If you're like many dog owners, you enjoy sharing outdoor adventures with your canine companion—especially during the summer. Camping, hiking, and other warm-weather pursuits can be a lot of fun for dogs. You may already know that it's important to check your dog for ticks after spending time outdoors because ticks can cause disease, but ticks aren't the only danger to domestic dogs lurking in outdoor environments. Continue reading for three other summertime pet dangers you should know about.   

Heatstroke 

Because dogs only have sweat glands in their paw pads, they process heat differently than their human counterparts. Most of their body heat is released through panting, which makes them vulnerable to heatstroke in warm or hot outdoor temperatures. Breeds with flat faces, such as bulldogs, pugs, Pekingese, and Boston terriers suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome, which makes them more sensitive to heat because they can't pant as effectively as other breeds. Other factors that may cause increased vulnerability to heat stroke in dogs include the following:  

• Double coats—such as those found in breeds like huskies, American Eskimos, Pomeranians, German shepherds, and Labradors.
• Dark-colored fur—the darker the fur, the more heat it will absorb
• Obesity—overweight dogs have more insulation, making it more difficult for their bodies to process heat
• Age—senior dogs tend to be more sensitive to temperature and are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular conditions that increase the chances of succumbing to heatstroke

Blue-Green Algae Poisoning

Many dogs love to splash and play in the water, and it's fun to watch them enjoy themselves. Even those who don't go into the water often help themselves to a cool drink from the banks of a lake or river. However, blue-green algae poisoning is often fatal in dogs. Avoid letting your dog drink from lakes and ponds and keep your pet leashed around water. These toxins can be present without any visual signs. If you suspect blue-green algae poisoning, you must get to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Summer Allergies

You probably already know that it's somewhat common for humans to have allergic reactions to plant pollen, but this can affect your four-legged friends as well. Dogs can experience similar reactions to pollen and mold spores that people do, including itchy, watery nose and eyes, but most of the time, they experience allergies through their skin. Signs that your dog may be suffering from seasonal allergies include excessive scratching and biting, as well as rashes and hives.

When you're out adventuring with your canine companion this summer, always have the telephone number of your local vet hospital close at hand in the event that your dog needs emergency services.  

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