Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Summer is on the way, and as the warmer weather and longer days approach, pet owners must be aware of potential hazards that could impact their beloved companions. Just like humans, our four-legged friends are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, dehydration and other summertime dangers.
But don't panic! We have the essential summer tips you need to keep your pets safe and healthy during the hot weather.
Summer Tips for Pets
Here's how to avoid heat-related complications and keep your pet safe in warm weather.
Step 1: Understand the risks and warning signs
Pets are particularly vulnerable to heat-related issues because they have trouble regulating their body temperature as efficiently as humans do.1 In fact, many animals can't sweat, which is one reason why dehydration in dogs and cats is so common.
Heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration can pose serious risks to pets during the summer.2 Here's what to watch out for:
Signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion, also called hyperthermia, occurs when your pet's body temperature rises above a normal level (103 F) and they are unable to regulate it.
Symptoms may include:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Bright red gums/tongue
- Drooling
- Fever
- Rapid pulse
Heat exhaustion may be mild and treatable at home, or it can progress to heatstroke, which is very serious.
Signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a severe form of overheating that can occur when the body temperature reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit. It's a life-threatening emergency for pets. Dogs are particularly prone to heatstroke, especially if they are left unattended in a sweltering car, are exposed to scorching temperatures without adequate shade outdoors or have been engaging in vigorous activity in hot and humid weather.3 Certain breeds, like those with a shortened nose, are more prone to heatstroke due to their reduced ability to cool themselves. These dogs can suffer from heatstroke even in mildly warm weather or after mild exertion.
Symptoms may include:4
- Excessive panting
- Rapid breathing
- Drooling
- Weakness, stupor or even collapse
- Bloody diarrhea and vomiting
- Seizures
Signs of dehydration
Dehydration happens whenever an animal loses more fluids than they take in. It is often another symptom of heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
Be aware of these signs that your pet is dehydrated:5
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reduced energy levels
- Panting
- Sunken, dry-looking eyes
- Dry nose
- Dry, sticky gums
- Lack of urine
Step 2: Keep them hydrated and shaded
Make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration. Keep several water bowls filled in different spots in both the home and yard. Additionally, provide shaded areas where pets can rest and cool down, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Step 3: Limit outdoor time
During peak temperatures, limit outdoor activities for pets—especially for dog breeds at an increased risk of heatstroke, like Bulldogs and Pugs. Opt for walks and playtime during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Hot pavement and asphalt can burn sensitive paw pads, so avoid walking pets on these surfaces during hot weather. Protective booties can also safeguard your pet during walks.
When you bring your dog in from a walk on a hot day, offer them water immediately and cool them down in front of a fan or with air conditioning. You can also wet them with cool but not ice-cold water. Breeds like Siberian Huskies, Pomeranians and Great Pyrenees have double coats, so make sure they are wet down to the skin to cool off.3
Step 4: Watch for signs of heat stress
Heat stress describes any time that an animal becomes overly hot; it might not lead to dehydration or heatstroke. Recognizing the signs of heat stress in pets is vital for early intervention.
Symptoms may include:4
- Excessive panting
- Brick red gums
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart and respiratory rate
- Weakness, stupor or even collapse
- Bloody diarrhea and vomiting
- Seizures
These signs could indicate heat-related distress. If you notice them, move your pet someplace cool, offer water and seek veterinary care if necessary. Prompt action can help prevent more serious complications like heatstroke.
Step 5: Practice proper grooming
Regular grooming can help pets stay cool during the summer months. Brushing out excess fur and trimming longer hair can prevent overheating and reduce the risk of heat-related issues.
Maintaining a clean coat also helps pets regulate their body temperature more effectively. Animals with thick or long fur may find managing the heat more difficult, as will senior pets; obese, overweight or larger animals; and those with flat faces, like Pugs or Persian cats.4
Animals can get sunburned, however, so make sure you have pet-safe sunscreen on hand and apply it well to sensitive areas like the ears and nose.6
Step 6: Enjoy safe travel
If you have summer adventures planned for Fourth of July celebrations or friend and family visits and you want to take your pet along for the ride, prioritize their safety and comfort with the following tips:
- Provide proper ventilation and hydration during car trips, especially in hot weather.
- Never leave pets unattended in parked vehicles, as temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels. The temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes, which can lead to heatstroke and death.7
- Plan travel routes carefully, making stops to allow pets to stretch their legs and stay hydrated.
Pets Best Is Here to Help
As temperatures rise, take proactive steps to protect your furry friends from heat-related dangers. By understanding the risks, keeping them hydrated, limiting outdoor time, watching for signs of heat stress, practicing proper grooming and never leaving them unattended in a car, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for your pets.
Your Pets Best coverage includes access to a 24/7 Pet Helpline where you can talk with a veterinary expert any time of day or night—because every pet deserves the best care, especially during the summer months. With Pets Best insurance, you can be ready for the unexpected, all season long.
Sources/Citations
- “Most pets can't sweat: Here's what you can do for them in a heat wave," Stella Marie Hombach (9/2022), Scientific American, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/most-pets-cant-sweat-heres-what-you-can-do-for-them-in-a-heat-wave/, accessed April 4, 2024.
- “Heat-related illness in dogs," Amy Young (5/2020), UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, https://healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/heat-stroke-dogs, accessed April 4, 2024.
- “Summer heat safety tips for dogs," Aly Cohen, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/summer-heat-safety-tips-dogs, accessed April 4, 2024.
- “Hot weather safety tips," ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips, accessed April 4, 2024.
- “Warning signs of dehydration in dogs," Jan Reisen (3/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/, accessed April 4, 2024.
- “5 tips to keep your pet safe — and comfortable — in extreme heat," Rachel Treisman (7/2023), NPR, https://www.npr.org/2023/07/15/1187783326/pet-dog-cats-safety-tips-hot-weather, accessed April 4, 2024.
- “Keep pets safe in the heat," The Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat, accessed April 4, 2024.