depends on pet owners closely monitoring forecasts and providing secure shelter indoors when severe storms approach.
Sources:
ASPCA. (2022). Keeping Pets Safe During Storms. https://www.aspca.org/news/keeping-pets-safe-during-storms
Jones, A. (2018). How to Calm a Dog Scared of Thunderstorms. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/helping-your-dog-through-a-storm#1
Smith, J. (2022). Dangers of Leaving Pets Outside in Bad Weather. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/are-extreme-temperatures-dangerous-pets
Pesticide Application
Exposure to lawn chemicals and pesticides can pose serious health risks to dogs. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), pesticides can be absorbed through a dog’s paws, skin, or fur when walking on treated grass or soil (http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/petspest.html). Pesticides designed to kill pests can also harm dogs if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning in dogs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, weakness, and respiratory difficulties.
Experts recommend waiting at least 48 hours after pesticide application before allowing dogs back onto treated grass or soil. This allows time for the chemicals to dry and dissipate to safer levels. Letting dogs out too soon can lead to paw pad irritation, skin reactions, or illness from ingesting residue. After suspected pesticide exposure, bathe your dog immediately using pet-safe shampoo and monitor them closely for any concerning symptoms.
When using necessary lawn chemicals, always follow label instructions carefully regarding re-entry periods and safe usage around pets. Consider natural, pet-friendly pest control alternatives when possible. With proper precautions, pesticides can be utilized while still keeping dogs safe in their usual outdoor spaces.
Overexertion Risk
It’s important for dogs to get adequate rest after surgery, illness, or injuries to allow proper healing. Overexertion can cause harm by irritating incision sites, re-opening wounds, exacerbating pain and inflammation, and delaying recovery. According to veterinarians, most dogs require 1-2 weeks of rest after routine surgeries before gradually easing back into normal activity. More complex procedures involving bones, joints or ligaments may require up to 8-12 weeks of reduced activity (Source).
Signs of overexertion include panting, lameness, whimpering, abnormal gait, agitation, or licking/biting at surgery sites. If you notice these behaviors, stop activity immediately and allow your dog to rest. Provide a comfortable and tranquil area away from other pets or children. You can also apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to soothe pain and inflammation.
While physical activity should be restricted during recovery, mental exercise is still important. Engage your dog’s mind with games like hide-and-seek, sniffing exercises, treat puzzles, or obedience training that avoids physical strain. This will prevent boredom and restlessness while their body heals.
Contagious Diseases
Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs. The incubation period is 2-14 days, and dogs are contagious for months after showing signs of illness. The CDC recommends isolating dogs with kennel cough for at least 20 days. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces the sick dog has contacted, including food bowls, crates, leashes, and yard spots. Prevent spreading kennel cough by limiting contact with unknown dogs, avoiding crowded areas like dog parks, and keeping your dog up-to-date on Bordetella vaccinations.
Canine influenza is another contagious respiratory illness in dogs. It spreads through saliva, nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing. Isolate dogs showing flu signs for at least 21 days. Clean and disinfect their items and environment. Reduce exposure by limiting contact with unknown dogs during outbreaks.
Leptospirosis also spreads easily between dogs. It can survive for months in soil and water. If your dog contracts it, clean your yard with disinfectants. Avoid taking unvaccinated dogs where wildlife frequents until the first hard freeze. Promptly treat wounds on dogs who go outdoors to prevent infection.
Open Wounds
Dogs with open wounds like scrapes, cuts or punctures should avoid going outside until the injury has adequately begun healing. Open wounds carry a high risk of infection when exposed to outside elements like dirt or bacteria (VCA Hospitals, 2023). It’s recommended to allow 2-3 days of healing before taking a dog with an open wound outside. Smaller abrasions may only need 24 hours (WagWalking, 2023).
If you must take a dog out before an open wound has healed, it’s important to protect the injury. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing. You may also use an antimicrobial ointment under the bandage to prevent infection. Avoid getting the wound dirty or wet. Carry wound cleaning supplies with you on outings in case the bandage needs changing (BondVet, 2023). Carefully monitor the wound for any signs of renewed bleeding, swelling or discharge which could indicate infection.
Hunting Season
During hunting season, extra precautions should be taken when walking dogs outdoors. Hunters may mistake dogs for game, putting them at risk of being shot if visibility is poor (source). To keep dogs safe:
- Have dogs wear brightly colored vests or leashes so they stand out against natural surroundings.
- Avoid wooded areas and fields where hunting may occur.
- Walk early in the morning or at dusk when fewer hunters may be active.
- Pick routes away from hunting zones and popular hunting spots.
- Check with local wildlife agencies about hunting seasons and closures.
Planning alternate walking routes and timing during hunting season can help reduce the chances of encounters with hunters and their firearms.
Fireworks
Fireworks displays can be very distressing and dangerous for dogs due to the loud noises and bright flashes of light. The noise from fireworks often causes anxiety and fear reactions in dogs, sometimes referred to as noise phobia. Some common signs your dog may exhibit during fireworks are shaking, hiding, panting, pacing, barking or whining, and trying to run away.1
There are several things you can do to help ease your dog’s fireworks fear:
- Desensitization techniques like playing fireworks sounds at low volume and rewarding calm behavior can help dogs learn to associate the noises with positive things.
- Creating a safe hiding place at home, keeping windows closed, and using pheromone diffusers or blankets can help minimize noise impact.
- Consult your vet about anti-anxiety medications or supplements that may help relieve short-term noise phobia.
- Walk your dog during daylight hours and keep them indoors during displays to prevent running away.
- Use distraction techniques like toys, games, or TV to divert attention away from the outside noises.
With proper precautions and training, you can help prevent your dog from becoming too overwhelmed during fireworks season.2
Parasites
Dogs can pick up parasites like heartworm, fleas and ticks when spending time outside. According to the Countryside Veterinary Clinic, heartworm is spread through mosquito bites, fleas are common in grassy areas, and ticks live in brush, tall grass and wooded areas.1 Preventing exposure to these parasites is crucial.
There are monthly preventatives available from your veterinarian to protect your dog against heartworm, fleas and ticks. Products like Revolution and Bravecto cover all three parasites. Check with your vet on the best prevention plan for your dog.
After spending time outdoors, carefully check your dog’s coat and skin for any signs of parasites. Look for small dark specks that could be fleas or ticks burrowed into the fur and skin. Also check for symptoms like scratching, biting and licking excessively. These are signs your dog may have picked up parasites outside.
If you find any evidence of fleas, ticks or other parasites, contact your veterinarian. They can provide medications to kill the parasites and recommend additional prevention steps.