surface temperature. Avoid walking on lawns because fertilizer or other yard chemicals can burn a dog’s paw pads. Protective booties are also available for your dog. A dog may not immediately show the pain of burned pads such as limping or licking the pads. Burned pads need to be examined and have running water over them.  DO NOT ICE THEM BECAUSE ICE CAN MAKE THE BURN WORSE.  Call your vet.
 
DOGS AND CARS
In less than 10 minutes a car can become a furnace.  Even if the outdoor temperature is 78° a car’s interior temp can reach 120°.  Imagine what it can be if it’s 90°!  At 100° the interior can reach 170°  Dogs cannot pant or sweat enough to cool themselves down.  Heatstroke is a danger when a dog’s temperature reaches 105°.
 
DOGS AND SUMMER PARASITES
Ticks are one of three external summertime parasites for dogs. Some common tick-borne diseases are:

1. Lyme Disease
2. Anaplasmosis or "Dog Fever"
3. Ehrlichiosis
4. Rocky Mt. Spotted Fever
5. Hepatozoonosis (ACH)
6. Babesuosis
7. Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF),
8. Bartonellosis
9. AIHA or Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia which can be catastrophic.

​Some of these diseases can be transferred to humans by ticks.  Lyme disease is one of the most serious concerns. Ticks can lay over 1000 eggs at one time. The most common ticks are the brown dog tick, deer tick, American dog tick, and the Lone Star tick.  The adult lifespan is about 3 months to 3 years. 

Fleas and mites round out this list. Fleas can lay 20 – 40 eggs in a day for weeks, adult lifespan is about 100 days. When swallowed, fleas become tapeworms. Mites live in the fur and ears.  They can cause intense itching in the ears and skin diseases like mange.

Internal parasites include tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.  Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms can be contracted by humans. There are medications that can eliminate all worms in a single application. 
 
DOGS AND TOADS
Toads have dry, bumpy skin and their back legs are not so long.  They prefer to crawl versus hopping around and all toads are poisonous.  The most likely and dangerous time to find a toad is at dawn or dusk from May to August. The places the toads enjoy are gardens, ditches, lakeshores, sandy soil, fountains, and anywhere with water including a dog’s water bowl.  A toad such as Fowler’s toad (2”- 4”) soaking in a dog’s water dish can leave enough toxins behind to make the dog very sick. Usually, toads are only mildly toxic.  When a dog gets a toad in its mouth small amounts of toxin are absorbed through the mucous membranes and the poison goes directly into the bloodstream. It can also cause vision issues if gotten in the eyes. The dog may paw at its mouth or eyes or both and whimper or cry. Inducing vomiting will not help because the toxin is not in the stomach. If your dog eats, chews, or licks a toad call your veterinarian.   If you have to handle a toad, wash your hands.  Take the toad or a picture of the toad to your veterinarian.

​DOGS, PLANTS, AND MUSHROOMS 
The top very toxic outdoor plants in Texas for dogs include aloe vera, amaryllis,  azalea, begonia, caladiums, castor bean, daffodil, daisies, dumb cane, gladiola, holly, ivy, lilies, oleander, Sago palms, Texas Mountain Laurel, tomato plants, tulips, wisteria, and yew.

If your dog has any of these symptoms, call your vet:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Seizures
• Liver failure
• Cardiovascular
• Collapse
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of appetite, 
• Nausea, drooling,
• Tearing
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Inability to urinate.

Blood issues:

• Bloody nose
• Bloody stool
• Bruising
• Anemia

Take the plant or mushroom or a picture to show the veterinarian.

DOGS AND HEATSTROKE
Vomiting, confusion, dark red gums, dry or sticky gums, lethargy, tremors, seizures, excessive panting, thick pasty saliva, drooling, and fainting are signs of heatstroke.  This can occur when the body temperature of a dog reaches or exceeds 105°.  A dog’s natural temperature does not allow much room for getting overheated or having hyperthermia when he can no longer self-regulate his body temperature.  The quickest thing to do to help your dog cool down is to get him in the shade or A/C. *NO ICE* Pour only slightly cool or tepid *NOT COLD* water over him or dip a towel in water and lay it over him briefly.  Offer little sips of water.  Call your vet immediately.  If you have sports drinks with electrolytes ask if this would help.  Dehydration and heat are problems.

