This dog got into trouble with a porcupine. Ouch!

flickr photo courtesy of kjell

The warm weather is here — finally! With that, plenty of outdoor activities will be at the forefront of everyone's agenda, including our dogs.

Pets are usually at their best when they are able to get out and enjoy the sunshine, explore during fun walks in the woods or hiking, sometimes in unfamiliar places.

One thing most dogs go crazy for: fetching a ball (or for many dogs 'come and get the ball from me') or a frisbee can be a really great way for them to get some physical activity, but all of these activities do carry some risks from sources that you might not expect.

One obvious aspect of summer that can pose a significant risk to canines is the heat, which can be a little deceiving.

With the enthusiasm that dogs have during these fun times, many of us know that some animals don't seem to know when to take a break.

An all-too common-issue that poses a deadly risk to pets is simply being in a vehicle.

Getting overheated isn't hard to do for canines, primarily when the humidity complicates their ability to cool themselves. Unlike humans, dogs cool off by panting. When panting increases, so does the depletion of fluids in the body, so keeping a optimal fluid balance is key.

For some dogs, their bodies are less efficient in tolerating the hot weather, and it's up to us to understand the mechanics of how age, weight and general health affects their thermostats, so to speak, to avoid problems.

Knowing the signs of heat-related illness, like overheating and heatstroke, could save a pets life.

An experienced veterinarian, Dr. Jess Franklin, who practices at Ann Arbor Animal Hospital, has seen the negative effects summer can bring and discusses things to keep in mind to help your pooch get through the dog days of summer safely in a recent installment of Ask Your Local Expert.

Curious pets get themselves into hot water, and being outdoors raises the likelihood of encounters with other species that might be more active during the warm months, like porcupines and bees. Both can be the cause of painful events and, in the case of bees, deadly, as Franklin points out.

To read more on how to keep your pet safe during the summer months, click here.

Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com. Follow her pet and writing adventures on Twitter. She welcomes your contact via email.