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. ​

Fowler’s toad has a lighter gray or brown stripe down its back. Its coloring is gray or brown with dark spots and three or more warts. It has a cream color underside.

The Sonoran toad is the largest toad in North America and considered endangered in California. This toad is found in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. It is also found across the country from Arizona westward to California. The Sonoran toad's head is wide and flat with a squatty body. Its leathery skin changes from a gray-green to a dark brown with light orange warts and up to four white warts.

The Giant toad can get very big but is usually smaller than the Sonoran toad. It has a record of being 15” long from nose to bottom. Its coloring varies from olive-brown to a yellowish or reddish color. The belly may be pale white or yellow. It has a triangular head, short legs, and rough skin. This toad can live 10 – 40 years. It needs a very humid place to live. In Texas, it can be found predominately in the Rio Grande Valley. If the toad is longer than 4” it is probably toxic.
​
Toxin:
A toad’s milky toxin is a steroid compound called Bufotoxin and it is a serious hallucinogen. This can vary some. Its chemical makeup is akin to that of LSD. The toxin comes through the skin when the toad is frightened or when the parotid gland is compressed/squeezed such as when milking a cow. If a dog grabs the toad with his mouth he squeezes the parotid gland. These poisonous toads are referred to as 'psychedelic toads'.

Symptoms:
Symptoms range from mild to severe. A dog will experience disorientation, fever, and rapid or abnormal heart rhythms. Mild reactions include a lot of salivating and mouth or eye irritation. On top of mild symptoms, there is vomiting, breathing difficulty, loss of muscle coordination, loss of bladder control, and listlessness. The most severe reactions go further to include pasty diarrhea, seizures, fixed pupils, abdominal cramping, bluish complexion, and so on. Veterinarian intercession is necessary. A pet can die in as little as 15 minutes.

Take Action:
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. Seek immediate veterinarian treatment.


Preventative Measures:
Suggestions to reduce having toads on your property are keeping your grass cut short and shrubs clipped up. Rake all the debris away. Look for places a toad might like to burrow such as foundational cubbies around a home, fence, shed, or other building. Do not leave any pet food or water outdoors. Commands like ‘Down,' 'Leave it,' or 'Stop,' come in handy for many things, like leaving toads alone.

References:
“Californiaherps.com, Reptiles and Amphibians.” California Herps, http://www.californiaherps.com/noncal/misc/miscfrogs/pages/r.marina.html.

Cane Toad (Rhinella Marina) - Species Profile, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=48#:~:text=Cane%20Toad%20(Rhinella%20marina)%20%2D%20Species%20Profile&text=Synonyms%20and%20Other%20Names%3A%20Bufo,)%2C%20Poloka%20(Hawaiian).

“Clinical and Electrocardiographic Evaluation during Experimental Toad Poisoning in Dogs.” Facebook, https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scielo.br%2Fscielo.php%3Fscript%3Dsci_arttext%26pid%3DS1678-91992010000200014%26fbclid%3DIwAR0CUR6XkXxcaqhNz8-ZxJcpOUeMceEL_UhpzLfRs-Uib9XR6l3t6fERgzg&h=AT1cGIoIVEn1qJugNM4JKHCWl7I1EwVs8-AWZq6ceZ7qS3nFF9MyL5fVTzcaq2Up3llnNj-bXZgr7t_fNay3YUFAs38RjGI96c9dXdlwUWa1FeW7AkOyhUtcUUtH_dJTB1XqhViUZCs-mbWpqGMq7X5llkG6t2XGAYyGgYiGqLWzyC6kcBK1Pgc4gfvXBVTQc-pJ2vlsKbb3ils2JfViYYEO58oHuHnSXny7smDG4N6XnjcptqyvI39ZqSMXA8o0rZ-41kNqhbffUHJjY4p7nHcKsS07RqzKPI2Im3Dq9iBCvkuaC6Kh5HgP457V9kI4QYA2RBZA3tSqmtNGcWZV_Iu-5ZqcQ28NET7ax-4tFjKCXBWbmMWTiEktRQsBhLdr5vxr9bSJi_RfrcHarP_in6g5seDKP5n-cTeYUOSxxCmxcKTUvwiOxQWhzda2ApJ1-eaR5yXAnTDT0Sup-jZjul8-QkIw1S5nRJkwQJr6t6Vix4taMK7NQlrTROd_LcKs04i_i_GQRdxZmcq1_N0T8swAfIRl25kKWx0sH46w_-k6EOWFHMgeX1L7WvLCA9Vj4ZgZ53co_8_Z1XqNeVqi6lpYYRM8OFtkwiXeJa7EMJeuXclBEqY8v19VRkbPXJ3vyQ.

Editorial, PetMD. “Toad Venom Toxicosis in Dogs.” PetMD, PetMD, 21 Sept. 2016, https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/toxicity/c_dg_toad_venom_toxicosis.

“External Structures of Toad: Zoology.” Zoology Notes, 20 Oct. 2016, https://www.notesonzoology.com/toad/external-structures-of-toad-zoology/3664.

“Fowler's Toad (Bufo [Anaxyrus] Fowleri).” Species Profile: Fowler's Toad (Bufo [Anaxyrus] Fowleri) | SREL Herpetology, https://srelherp.uga.edu/anurans/buffow.htm.

Fratt, Kayla. “How to Treat Toad Poisoning in Dogs.” The Spruce Pets, The Spruce Pets, 4 June 2021, https://www.thesprucepets.com/are-toads-poisonous-to-dogs-4589043.

“Frogs and Toads.” Frogs and Toads - Enchantedlearning.com, https://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/amphibians/frogs.shtml.

Holland, Mary. “American Toad Parotoid Glands.” Naturally Curious with Mary Holland, 5 July 2017, https://naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com/2017/07/05/american-toad-parotoid-glands/.

Pacific, Aquarium of the. “Sonoran Desert Toad.” Sonoran Desert Toad | Online Learning Center | Aquarium of the Pacific, https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/sonoran_desert_toad.

Plumlee DVM, MS, Dipl ABVT, ACVIM, Konnie H., et al. “Bufotoxin.” Bufotoxin - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/bufotoxin.

Spielman, Dr. Bari. “Poisonous Toads and Your Dog.” RSS, PetPlace, 22 Sept. 2015, https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/poisonous-toads-and-your-dog/.

Tatum, Jimmy. “Bufo Toad Florida Infestation Toxic to Pets.” K9partnersforpatriots.Com, 4 Apr. 2019, https://k9partnersforpatriots.com/bufo-toad-florida-infestation-toxic-to-pets/.

Tucsonherpsociety.org, https://tucsonherpsociety.org/2020/09/28/online-presentation-september-28-2020-7pm-pst-robert-a-villa-toad-smoke-unnatural-history-of-the-sonoran-desert-toad/.

WFLA 8 On Your Side Staff. “Toxic Toads Can Kill Your Pet in Minutes - Here's How to Stop Them.” WFLA, WFLA, 10 Feb. 2020, https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/toxic-toads-can-kill-your-pet-in-minutes-heres-how-to-stop-them/.