DOGS AND DISEASE
It's easy to forget about a lot of things with your dog and summertime but do not forget that until your puppy has had his 16 week vaccination, he is susceptible to parvo.  The other night we were at the animal ER and there was this beautiful Doberman puppy brought straight in to quarantine with parvo.  Parvo is a deadly 10-day roller coaster ride.  Central Texas is having a particularly hard time with it.  Older dogs are not affected but they can carry and shed parvo.  It lives for 48 hours on inanimate things.  Wait out this brief period with you puppy at home.  Be safe.

References:
Caplan, Christy. “What Happens When Your Dog Walks on Hot Pavement Is Painful and Avoidable with These Tips.” Pets, 18 June 2019, https://www.wideopenpets.com/pavement-too-hot-for-your-dog/. 

Burke, Anna. “Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 21 Oct. 2019, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-mushroom/. 
​
Wyoming Public Radio | By Ashley Piccone. “The Science (and Magic) of Wyoming's Fairy Rings.” Wyoming Public Media, 14 June 2021, https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/open-spaces/2021-03-12/the-science-and-magic-of-wyomings-fairy-rings. ​

​Sterilization is the most common surgery performed and is considered very safe with a very low chance of complications.  One thing that has not changed over the years is that altered animals versus intact animals live longer.  Altered females outlive intact females by 23% and the male altered animal outlives the intact male by 18%. 

With sterilization, there is a reduction or elimination of reproductive organ cancers.  Uterine disease, pyometra, and other uterine-related infections are eliminated.  If done early enough the possibility of mammary tumors is reduced or eliminated.  For a sterilized male there are several problems with lowered incidence such as enlarged prostate and more.  The reduced breeding behavior includes less desire to roam and less aggression. 

Staying home more lowers the chances of being hit by a car, less urge to mark, less barking, and less mounting. less fighting or injury.   For the females reduced breeding behavior includes less howling, nervousness, mounting, no bleeding,  or heat-related crying. The time for surgery is left to your vet’s discretion although we suggest later than 6 months especially for the males to achieve better bone and muscle development.

Female 
Traditional Spaying - OHE (Ovariohysterectomy)

• Removal: Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus are removed
• Behavior: Elimination of breeding behavior
• Age: 6 months
• Problems:
  • Incontinence
  • Weight gain

In the Absence of Ovaries

• Problems result due to the ovaries not producing the Luteinizing Hormone. 
  • The hypothalamus and pituitary gland overproduce the Luteinizing Hormone in the absence of the ovaries. 
• Problems include:
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Aggressive/fearful behavior
  • Cancers
  • Other issues.

      
Ovary Sparing Spaying, i.e. Hysterectomy:

• Removal: Uterus and parts of the fallopian tubes are removed   (ovaries remain intact)
• Behavior: Breeding behavior still intact. Hormones are in production.
• Age: 6 months
• Takes a few minutes longer than the older procedure. 
  • There is research that suggests there are risks to prematurely ending hormone reproduction and suggesting intact animals are healthier.

When the Ovaries Are Left Intact:

• The dog will come into heat and have the possibility of getting any of the sex hormone-related diseases or cancers such as ovarian cancer or mammary tumors.

 
Ovariectomy, i.e. Laparoscopic is more common in Europe, also known as a female gonadectomy:

• Removal: Only the ovaries are removed and the uterus remains intact  
• Behavior: Elimination of Breeding behavior
• Age: 6 months
• Incision: Requires 2-3 small incisions requiring one stitch where the others require 1 larger incision
• Faster recovery because it is less invasive. 
• Less chance of nicking the ureters or the narrow duct (tube) that carries the urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder and is next to the uterus
• Problems: ​
  • ​This surgery is more expensive than a normal spay because of the equipment required.

                         
Tubal Ligation:

• Requires additional training as it is yet to be taught in veterinarian school
• Removal: Nothing is removed. The fallopian tubes are sealed or cut preventing an egg’s fertilization (tubes tied).
• Behavior: Breeding behavior continues.
• Age: 6 mos.
• Problems:
  • It is hard to find a doctor who does this procedure,  and it can cost much more than a Basic spay. 

