Hot weather can be dangerous for our furry friends, and it’s always a good idea to keep reminding ourselves how to prevent our pets from heat exhaustion, an expensive vet visit, or worse.
Follow these simple tips to keep your pets cool, healthy, and safe this summer. Need a safe place for your dog to cool off like Boomer? Try our doggie daycare! We have the only water park in the East Bay meant for dogs!
1. Keep Pets Indoors
Pets can overheat quickly, just like people. When it’s hot, limit outdoor time—especially during the middle of the day—and make sure they have a cool space indoors with air conditioning or fans. Overheating can lead to serious health issues.
2. Never Leave Pets in the Car
Even on mild days, a parked car can become dangerously hot in minutes—even with the windows cracked. Every year, pets suffer or die from being left in cars. Always leave them at home where it’s safe and cool.
3. Visit the Vet
Schedule a check-up in spring or early summer. Make sure your pet is protected against fleas, ticks, and heartworm—these are more common in warmer months. A quick visit to the vet now can prevent bigger problems later.
4. Walk During Cooler Hours
Avoid walking dogs in the heat of the day. Early morning or late evening is best. Hot pavement can burn their paws, and they can overheat quickly. Always carry water and watch for signs of exhaustion like heavy panting or slowing down.
5. Provide Shade and Water
If your pet spends time outdoors, make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water and a shady place to rest. Dehydration and heatstroke can come on fast in hot weather.
6. Know Heat-Sensitive Breeds
Some dogs—like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus—are more vulnerable to heat due to their short noses. Older pets, puppies, and overweight animals also need extra care. Watch them closely in warm weather.
7. Don’t Shave Their Coat
It may seem like shaving your pet will keep them cool, but their fur actually helps regulate body temperature. A light trim is fine, but don’t remove their coat entirely. When in doubt, talk to a groomer.
8. Avoid Stagnant Water
Swimming can be fun, but ponds or lakes with still water may contain toxic algae. Stick to clean water sources like sprinklers or running streams, and always rinse your pet after swimming—especially in saltwater.
9. Keep Pets Safe During Fireworks
Loud fireworks can frighten pets and cause them to run away. Keep pets indoors during celebrations, and make sure they have a quiet, safe place to hide. Check your yard for firework debris the next day.
10. Use Pet-Safe Sunscreen
Pets can get sunburn too, especially on hairless or lightly pigmented areas like the nose, ears, belly, and groin. Use sunscreen made for pets, and keep them out of direct sunlight during peak hours.
11. Avoid the Beach Unless Prepared
If you bring your pet to the beach, provide shade and lots of fresh water. Sand and saltwater can be harsh—rinse your pet off after swimming, and keep an eye out for signs of overheating.
12. Watch Out for Chemicals
Avoid letting pets walk on recently treated lawns or drink from puddles near sprayed areas. Also, check for coolant leaks from cars—antifreeze is sweet-tasting but deadly. Use pet-safe products whenever possible.
13. Keep ID Tags and Microchips Updated
If your pet gets scared and runs off, proper ID can help them get home. Make sure they wear a tag with current info and consider a microchip for added security.
14. Learn the Signs of Overheating
Watch for heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, red or purple gums, or your pet lying down and refusing to move. These are signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke—get them to a vet right away.
15. Cool Treats for Hot Days
Make dog- or cat-friendly frozen treats at home using ingredients like peanut butter, broth, or wet food. These “pupsicles” or “catsicles” are a fun and easy way to help pets cool down.
Final Reminder:
If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Keep them safe, cool, and hydrated all summer long—they depend on you!
Have a safe and healthy summer from all of us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!
