Summer Pet Safety: Essential Advice from ER Veterinarian Dr. Carly Fox

Summer means more time outdoors, beach trips, barbecues, and adventures with our pets. It can also be one of the busiest times of year in the veterinary emergency room.

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Carly Fox, Senior Veterinarian in AMC's Emergency and Critical Care Service, to discuss the most common summer emergencies and what owners need to know to help protect their pets.

Topics include:

• Which pets are most vulnerable to heat-related illness
• The warning signs that a pet may be overheating
• What to do in a heat emergency — and one common mistake that can make the situation worse
• Why a day at the beach can sometimes end in the ER
• Summer travel risks many pet owners overlook
• Picnic and barbecue hazards that can lead to an emergency vet visit
• What ER veterinarians wish every pet owner knew

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about a Great Horned Owl rescued after becoming trapped inside a concrete mixer
• Animal news, including new research suggesting beluga whales may recognize themselves in mirrors, a study exploring how zebra finches learn complex skills, and fascinating findings about what pet hair may reveal about the indoor environments pets and people share
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing breathing concerns in a Yorkie with pancreatitis; whether Golden Retrievers should be shaved during the summer; and ongoing diarrhea and excessive thirst in a cat being treated for thyroid disease

Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet!