Hot Dog! Protecting Your Pet From Summer Heat
With the summer sun beaming down on us all, keeping our pals safe takes awareness and planning. photo: AdobeStock
Summer is upon us — and with it, record-breaking temps and real risks for our four-legged family members. Last year alone, more than 100 animals died from heat-related causes and hundreds more were rescued just in time. With soaring heat and sudden power outages becoming the new normal, summer safety isn’t just a concern — it’s a responsibility. Whether you're planning a road trip, a walk in the park, or just lounging in the backyard, the following five warm-weather tips can help keep your furry companions safe and happy.
1. Pet Cooling 101
Dogs and cats don’t sweat the way humans do. Instead, dogs rely on panting and cats rely on grooming in order to cool themselves down — both of which are far less effective than sweating. Their bodies are also made up of 70-80% water (compared to about 60% in humans), meaning even a 10% loss in body mass can make them very sick. Factor in a full coat of fur, and it’s easy to see why our pets are less equipped to handle the heat. This means that while we’re still out soaking up the sun, Fido and Fluffy could already be battling dehydration, overheating, or even heatstroke.
Tips:
When outside, make sure your pets have access to cool, shaded areas. Always have plenty of fresh water available. Kiddie pools are a great way to keep your pets cool.
If going for a short walk, take bottled water, a portable or collapsible bowl, and a cooling towel or cooling vest.
When inside, fans and open windows aren’t always enough. Consider using pet-safe cooling mats or turning on the AC.
Reward your pets with frozen treats on hot summer days to help them feel fresh, cool, and calm. Avoid frozen treats made of chocolate (toxic for both dogs and cats) and dairy treats (many pets are lactose intolerant). Instead, give pet-safe frozen treats made of fresh fruit such as cantaloupe or banana.
2. Paws off the Pavement
On hot summer days, surfaces like pavement, concrete, and asphalt can quickly burn your pup’s sensitive paw pads, causing pain, discomfort, and even blisters or sores. Sidewalks, driveways, and blacktops can heat up to 130°F or more — hot enough to fry an egg! At those temperatures, even a quick stroll around the block can do damage on a hot day.
Tips:
Test walking surfaces with your own hand first, holding your palm flat for at least 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws!
Walk pets early or late in the day, opting for grassy routes, shaded paths, and dog parks. Also consider pet booties or paw protectors, especially for longer walks.
If not using booties or protectors, consider applying paw balm after walks to help soothe and protect your dog’s pads.
3. Hot Car = Pet Danger
It takes just minutes for a parked car to become a death trap — even in the shade or with windows cracked. Don’t be fooled by cloud cover or breezy weather; interior car temps can hit 120°F in just 30 minutes. Even if you’re “just running in,” delays happen — checkout lines grow and phone calls pop up. Those kinds of delays can prove to be fatal.
Tips:
Consider taking your pets in with you on your errands (many places are now pet-friendly).
Shop online or use curbside pickup.
Plan ahead and have a friend or family member sit with your pet — whether at home or inside the car — while you run errands.
Don’t take them at all. More times than not, your furry family member is simply better off chilling at home in the AC.
4. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
If your pet has absorbed too much of the summer heat, watch for the subtle and not-so-subtle warning signs like glazed eyes, heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, or even collapse. Overheated pets often just seem lethargic, a symptom that’s easy to mistake for ordinary tiredness or even laziness. If you notice any of these signs, it’s critical to act quickly.
Tips:
Move your pet to a cool space immediately.
Apply cool (not ice cold) water to their belly and paws. You can also soak towels and washcloths in cool water and drape them over your pet’s body.
Offer cool water (not ice-cold water, which can cause shock). Avoid forcing food.
Even if your pet seems to recover, it’s a good idea to call your vet. Unfortunately, heatstroke can cause internal complications that aren’t immediately visible.
5. Create a Summer Safety Kit
Just like we have go-bags or emergency kits, a summer safety kit for your pet can make a big difference. Planning ahead and having everything in one place means less stress in the moment — and a much safer summer for your furry companion. These kits are especially important during heatwaves, unexpected power outages, or spontaneous trips where conditions may change quickly.
Tips:
For short walks, take bottled water, a portable or collapsible bowl, a cooling towel or cooling vest, and paw balm.
For day trips or hikes, add pet-safe sunscreen (yes, it’s a thing!).
When at home, make sure to have either pet-safe cooling mats or towels and washcloths to soak in cool water and drape over your pet's body. Keep a thermometer (rectal or ear) handy. The normal rectal temperature range for dogs is 99.5 – 102.5°F (for cats it’s 100.5 – 102.5°F). Any temperature of 104°F or above is heatstroke.
Summer is a time for fun, not visits to the ER vet. By keeping these five tips in mind, pets and pet parents can enjoy a safe and happy summer season together.