Summer Hazards That Send Pets to Emergency Care

Summer is a season of adventure, but for our pets, it also brings increased risks of accidents and health emergencies. As temperatures rise and families spend more time outdoors, VetCheck Pet Urgent Care Center in Greenwood sees a seasonal spike in emergency visits across all our 24/7 locations. Knowing what to watch for—and when to seek immediate help—can make all the difference.

1. Heatstroke and Dehydration

One of the most common summer emergencies we treat at VetCheck Greenwood is heatstroke. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans do, and they can quickly overheat in hot weather. Even a few minutes in a parked car or prolonged exposure to direct sun can result in life-threatening heat exhaustion.

Signs include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or collapse. Heatstroke requires immediate veterinary care. Our pet urgent care centers are equipped to provide IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and round-the-clock monitoring to stabilize your pet quickly.

2. Burned Paw Pads

Hot asphalt, sidewalks, and sand can severely burn your pet’s paw pads in summer. If your pet suddenly refuses to walk, is limping, or has visibly reddened paws, it may be a sign of thermal burns. These injuries are painful and prone to infection.

VetCheck Pet Emergency Care Center iun Greenwood is available 24/7 to evaluate burns and provide pain relief, wound treatment, and bandaging to prevent further damage.

3. Barbecue and Picnic Ingestion Dangers

Backyard cookouts are fun, but they often lead to emergency visits. Pets are notorious for sneaking scraps—especially ribs, corn cobs, skewers, and greasy foods—that can lead to choking, intestinal blockages, or pancreatitis.

If your pet has ingested something suspicious, don’t wait. Our team can perform on-site diagnostics, induce vomiting when necessary, and provide urgent surgical intervention if foreign objects are involved.

4. Water Safety Incidents

Not all pets are natural swimmers. Drowning or near-drowning can happen in pools, lakes, or even backyard kiddie pools. Secondary drowning—where water enters the lungs and causes delayed symptoms—can be especially dangerous.

If your pet is pulled from the water and shows signs of coughing, lethargy, or respiratory distress, visit VetCheck Greenwood immediately. Our emergency staff can assess lung function and begin treatment before symptoms worsen.

5. Snake Bites and Wildlife Encounters

Summer is also peak season for snake bites and wildlife encounters. Curious pets can stumble across venomous snakes or become targets for territorial animals like raccoons or porcupines.

Bites and stings can cause swelling, shock, or allergic reactions. Our VetCheck Pet Urgent Care location is trained to administer antivenom, manage allergic reactions, and treat wounds caused by wildlife incidents—day or night.

Why Choose VetCheck Pet Urgent Care Center Greenwood?

At VetCheck Greenwood, we know emergencies don’t wait for convenient hours. That’s why our urgent and emergency care center is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether your pet is overheating, in pain, or suddenly not acting like themselves, we’re ready to deliver immediate, compassionate care.

We provide rapid diagnostics, in-house lab work, digital imaging, and experienced veterinary teams who specialize in critical care. You don’t need an appointment—just walk in and we’ll take care of the rest.

Your Partner in Summer Pet Safety

Don’t let a summer emergency catch you off guard. If your pet experiences sudden symptoms or a known accident, trust VetCheck Greenwood to be there—anytime, anywhere. You can call us at(317) 934-9953 or visit us at 5335 Southport Road, Suite 400Indianapolis, IN 46237. We’re proud to support pet families with compassionate 24/7 care at all of our locations.