Summer Pet Health Concerns in Marietta, GA
Marietta and East Cobb, Georgia, summers bring plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, but they also increase your pet’s exposure to seasonal health risks. At Montrose Animal Hospital and Pet Hotel, we encourage pet owners to stay proactive during the hottest months of the year.
Here are a few Summer Seasonal FAQS from the veterinarians at Montrose Animal Hospital to help you keep your pet healthy this Summer.
Are Fleas At Their Peak in Summer?
Warm temperatures and humidity create ideal conditions for flea populations to thrive throughout Marietta and East Cobb. Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can be exposed to fleas through people, other animals, or the environment.
Common signs of fleas include:
- Excessive scratching or biting
- Hair loss
- Red, irritated skin
- Flea dirt in the coat
- Allergic skin reactions
Consistent, veterinarian-recommended flea prevention remains the best defense against infestations.
Does Tick Activity Increase During Summer?
Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, parks, and hiking trails throughout North Georgia. During June, July, and August, pets are at increased risk of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis.
To reduce tick exposure:
- Check your pet after outdoor activities
- Keep the grass trimmed around your home
- Use year-round tick prevention
- Schedule routine wellness exams
Early detection and prevention are critical to protecting your pet’s health.
Are Heartworms a Serious Threat in Summer?
Mosquitoes are abundant during Georgia’s summer months, making heartworm disease a significant concern for both dogs and cats.
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause severe damage to the heart and lungs. Because treatment can be costly and challenging, prevention is far safer and more effective than treatment.
We recommend:
- Year-round heartworm prevention
- Annual heartworm testing
- Limiting mosquito exposure when possible
What Are the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke?
Georgia summers can be dangerously hot for pets. Dogs and cats cannot regulate body temperature as efficiently as humans, making them vulnerable to overheating.
Warning signs include:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Weakness or lethargy
- Vomiting
- Collapse
Never leave pets in parked vehicles, and always provide access to shade and fresh water when outdoors.
Why do dogs overheat in Summer?
Dogs don’t sweat efficiently like humans. They rely mainly on panting to release heat.
Do flat-faced breeds of dogs overheat in summer?
Yes. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dog breeds are particularly prone to overheating in summer because their shortened airways make it harder for them to cool themselves through panting. In flat-faced breeds, narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates, and restricted airways reduce the effectiveness of panting, increasing the risk of heat stress and heatstroke.
Common brachycephalic breeds include:
- Bulldogs (English and French)
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Shih Tzus
- Pekingese
- Bullmastiffs
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Overheating?
To help prevent your dog from overheating:
- Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
- Walk early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Provide constant access to fresh water and shade.
- Use air conditioning or cooling mats indoors.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car.
- Watch closely when temperatures exceed about 75–80°F (24–27°C), especially if humidity is high.
What Do I Do If I Think My Dog Is Overheated or Experiencing Heat Stroke?
Heatstroke in dogs is a medical emergency. If you suspect heatstroke, move the dog to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of water, cool them with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water, and seek veterinary care right away.
Do Pets Get Hot Pavement Burns?
Sidewalks, asphalt, and parking lots can reach temperatures capable of burning paw pads within minutes.
Before walks, test pavement temperatures with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
Consider:
- Early morning walks
- Evening exercise sessions
- Protective booties for sensitive paws
What are the Symptoms of Skin Allergies?
Many pets experience seasonal allergies during the summer due to increased exposure to pollen, grasses, mold spores, and insect bites.
Symptoms may include:
- Itchy skin
- Excessive licking or chewing
- Ear infections
- Red or inflamed skin
- Hot spots
Prompt treatment can help prevent secondary infections and improve your pet’s comfort.
What are Hot Spots?
A hot spot is a painful, inflamed area of skin that develops when a dog excessively licks, scratches, or chews at an irritated area. Hot spots can appear suddenly and often worsen quickly if left untreated.
What causes hot spots in dogs?
Hot spots are commonly triggered by:
- Flea bites
- Seasonal allergies
- Insect bites
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Matted fur
- Excess moisture from swimming or bathing
What do hot spots look like?
Hot spots typically appear as red, moist, irritated patches of skin. They may ooze, crust over, or lose hair, and are often painful to the touch.
Are hot spots common during the summer?
Yes. Georgia’s heat and humidity create ideal conditions for hot spots, especially in dogs that swim frequently or have allergies.
Can hot spots heal on their own?
Some minor hot spots may improve, but many continue to spread as dogs lick and scratch the area. Veterinary treatment is often needed to relieve discomfort and prevent infection.
Intestinal Parasites
Summer activities often increase exposure to contaminated soil, standing water, dog parks, and wildlife, raising the risk of intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia.
Routine fecal testing during wellness visits helps identify and treat parasites before they become serious health concerns.
Water Safety Risks
Swimming pools, lakes, and rivers can provide great exercise, but they also come with hazards.
Pet owners should watch for:
- Water intoxication from excessive water ingestion
- Harmful algae blooms
- Strong currents
- Ear infections after swimming
Always supervise pets around water and rinse them off after swimming.
Keep Your Pet Protected All Summer Long
Regular wellness exams, parasite prevention, vaccinations, and early intervention are the keys to helping your pet enjoy a safe and healthy summer in Marietta. If you have questions about your pet’s summer health needs, the team at Montrose Animal Hospital and Pet Hotel is here to help.
Contact Montrose Animal Hospital
Montrose Animal Hospital and Pet Hotel serving the pets of East Cobb, Marietta, Georgia, part of the Metro-Atlanta Community
Clinic Hours:
Mon – Fri 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
(Appointments start at 9:00 am)
Sunday Closed
(Boarding Pick up only between 1-3 pm)
Address:
1028 Woodlawn Drive NE Marietta, GA 30068
Phone:
(770) 977-9000