10 Important Pet Safety Tips for Summer

Wild predators aren't our pets' only enemies. When the temperatures start to rise into the 90s (and in many places, the 100s) this summer, make sure you take some extra precautions to keep your dogs, cats, and other pets safe, cool, and hydrated during these warm months.

Here are a few expert summer pet safety tips we’ve gathered, because all pet parents need to be aware of the hidden dangers of warm weather.

Summer Safety Tips For Pets

1. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car

In a hot car, a pet can develop heat stroke and suffocate in just a matter of minutes. They can get dehydrated fast even if the windows are rolled down slightly, parked in the shade, and on a cloudy day.

2. As with little kids, keep an eye on playful puppies and kittens and don’t let them overexert themselves in the heat.

Specially in hot weather, don't go out and play too much under the heat of the sun. Always provide your furry companions water and be ready with a cold towel just in case they get a little too hot.

3. Walk your dog on the grass and keep those delicate paws off of hot cement and asphalt.

Pets have sensitive paw pads and under the summer sun, hot cement and hot asphalt may be extremely hot and can burn your pet's paws and not only that, it can also make them get an increased body temperature and lead to overheating.

4. Watch pets during outdoor parties and make sure they stay away from hot barbecue grills, alcohol, and insecticides.

Metals get so hot on summer days and your pet's skin might get burned and might get access to alcohol and insecticides which can be toxic and life threatening for them. 

When it gets too hot in an outdoor party, consider bringing your pet in an air conditioned room and give them lots of water or let them lick ice cubes.

5. Keep a close eye on overweight pets and dog with short muzzles, both are especially susceptible to heat stroke.

On hot days, pets who are overweight and have short snouts may have more difficulty in breathing. Always make sure they have access to plenty of water. 

6. Keep sensitive dogs and cats in a quiet room during loud 4^th of July fireworks events (and thunderstorms).

The noise of fireworks makes pets think that it is a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response, causing your dog to hide, run away, or keep barking. They may also exhibit additional anxiety symptoms such as panting, restlessness, whining, or pacing.

7. Make sure your dog knows how to safely find the stairs and exit the pool in case she falls in and panics.

Always ensure your dog is safe in situations that may be unpredictable for them.

If you have a dog and an outdoor pool, or are near a lake and a river, remember that not all dogs can swim. Dogs with flat faces like French Bulldogs and Pugs often struggle to swim because of their broad chests and short snouts.

Even if your pet loves to swim, always keep an extra eye out for them when they're swimming, ensure that they can have an easy access out of the water. You can also provide them with a life jacket.

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8. Don’t take your dog out for walks and play during the heat of the day. 

When you're out and about with your dog, always bring cool water and a water dish so they can stay hydrated. Limit physical activity to early morning and evening hours.

9. Know the signs of heatstroke

Heatstroke can cause vomiting, heavy panting, seizures, bright red gums, salivation, and inability to stand. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, take action right away. Heatstroke develops fast once your pet becomes overheated. 

Take your pet indoors if they shows indications of minor heat stroke and give them a glass of cool, not cold, water. Use a digital thermometer to check their rectal temperature; if it's higher than 102.2 degrees, wrap them in a towel soaked in lukewarm water.  You may also clean their paw pads with rubbing alcohol.

Cool your pet down gradually; don't submerge them in cold water or spray them with cold water because this might induce hazardous blood pressure fluctuations.

The temperature of your cat or dog should drop after 10 minutes, and they should feel better. To avoid being too chilly, stop cooling them when her body temperature hits 102.5 degrees.

If this fails, bring your pet to the nearest veterinarian right away.

10. Apply pet-safe sunscreen to dogs and cats that spend time outdoors. 

Like us, pet parents, our furry friends can also experience sun burns which can not just be painful but can also progress to skin cancer. Pets with sparse or light colored fur are at risk for skin cancer. 

Take note of these summer safety tips to ensure your pet is out of harm's way during this season.

Did you know that fleas and ticks thrive during summer and fall? Fleas and ticks thrive in milder temperatures and increased humidity. So when the weather is warm, be sure to protect your pets from them too. Check out our Pet Safety Tips for Fall here.