Summer Safety Tips for Pets

As temperatures rise, it’s important to remember that if you’re hot, your pet likely feels even hotter. Dogs and cats don’t release heat as efficiently as humans, making it harder to stay cool. Below are a few common heat-related dangers for pets, along with tips to keep them safe.

Each year, across the US, rising temperatures due to climate change are triggering longer, more intense heat waves. “As a general rule, above 85 degrees can be risky [for pets], especially with humidity or direct sun exposure — 89 degrees and above is potentially dangerous for all dogs,” says Kyre Larrabee, DVM, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Practice at Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.

With temperatures soaring into the high 90s — and in some places, the triple digits — the risk of your pet getting heatstroke and burned has been increasing significantly. (Seriously, touch the pavement: If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.) During these heat spikes, it is best to limit your pet’s time outside to quick bathroom breaks, and keep a watchful eye for heat-related hazards.

Anton Prokopenko / Adobe Stock/

Protect your pet from heat stroke

Humans benefit from having sweat glands all over their bodies, and when sweat evaporates off the skin, it helps cool us. Pets can’t tolerate heat as well as humans because their primary way of dissipating heat is through panting. Although many do have sweat glands on the soles of their feet, the small surface area isn’t enough to cool them down quickly. (Some pets, such as rabbits, cannot sweat at all.)

Some pets have a higher risk of heatstroke

Although dogs and cats are more susceptible to heat stress than humans, some pets are at an even higher risk.

• Pets with flat faces (known as brachycephalic breeds), such as Pugs, English Bulldogs, and Persian cats, have compromised respiratory systems due to their narrower nostrils and nasal cavities, and shorter larynxes. Because of their shortened facial structures, they have a harder time dissipating heat effectively, putting them at a high risk of overheating.

• Younger and older pets are more susceptible to heatstroke than healthy adult pets. Dr. Larrabee says senior pets, puppies, and kittens are at a higher risk because they cannot regulate their body temperatures as well.

• Pets with obesity or other health conditions, such as heart disease or kidney disease (in animals of any age), also have increased risks of heat stress. “Excess fat acts as insulation and can trap heat,” Dr. Larrabee says. As for “pets with underlying heart or respiratory disease, their systems cannot handle the added stress of overheating.”

• Thick-coated or double-coated dogs such as Huskies, Malamutes, Australian Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are also at risk for heatstroke.

• Some high-energy dogs (such as working dogs or sporting dogs) might be less aware of their heat limits. They may keep playing fetch even though they are nearly ready to faint from the heat. Others might be smarter and take that ball you’ve just tossed for them and lie down in the shade.

Preventing heatstroke in pets

To prevent pets from heat stroke in the summer, pet parents should be mindful of their pets’ activity levels and consider the following.

• Take dogs out for walks during cooler times: Change up your pet’s routine and walk them early in the morning or late in the evening after the sun has set. 

• Provide them with plenty of ways to cool off: You can even fill a garden sprayer with water and mist your pet if they are outside with you in warm weather.

• Listen to what they’re trying to tell you: If your pet does show signs of fatigue in the heat, let them rest if they want to lie down. And if they slow down, don’t try to coax them to go faster.

• Watch out for telling signs: If a dog is panting with the sides of their mouth wide open, they need a rest. And if their panting doesn’t calm in five minutes, they are too hot. Common signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, ropey drool, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, weakness, disorientation, change in gum color (bright red or pale), vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you notice any of these warning signs, act quickly to lower your pet’s body temperature. “Apply cool (not ice-cold) water to paws, armpits, and belly, or place wet towels over them. Ice-cold water can cause vasoconstriction, which traps heat inside,” Dr. Larrabee says. Then, get them to a vet ASAP. A fan can help keep them cool. Offer only small sips of water to get them hydrated.

Protect your pet’s paws in the heat

In general, it’s a good idea to avoid walking your pet on pavement, metal surfaces, or sand during hot weather. Surfaces heat up fast: When it’s 95 degrees outside, cement can reach 125 degrees, and blacktop can soar to 140 degrees. That’s dangerously hot for bare skin or paws. Even in the grass, temperatures can reach up to 105 degrees.

Some dogs may tolerate booties that offer a bit of paw protection. Using booties requires early preparation with positive reinforcement training (ie plenty of treats and praise) to help them get comfortable wearing them. For hot weather, booties with good ventilation and thicker soles are ideal. Avoid rubber balloon–type booties.

For minor burns, clean the affected area and use a cone collar to prevent licking or chewing. Contact your vet for advice on pain management and wound care.

Preventing burns in pets

• Pavement test: Because pavement temperatures can rise quickly, you should always test the ground before walking your dog in higher temperatures. “If you can’t comfortably hold your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it’s too hot for their paws,” Dr. Larrabee says.

