7 Ways to Protect Your Pet in Summer Heat

Summer is a time for outdoor adventures and fun, but the soaring temperatures can pose serious risks to our furry friends. Protecting your pets from the summer heat is crucial to their health and well-being. This guide provides seven essential tips to ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable during the hottest months of the year.

1. Protect the Paws

Hot pavement can burn your pet’s sensitive paws. Use the five-second rule to test the pavement: place the back of your hand on the surface. If you can’t hold it for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pet. Walk your dog on grass or shaded paths, and avoid the peak heat hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For those extremely hot days, limit walks to brief potty breaks and engage in indoor play instead.

2. Keep Cool with Water and Treats

Staying hydrated is vital for pets during summer. Ensure they have constant access to fresh water. Denise Fleck, Pet Safety Crusader™, suggests planning for hot days by providing cool treats. Frozen snacks are a great way to help your pet stay cool. Try making electrolyte ice cubes: dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar in 4 cups of water (pure coconut water without added sugar/artificial sweeteners is ideal), then use a muffin tin or ice cube tray to freeze.

3. Recognize the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be fatal for pets. Symptoms include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, weakness, or collapsing. More severe signs can include excessive drooling, bright red tongue, red or pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, coma, and cardiac arrest. If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to a cool area and contact your vet immediately. While en route to the vet, place cool, wet towels on your pet’s neck, paws, belly, and groin to help lower their body temperature.

4. Avoid the Burn

Pets can suffer from sunburn, leading to skin cancer, which is the most common type in dogs and second-most common in cats. Protect less fur-covered areas like the nose, lips, ears, groin, and belly with pet-safe sunscreen. Reapply as needed, especially during peak sun hours. Avoid sunscreens with fragrance, zinc oxide, or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). If pet-specific sunscreen is unavailable, a broad-spectrum baby sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher can be used, but always check the label for harmful ingredients. Pure aloe can soothe sunburn, but consult your vet to ensure it’s safe.

5. Never Leave a Dog in the Vehicle

Leaving pets in parked cars can be deadly. Even with windows cracked or the AC running, temperatures can quickly become lethal. The AVMA reports hundreds of pets die each year from heat exhaustion in vehicles. An outside temperature of 72°F can result in a car interior reaching 116°F within an hour. If you see a pet alone in a hot car, note the vehicle’s details and alert nearby business managers. If the owner isn’t found, contact local authorities and stay until they arrive.

6. Monitor Temperatures Indoors

Indoor temperatures can also become hazardous during hot weather. Don’t raise your thermostat too high to save on energy costs while you’re away, as it can be dangerous for pets. If it’s too warm for you, it’s too warm for them. Pet sitters should discuss thermostat settings with clients and ensure they have permission to adjust indoor temperatures if needed.

7. Provide Adequate Shade and Ventilation

When pets are outside, ensure they have access to shade and proper ventilation. A shaded area should protect them from direct sunlight, and good airflow is essential to keep them cool. Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and placed in the shade. Fans or cooling mats can also help regulate their temperature. Avoid relying solely on dog houses, as they can trap heat.

Keeping your pets safe during the summer heat requires vigilance and proactive measures. By protecting their paws, ensuring they stay hydrated, recognizing signs of heatstroke, preventing sunburn, never leaving them in parked vehicles, monitoring indoor temperatures, and providing adequate shade and ventilation, you can help your furry friends enjoy a healthy and comfortable summer. Stay attentive to their needs and enjoy the sunny season together, safely.