When the summer heat rolls in, our pets rely on us to keep them safe and comfortable. Dogs and cats can easily overheat especially since they don’t sweat like humans. Instead, they pant or rely on limited sweat glands in their paws, which makes them especially vulnerable in hot, humid weather. Here’s how you can help your pets stay cool, healthy, and happy all summer long:
1. Provide Constant Access to Cool, Fresh Water
Hydration is your pet’s first defense against heat. Keep water bowls filled and place several around your home and yard. Refill them frequently, especially if your pet tends to splash or spill. On particularly hot days, drop in a few ice cubes or freeze pet-safe broths in ice trays as a treat.
2. Create or Seek Out Shade Outdoors
Shade is critical if your dog or cat spends time outside. Natural shade from trees is best, but you can also set up umbrellas, shade cloths, or even a pop-up canopy. Avoid dog houses—these can trap heat and become dangerously warm.
3. Keep Pets Inside During Peak Heat Hours
The hottest parts of the day—typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—can be dangerous. Even healthy, active pets can quickly overheat with too much sun exposure or exertion. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, use fans and keep windows open for ventilation. Make sure your pets have access to the coolest part of your home, such as a basement or tiled floor.
4. Protect Their Paws from Hot Surfaces
Pavement, asphalt, and artificial turf can reach 130–150°F in direct sunlight—hot enough to cause burns in seconds. Always test the surface with your hand: if it’s too hot to touch comfortably, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Walk early in the morning or after sunset, and choose grassy or shaded routes.
5. Encourage Water Play—Safely
Many dogs enjoy water, and supervised play in a kiddie pool, sprinkler, or hose can be a great way to cool down. Always test hose water first—hoses left in the sun can contain scalding water. Avoid deep or fast-moving water unless your dog is a confident swimmer and always supervise any water play. 6. Use Cooling Mats, Damp Towels, or Cool Surfaces
Pet-safe cooling mats are widely available and can make a huge difference, especially for senior pets or flat-faced breeds that overheat easily. You can also wet a towel with cool water and lay it on the floor, or let your pet rest on tile, wood, or concrete surfaces that stay cooler than carpet or fabric.
1. Provide Constant Access to Cool, Fresh Water
Hydration is your pet’s first defense against heat. Keep water bowls filled and place several around your home and yard. Refill them frequently, especially if your pet tends to splash or spill. On particularly hot days, drop in a few ice cubes or freeze pet-safe broths in ice trays as a treat.
2. Create or Seek Out Shade Outdoors
Shade is critical if your dog or cat spends time outside. Natural shade from trees is best, but you can also set up umbrellas, shade cloths, or even a pop-up canopy. Avoid dog houses—these can trap heat and become dangerously warm.
3. Keep Pets Inside During Peak Heat Hours
The hottest parts of the day—typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—can be dangerous. Even healthy, active pets can quickly overheat with too much sun exposure or exertion. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, use fans and keep windows open for ventilation. Make sure your pets have access to the coolest part of your home, such as a basement or tiled floor.
4. Protect Their Paws from Hot Surfaces
Pavement, asphalt, and artificial turf can reach 130–150°F in direct sunlight—hot enough to cause burns in seconds. Always test the surface with your hand: if it’s too hot to touch comfortably, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Walk early in the morning or after sunset, and choose grassy or shaded routes.
5. Encourage Water Play—Safely
Many dogs enjoy water, and supervised play in a kiddie pool, sprinkler, or hose can be a great way to cool down. Always test hose water first—hoses left in the sun can contain scalding water. Avoid deep or fast-moving water unless your dog is a confident swimmer and always supervise any water play. 6. Use Cooling Mats, Damp Towels, or Cool Surfaces
Pet-safe cooling mats are widely available and can make a huge difference, especially for senior pets or flat-faced breeds that overheat easily. You can also wet a towel with cool water and lay it on the floor, or let your pet rest on tile, wood, or concrete surfaces that stay cooler than carpet or fabric.
7. Offer Frozen or Chilled Treats
Freeze plain water, low-sodium broth, or pet-safe fruits (like seedless watermelon, blueberries, or banana) in ice cube trays or molds for a refreshing snack. You can also fill a Kong with wet food and freeze it to keep your dog both cool and mentally engaged.
8. Groom for Airflow, Not Just Looks
For dogs and cats with thick or double coats, regular brushing is essential to remove loose fur and improve airflow to the skin. Shaving these breeds is usually not recommended, as their coats provide insulation against both heat and sun. Instead, ask a groomer about safe trimming options. Short-haired pets also benefit from a regular brushing routine to remove excess fur and
dirt.
9. Never Leave a Pet in a Parked Car—Even for a Minute
This one can’t be stressed enough: temperatures inside a car can climb 20–30°F in just 10 minutes, even with cracked windows. That means on a mild 75°F day, the inside of your car could reach over 100°F before you even finish your errand. Leaving pets in the car, even briefly, is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
10. Recognize the Warning Signs of Heat Stress
Know what overheating looks like. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke can include:
● Heavy panting or drooling
● Lethargy or weakness
● Bright red or pale gums
● Vomiting or diarrhea
● Stumbling, confusion, or collapse
Freeze plain water, low-sodium broth, or pet-safe fruits (like seedless watermelon, blueberries, or banana) in ice cube trays or molds for a refreshing snack. You can also fill a Kong with wet food and freeze it to keep your dog both cool and mentally engaged.
8. Groom for Airflow, Not Just Looks
For dogs and cats with thick or double coats, regular brushing is essential to remove loose fur and improve airflow to the skin. Shaving these breeds is usually not recommended, as their coats provide insulation against both heat and sun. Instead, ask a groomer about safe trimming options. Short-haired pets also benefit from a regular brushing routine to remove excess fur and
dirt.
9. Never Leave a Pet in a Parked Car—Even for a Minute
This one can’t be stressed enough: temperatures inside a car can climb 20–30°F in just 10 minutes, even with cracked windows. That means on a mild 75°F day, the inside of your car could reach over 100°F before you even finish your errand. Leaving pets in the car, even briefly, is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
10. Recognize the Warning Signs of Heat Stress
Know what overheating looks like. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke can include:
● Heavy panting or drooling
● Lethargy or weakness
● Bright red or pale gums
● Vomiting or diarrhea
● Stumbling, confusion, or collapse
● In severe cases, seizures or unconsciousness
If you suspect heat stroke, move your pet to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately,
begin cooling with water and fans, and call your veterinarian or emergency clinic right away.
Early intervention can save their life.
Keeping pets cool in the summer isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and survival.
Whether you’re taking your dog on a hike, letting your cat lounge on the patio, or just heading
out for a quick walk, small changes in your routine can make a big difference. Heat-related
illness is almost always preventable with a little awareness and preparation.
If in doubt, stay inside and keep it cool. Your pets will thank you.
