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Kick off the summer with confidence and keep your pet protected from these common risks.
Heatstroke
Pets don’t sweat like we do—dogs pant and cats shed heat from their paws only! Keep the cool water flowing, give them plenty of shaded spots to lounge in, avoid exercise during the hottest times of the day and never leave them in a parked car. Heatstroke is life‑threatening and demands immediate treatment to prevent fatal outcomes.
Picnic Foods
Mouthwatering BBQ smells can turn picnics into problem zones. One quick snag of a bone, fruit pit or corncob can lead straight to the ER. Keep both raw and cooked picnic foods out of paw’s reach and remind your guests that foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins or rich meat trimmings are off‑limits for pets.
Sun and Paw Burns
Fur isn’t a natural sunscreen—pink noses, naked ears and bellies burn fast. Slather on a pet‑safe SPF, limit midday fun in the sun and set your pet up in the shade. The sun is double trouble, heating up sidewalks, decks and artificial turf and can blister paw pads in seconds. Consider carrying small dogs or walking on softer, shaded paths to keep every step safe!
Grill & Fireworks Burns
Open flames, sizzling grills, fireworks and sparklers pose serious burn risks. Keep pets safely indoors during cookouts and tuck them into their “happy place” before the fireworks start. It’s not just lit fireworks that pose a danger—ingestion of unlit fireworks can be toxic.
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks pack a toxic oily liquid that can leak if chewed, prompting drooling, gagging and upset tummies. The chemicals can also irritate skin, eyes and mouths. Keep glow sticks well out of paw’s reach to avoid a glowing mess of an ER visit.
Heatstroke
Pets don’t sweat like we do—dogs pant and cats shed heat from their paws only! Keep the cool water flowing, give them plenty of shaded spots to lounge in, avoid exercise during the hottest times of the day and never leave them in a parked car. Heatstroke is life‑threatening and demands immediate treatment to prevent fatal outcomes.
Picnic Foods
Mouthwatering BBQ smells can turn picnics into problem zones. One quick snag of a bone, fruit pit or corncob can lead straight to the ER. Keep both raw and cooked picnic foods out of paw’s reach and remind your guests that foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins or rich meat trimmings are off‑limits for pets.
Sun and Paw Burns
Fur isn’t a natural sunscreen—pink noses, naked ears and bellies burn fast. Slather on a pet‑safe SPF, limit midday fun in the sun and set your pet up in the shade. The sun is double trouble, heating up sidewalks, decks and artificial turf and can blister paw pads in seconds. Consider carrying small dogs or walking on softer, shaded paths to keep every step safe!
Grill & Fireworks Burns
Open flames, sizzling grills, fireworks and sparklers pose serious burn risks. Keep pets safely indoors during cookouts and tuck them into their “happy place” before the fireworks start. It’s not just lit fireworks that pose a danger—ingestion of unlit fireworks can be toxic.
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks pack a toxic oily liquid that can leak if chewed, prompting drooling, gagging and upset tummies. The chemicals can also irritate skin, eyes and mouths. Keep glow sticks well out of paw’s reach to avoid a glowing mess of an ER visit.
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Emergency Situations That Require Immediate Attention: |
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• Severe accident or trauma • Severe fever or malaise • Broken bone • Hit by a car • Shock • Attack by another animal • Difficulty breathing or severe coughing |
• Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for an extended time • Birthing problems • Collapse • Uncontrolled bleeding • Known or suspected toxin ingestion |
When every moment matters, our elite Emergency Care teams mobilize instantly, delivering fast, lifesaving interventions for your pet.
*Get 50% off one emergency exam. Only available at participating hospitals offering emergency care listed in the hospital locator above (or visit vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital). Not valid toward any other services or products, such as veterinary services, boarding, diagnostics, treatments, vaccines, medication or retail items. Offer good for up to two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not to be combined with any other offer. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No Cash Value. Valid from 6/23/25 to 7/15/25. Administrative services provided by VCA Animal Hospitals.
Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
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