As the summer months heat up and sunny days are longer, pets are at high risk for heat-related problems, and pet owners must watch their pets for signs of overheating and know strategies that will keep them cool and safe. This summer, become a pet heat-safety expert with these six tips from our Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital team.    

1: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

When the mercury rises, your pet must have plenty of cool, fresh water. Pets can quickly become dehydrated in hot weather, and they need to take in more water than they lose to stay hydrated. Dehydrated pets are at risk for overheating, which can progress to organ damage. To keep your pet hydrated, place several water bowls around the house in easily accessible areas and in the yard, if necessary. Many pets prefer cool water, so add ice cubes to keep the water colder for longer. Always bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl for your pet when out and about. 

2: Prevent outdoor trouble for pets in hot weather

Although we may love being outside in the summer, the hot outdoors can pose risks for our pets, including: 

  • Paw burns — Asphalt, concrete, and astroturf can become extremely hot and burn your pet’s paws. Before walking your pet, check the surface—if you can’t comfortably hold your hand there for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your pet.
  • Overexercising — Pets exercised in the heat can suffer from heat exhaustion and life-threatening heatstroke. Walk your pet in the cooler early mornings, late afternoons, or evenings. 
  • Sunburn — Pets with light-colored fur or exposed skin can suffer sunburn, so apply pet-safe sunscreen to their nose, ears, and belly.
  • Lack of shade — When outdoors with your pet, ensure they have plenty of shade. If there are no trees, provide an awning or a sun umbrella.  
  • Doggie pool or water access — Pets may love to cool off with a dip in a doggie pool or a nearby creek or river. Provide a shallow pool of cool fresh water, or take a trip to the creek and watch what happens! Always supervise pets near water.

3. Beat the heat by staying inside

When the outdoors are genuinely too hot, bring all pets indoors and ensure their environment is sufficiently cool. Senior pets, puppies and kittens, pets with health concerns, and brachycephalic pets are particularly susceptible to heat-related illness, so take these extra precautions: 

  • Draw drapes in the morning to keep your house cooler
  • Keep the air conditioning on when you’re not home
  • Give your pet access to cooler parts of the house
  • Offer your pet a cool mat to lie on
  • Always provide fresh, cool water

4. Never leave your pet in a vehicle

The dangers of leaving pets in hot cars are well-documented. Temperatures in a vehicle can easily reach 90 to 160 degrees in a matter of minutes, even in relatively mild weather. Parking in the shade and cracking the windows do not mean the car is safe for pets, who will be at risk of heatstroke. Also, remember—not only are you putting your pet at risk, but you risk the consequences of breaking the law. There are laws against leaving pets in parked cars, as well as legal protections for good samaritans who break car windows to save a pet inside.

5. Provide cooling treats

One fun part of summer with pets is testing recipes for fabulous summer pet treats. Here are some of our favorites:

  • “Pupsicle” — Pour low-sodium chicken broth mixed with water into small Dixie cups or silicone molds. Add chopped parsley, and stand a small dog biscuit upright in the cup. Freeze for six hours. Remove the Dixie cup when serving a “pupsicle” to your dog. 
  • Fruit drops — Cut up strawberries, blueberries, or melon and dip in low-fat, plain Greek yogurt. Freeze for six hours. Pets will love these tiny bites of deliciousness! Stay away from grapes, raisins, and stone fruits, which are toxic to pets.
  • Iced cake — For a low-calorie treat, fill a cake mold with water, chicken broth, or a mixture. Add your pet’s favorite small toys and freeze for six hours. Your pet will be entertained trying to get to their toys, while keeping cool. 
  • Frozen Kong — A tried-and-true standby! Freeze a Kong toy filled with peanut butter. Ensure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. 

6. Recognize heat exhaustion signs in pets

Heat exhaustion or heatstroke is a real danger for pets in the summer, so pet owners must recognize their pet’s first signs of trouble and take immediate action. Heatstroke, which can be fatal, occurs when the body’s temperature exceeds the healthy range. Common signs include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling
  • Panicked, wide eyes
  • Seeking shade or trying to lie down 
  • Weakness or collapse
  • Pale or extremely red gums and tongue
  • Rapid, irregular heart rate

 If you see any of these signs, don’t wait. Mist your pet with cool water and get them in the shade or indoors promptly. Then, call our team immediately or seek emergency veterinary attention.  

Keeping your pets safe and cool in the summer is essential for their health and well-being. Our strategies will help ensure an enjoyable, safe summer with your pet, but never hesitate to call our Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital team if you have questions or concerns. We want you and your pet to be cool this summer.