                                                     
Male – Normal hormonal function continues with either procedure.
Traditional Neuter (Orchiectomy)

• Removal: Removes the testicles. The scrotum remains and shrinks.
• Behavior: Breeding behavior goes away (under 12 months surgery)
• Age: 7-12 months.
• Problems:
  • Age is debatable

Vasectomy

• Removal: Nothing is removed.  The tube (vas deferens) that runs from the testes to the end of the penis is cut and sealed. 
  • Testicles are intact and functional.
• Behavior: Will exhibit breeding behaviors.
• Age: 6 months
• This procedure can also be used on young dogs with fewer complications of castration.
• Sperm is absorbed into the body until no longer produced. 
• Problems:
  • Fertility can continue for up to 6 months after surgery.   
  • This procedure is not commonly taught in veterinary schools. 

Chemical Neuter or Intratesticular Injection: 

• The drug Zeuterin® is injected into each of the testes. 
  • Has the active ingredient, zinc gluconate which causes the testes to shrink but retains similar appearance. 
  • This is a permanent solution.
  • For anyone sensitive about the looks of their male dog, this procedure allows the ‘looks’ to be close to normal. 
  • Scrotal Ulcers or draining tracts are possible. 
• Removal: Nothing is removed. 
• Behavior: Breeding Behavior stops
• Age: 6 months
• Problems: 
  • There is an issue about correctly injecting Zeuterin® because if the liquid falls on the skin it can cause severe skin damage. 
  • Scrotal tenderness and swelling are common. 
  • Chemical sterilization can also be permanent, or it can be temporary according to its directive and application.

Conflicting Sides:
There are studies now about when to sterilize a dog with arguments and studies on both sides of the debate. If you have noticed there are notes about when the ovaries are left and when they are removed. The information is documented. This leaves us with your vet as your authority.

So why is sterilization important?
One of the major reasons is pet overpopulation.  One of the other reasons is to eliminate or significantly reduce the breeding behaviors. 
 
References:
Avery, Dr Alex. “Ovaries Only...which Is the Best Spay Surgery for Your Dog?” Our Pet's Health, Our Pet's Health, 31 Jan. 2021, https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/ovariectomy.

Dr. Patty Khuly, VMD MBA. “Canine Sterilization.” Embrace Pet Insurance, 26 Mar. 2021, https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/canine-sterilization.

DVM, Dr. Debra Primovic -. “Vasectomy in Dogs.” RSS, PetPlace, 22 Aug. 2015, https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/vasectomy-in-dogs/.

JiniJini Patel Thompson is a natural health writer and Lazer Tapping instructor. She began riding at age 2 in Kenya. “New Healthier Procedures for Dog Spaying or Neuter: Listen to Your Horse.” Listen To Your Horse | More Freedom | More Joy | More Horse, 2 July 2016, https://listentoyourhorse.com/new-healthier-procedures-for-female-and-male-dog-spaying.

Mdit. “Sterilization of a Dog (Castration & Ovariectomy).” MDIT, 22 Nov. 2019, https://mydogistop.com/sterilization-of-a-dog-castration-ovariectomy/.

“Spaying and Neutering Your Pets - Surgical Sterilization.” PPHC - Plantation Pet Health Center, 13 Mar. 2019, https://www.plantationpethealthcenter.com/veterinary-surgery/spaying-neutering-pets/.

“Sterilization Free Icons Designed by Freepik.” Flaticon, 20 May 2022, https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/sterilization_1068494?term=Sterile. 

The microchip within is very small like, a grain of rice. It is not much different from a regular vaccination for the dog. The injection is over the shoulder blades roughly. It is possible for the chip to migrate toward the collar bone eventually over the years.

It is likely that a dog will get lost during its lifetime. Often at rest stops, gas stops and even at the vet’s office dogs can escape their owner. The backyard fence may have a portal into another world for your dog. At any rate, having a dog microchipped will give any owner peace of mind knowing that either through the animal shelter or a vet’s office their pet can be identified.
The most important thing to remember is to update the registration information.