WITH warmer weather expected, many families will be looking forward to enjoying the summer days after a gruelling year.

But summer can bring an entire set of worries for dog owners.

2019 saw a three-year high for the number of reports of animals suffering heat exhaustion with 8,290 reports to the RSPCA's emergency line in England and Wales.

The warmer weather and the longer walks can pose certain risks for your pup, so to avoid them, you just need to know what to look out for.

The experts over at Kennelstore have put together a list of the five biggest dangers your dog could face this summer.

Here's more from Andrew Jones:

Heatstroke

Dogs can overheat quickly, with certain breeds being affected more than others. The dog breeds that are more intolerant to high temperatures are the ones with thick or dark coats, as well as short-nosed dogs like pugs and bulldogs and those that are overweight due to more troubled breathing.

If a dog is suffering from heatstroke or dehydration, they might suffer from the following symptoms:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Extreme lethargy and weakness
  • Excessive thirst
  • Dry gums
  • Thick and sticky saliva
  • Vomiting/diarrhoea

It’s important that as soon as you notice any of these symptoms that you remove your pet from the heat as soon as possible. You can help to cool them down by applying wet towels over their body, and things like fans, ice packs and sprinklers can come in handy too. Wherever you are, whether in the car travelling or at home, you should always have water on hand to fill up your dog’s bowl with.

Insects

One of the biggest dangers for dogs over the summer season is ticks. A particular danger for dogs that love their ‘walkies’ outdoors and in the countryside, ticks pose a threat as a real spreader of diseases in pets – deadly diseases included.

It’s recommended that you check your dog for ticks on a daily basis. Bees and wasps also pose a risk to dogs. That buzzing noise they make is often an irritation to us, but forms curiosity for our pets – that curiosity can get them stung.

Sunburn

It’s not just us humans that can catch the sun – our dogs are at risk of sun exposure too. The tendency to fall asleep in the sun is all too common for both us and our pets, and this can cause burning without us even realising (until later). Dogs that are especially vulnerable to the sun are the breeds that have little fur.

Water

Whilst drinking water is a must-have for your dog wherever you are, particularly in summer, there are some types of water you’ve got to be careful of. Firstly, any ponds, pools or lakes you come across on your walks or travels, and secondly, bacteria-infested water.

Not every dog is born knowing how to swim. It’s true that most dogs know instinctively what to do in water and how to stay afloat and it’s true that many dogs can pick up the skill quickly, but some will need a more gradual introduction to water. This way that can slowly get more used to the ways of the water and how to stay adrift.

BBQ parties

T’is the season for outdoor BBQ parties which means fun times with your friends and family, with lots of delicious food and drink. However, if you’re a dog-owner, there are a few things you should be cautious of before you entirely relax into the party mode.

Of course, barbecue food is loved by everyone – including dogs. But that barbecue menu can also provide some hazards to look out for as food like corn on the cob and kebabs can be considered choking hazards. That ice cream you’re having for dessert? It’s one of the many family favourites that can result in a not-very-well doggy. Keep an eye on your pet at all times.