August is one of the hottest months of the year, and while many of us head to lakes, rivers, and beaches to cool off, the summer heat can create hidden dangers for our dogs. Warm temperatures can lead to harmful algae blooms, increase the risk of overheating, and turn what looks like a refreshing swim into a serious health hazard.

In this issue, we're covering what to look for before letting your dog jump into the water, two important product recalls that pet parents should know about, and a new travel paperwork requirement that could affect anyone planning to head south with their four-legged companion. A few minutes of reading now could save you a lot of worry later.

If your dog gets Adequan for arthritis, check the vial. American Regent has issued a nationwide recall of two lots of Adequan Canine Injection, 100 mg/mL in 5 mL multi-dose vials, after glass fibers turned up in retained samples during testing. The affected lots are 3369 and 25011, distributed nationwide to veterinarians, wholesalers, and online pharmacies. Injected glass fibers can cause irritation, swelling, pain at the injection site, infection, or abscesses. No adverse events have been reported so far. If you have vials at home from an online pharmacy, stop using them and call your vet. Source: The FDA

As of August 3, dogs entering Mexico from the United States need a New World screwworm inspection certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and issued no more than five days before entry. The dog has to be found clinically healthy at that inspection, dewormed within the past six months, and free of external parasites and lesions. The certificate does not replace the inspection at the border. Cats are not affected. The five-day window is the trap here, so build the vet visit into your travel plan rather than the week before. Source: The USDA

Mars Petcare recalled two lots of Pedigree High Protein Chopped Chicken and Duck Flavor wet dog food, 13.2 oz cans, lot codes 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC. The story behind it is the strange part: those lots had already been sent to a third-party vendor to be destroyed, and instead were diverted and sold into the U.S. market. They may contain pieces of hard, sharp metal and plastic. No illnesses have been reported. If you have them, do not feed them; Pedigree Consumer Care is at 1-800-525-5273 for a replacement. Cans from a recall like this tend to linger in discount bins, so it is worth a look even a month on. Source: FDA

There's nothing quite like watching your dog sprint toward the water on a hot summer day. The excitement, the flying ears, the giant splash—it feels like the perfect picture of summer. But by August, some of the biggest dangers lurking in lakes and ponds are the ones you can't easily see.

Warm temperatures and weeks of sunshine create the perfect conditions for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) to bloom, especially in calm or slow-moving water. These blooms can appear as blue-green, green, or reddish-brown mats, scum, or foam along the shoreline and may even smell like rotting plants. The tricky part? Not every harmful bloom looks obvious, and you can't tell whether it's toxic just by looking.

Dogs are especially vulnerable because they don't just swim—they drink the water, chase toys through it, and then spend the next half hour licking their wet fur clean. Some blue-green algae produce toxins that attack the liver, while others affect the nervous system. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, excessive drooling, tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Signs may appear within minutes or take several hours to develop.

Unfortunately, there is no antidote for blue-green algae poisoning. If you suspect your dog has been exposed, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to prevent them from ingesting more algae, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately, and head to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Let them know you suspect blue-green algae exposure so they can prepare for your arrival.

Before heading out for a swim this weekend:

This information is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you believe your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae or is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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Most of us worry about our dogs getting dehydrated, but it's actually possible for them to drink too much water. Although uncommon, water intoxication can happen when dogs repeatedly bite at the water while swimming or retrieve a toy over and over, swallowing large amounts each time. Watch for signs like bloating, vomiting, stumbling, excessive drooling, glazed eyes, or unusual lethargy. The easiest prevention? Build in plenty of rest breaks and choose toys your dog can carry instead of repeatedly snapping at.

Swimming doesn't come naturally to every dog. Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs have a harder time keeping their noses above the water, while some deep-chested dogs tire more quickly than expected. If your dog is new to swimming, isn't a confident swimmer, or falls into one of these categories, always supervise them closely and consider a properly fitted life jacket.

Here's an interesting one: researchers at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine are studying whether a growth hormone called IGF-1 helps explain why larger breeds tend to have much shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. One surprising theory is that large breeds may not actually experience cognitive decline any faster—they may simply not live long enough for dementia to become as common. The study, funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation, is helping scientists better understand how dogs age and how we might improve their quality of life.

Contrary to popular belief, not every dog is a natural swimmer. Some jump right in, while others panic, struggle to find the exit, or lose confidence after one bad experience. That's why a proper introduction to the water can make all the difference.

In this video, American Standard Dog Training walks through five simple steps to help your puppy (or adult dog) become a confident swimmer. From building comfort around the water and using the right equipment to teaching one of the most overlooked safety skills—how to find the pool exit from any direction—the video focuses on setting your dog up for success while keeping the experience positive and safe.

Whether you're planning lake days, beach trips, or afternoons by the pool, it's well worth the watch before your next swim.

See you next Friday,

For dog people. By dog people.