• Signs to watch out for: If a pet’s feet are getting burned, they may show signs such as limping, whimpering, refusing to walk, peeling skin, blisters or redness, loose flaps of skin, changes in pad color, and licking or chewing at the feet.

manu padilla / stocksy/

Protecting your pet from hot cars

Never leave your pet in a car during the summertime (or any confined and stuffy space, for that matter), even if the outside temperature seems mild and the windows are cracked. Why? It only takes 20 minutes for a car to reach 99 degrees on a 70-degree day. Meanwhile, a study by researchers at Arizona State University and the UC San Diego School of Medicine found that cars parked in the sun on a hot day reached temperatures of nearly 160 degrees within one hour. Parking in the shade was not much better, with temperatures hitting upwards of 120 degrees.

In recent years, there’s been a rise in people (both Good Samaritans and law enforcement) breaking into cars to rescue pets from dangerously hot conditions. In response, some pet parents have put signs in car windows asking people not to break in — because the air conditioning is on for a dog inside. People are paying closer attention, and that’s a good thing. As awareness has grown, more people are watching for signs of pet distress, and more states are putting protections in place for pets (and rescuers) in these situations.

If you are concerned about a pet (or a child) who is locked in a hot car, contact your local law enforcement or call 911 ASAP.

Alba Vitta Studio / Stocksy/

Cats and the summer heat

Cats are usually pretty good about limiting their activity and will seek shade when it is too hot. But they’re also better at hiding signs of distress. “Heat illness may not be as obvious [for them],” Dr. Larrabee says. “Avoid confinement in poorly ventilated spaces, like garages or greenhouses.”  They should have fresh water — a pet water fountain can encourage hydration — and a fan near a cool resting place.

• New cats should not be let outside for the first time during the summer.

• Outdoor cats should have shaded spots and access to fresh water.

Keeping your pet cool in the summer

With a little planning, you can keep your pet safe and comfortable. Here are a few ways to help them stay cool in the heat.

• The easiest way to keep pets cool is to keep them inside an air-conditioned building.

• Hydration is key to keeping them cool. Regularly refill pet water bowls, and offer them pet-safe ice cubes or frozen treats.

• If you and your pet are outside, provide them with plenty of shade.

• Give them a cool place to lie. Tile floors, cooling mats, or even a damp towel can help your pet cool off.

• Set up a fan. It won’t cool them as much as an AC, but airflow helps — especially in combination with other cooling methods.

• Keep activity levels low. Take walks in the early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are lower.

• Setting limits on play may be required by pet parents for some dogs who don’t have an “off” switch as temperatures rise.

• If your dog is ready for a break, refuses to walk, or is panting heavily, it’s essential to let them rest and to give them fresh, cool water and shade until they have normalized their breathing.

• Avoid strenuous exercise during the middle of the day. Always take short breaks during activity whenever the temperature is over 80 degrees.

Commonly asked questions

Can excessive heat cause diarrhea in dogs?

Yes, diarrhea can be a symptom of excessive heat or heatstroke in dogs. If your dog has been exposed to high temperatures and is showing signs of heatstroke, place a cool, wet towel over them and get them to an emergency vet as quickly as possible.

Can you shave a double-coated dog?

While you might think that shaving a dog with a big, fluffy coat is a good way to help them cool off, it may do more harm than good. “Double coats act as insulation against both heat and cold. Removing it can expose the skin to sunburn and reduce natural temperature regulation,” Dr. Larrabee says. It can also affect how the coat regrows, making it look patchy and providing less insulation. “Instead, brush them frequently to remove excess undercoat and promote airflow.”

What temperature is too hot for dogs in cars?

Temperatures as mild as 70 degrees are considered too hot for dogs, because even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can rise quickly to unsafe levels.

When is it too hot for dogs to be outside?

If it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for your dog. Temperatures over 89 degrees are considered too hot and put most dogs at risk for heat stroke, even for short periods.

References

Browning-Blas, Kristen. “Never Leave Your Pet in a Hot Car.” News from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 11 June 2019,cvmbs.source.colostate.edu/never-leave-your-pet-in-a-hot-car.

Hombach, Stella Marie. “Most Pets Can’t Sweat: Here’s What You Can Do for Them in a Heat Wave.” Scientific American, 15 Sept. 2022,www.scientificamerican.com/article/most-pets-cant-sweat-heres-what-you-can-do-for-them-in-a-heat-wave.

Jones, T Kent. “It’s Hot out There—Here’s How to Protect Your Pup’s Paws.” Kinship.com, 2024, www.kinship.com/dog-health/protect-dog-paws-heat. 

‌Knox, Pam. “How Hot Does Pavement Get in Summer? | Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast.” Site.extension.uga.edu, 12 May 2022, site.extension.uga.edu/climate/2022/05/how-hot-does-pavement-get.

“Too Hot to Handle: A Guide to Heatstroke in Pets.” AAHA, Aug. 2024, www.aaha.org/resources/too-hot-to-hait’ s-a-guide-to-heatstroke-in-pets.

Vanos, Jennifer K., et al. “Evaluating the Impact of Solar Radiation on Pediatric Heat Balance within Enclosed, Hot Vehicles.” Temperature, vol. 5, no. 3, 23 May 2018, pp. 276–292, doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2018.1468205.