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!

Pet owners shouldn’t have to face hardship alone. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover, to discuss the resources available for pet owners facing difficult circumstances.

Topics include:

• What RedRover is and how the nonprofit works to strengthen the human-animal bond
• Resources available through RedRover, including disaster relief, financial assistance, and education
• How RedRover supports pet owners who are survivors of domestic violence
• An overview of the Purple Leash Project, including its impact and future
• Guidance for pet owners who may be facing hardship

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about Dippy, the first axolotl ever found in the wild in the UK
• Animal news, including the story of Molly, a beloved dog who was successfully rescued and reunited with her owner after a life-threatening accident in New Zealand
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing inappropriate urination in a rescued Pomeranian; when to schedule an appointment with a dental specialist; and what limping after a nap may mean for dogs

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

Proper exercise and conditioning can support our dogs as they age. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. Leilani Alvarez, Service Head of Integrative & Rehabilitative Medicine at AMC, to discuss exercise, mobility, and how we can keep dogs strong and active throughout their lives.

Topics include:

• What a specialist in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation does
• The changes in strength, mobility, and function you may see in your dog as they age
• Differentiating between normal aging and early signs of mobility problems
• All the ways in which regular movement can support overall health and quality of life
• Why conditioning your dog for exercise matters
• What a well-balanced exercise routine looks like
• Common mistakes and habits that can lead to strain and injury
• Regaining strength and mobility after an injury

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about Buck, a dog who was rescued after being found with a plastic bucket stuck over his head
• Animal news, including how dogs may try to help their families find lost objects in ways that look strikingly similar to human toddlers
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: When to worry about hydration in kittens; how sun exposure can lead to cancer; and what to do if your cat has one pupil larger than the other

Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.