There’s nothing like summer; the sunshine, long walks, park visits, and lazy afternoons. But while we humans can slap on sunscreen or head indoors to cool off, our pets rely on us to keep them safe during the hottest months of the year.
As someone who’s shared summers with a sunbathing cat and a panting Labrador, I know how easy it is to overlook the signs of heat stress. So let’s talk honestly and practically about how to keep our furry companions safe, happy, and cool all summer long.
Know the signs of heatstroke in pets
Before we talk prevention, let’s get clear on what danger looks like. Heatstroke can escalate quickly and become life-threatening.
Warning signs in dogs:
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Excessive panting
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Drooling or foaming at the mouth
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Lethargy or collapse
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Bright red or pale gums
Warning signs in cats:
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Panting (yes, cats shouldn’t pant)
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Restlessness
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Rapid heartbeat
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Drooling
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Weakness or staggering
If you suspect heatstroke, call your vet immediately.
Time your walks wisely
This might sound obvious, but it’s often overlooked: walk your dog early in the morning or after sunset. The pavement and air are coolest then, which makes a big difference for dogs, especially flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs who already struggle to regulate body temperature.
Paw Tip: Place your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.
Hydration isn’t optional, it’s vital
Keep clean, cool water available at all times, indoors, outside, even in the car. If you’re heading to the park or beach, bring a portable pet water bottle or bowl with you.
I like to add ice cubes to my dog’s water bowl in the summer. He loves it, and it keeps things cooler longer.
Fun idea: freeze low-sodium broth or water with treats inside for a cooling snack.
Keep it cool at home
Even if your pets are indoors, they can still overheat, specially in homes without air conditioning.
Helpful home tips:
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Keep curtains or blinds closed during peak sunlight hours
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Use fans or cooling mats
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Provide a shaded, well-ventilated area for pets to rest
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Never crate your pet in a hot room without airflow
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Cats love elevated spots, so a perch near a shaded window might still be a hot zone. Check their favourite spots for heat build-up.
Never leave your pet in a parked car
Not even for “a few minutes.” Not with the windows cracked. Not in the shade.
A car can turn into an oven in minutes, even on a 70°F day, the inside of a vehicle can exceed 100°F in less than 20 minutes.
If you see a pet in a locked, hot car, contact local authorities immediately. It’s a true emergency.
Adjust activities for the season
While your dog might love a game of fetch, intense play during peak heat hours can be dangerous.
Try these instead:
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Indoor enrichment games
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Snuffle mats or frozen treat toys
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Evening strolls or sprinkler play
Older pets, short-nosed breeds, and pets with heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable. Adjust the exercise to suit their needs.
Watch out for summer hazards
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Hot surfaces: pavement, sand, and decks can burn paws
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Sunscreen: pets can get sunburned too. Specially those with pink skin or thin coats. Use only pet-safe sunscreen
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Insecticides and fertilizers: keep pets away from treated lawns or gardens
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Pool chemicals: always rinse your dog after swimming in chlorinated water
Final thoughts: keep it safe, keep it simple
Summer with pets can be a joy, watching your cat roll in a sunbeam or your dog leap through a sprinkler is pure happiness. Just remember, they don’t sweat like we do. They count on us to keep them cool, safe, and comfortable.
So this summer, take a few extra steps:
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Keep water flowing
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Seek shade
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Limit midday adventures
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Know the warning signs
If you ever feel uncertain, your vet is your best resource. Never hesitate to call and ask.
Got a summer safety tip to share?
Leave it in the comments. I’d love to hear how you help your pets beat the heat!
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