How to Keep Pets Safe in the Summer Heat

Summer’s here, and for most of us, that means the heat is on. While all that flooding sunshine can deliver a healthy dose of Vitamin D, it can also present unique dangers, for pets as well as people.

These quick tips will put you in-the-know so you can keep your beloved four-legged companions out of the danger zone.

Staying Cool
Heat stroke is no joke. It can be fatal.

Heat stroke can happen when an animal’s body temperature rises above its normal range. A dog can suffer organ damage or death at 108 degrees. For a cat, that number is 106 degrees.

Signs of heat stroke in pets include:

• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive thirst
• Low energy
• Lack of coordination
• Extreme drooling
• Heavy panting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever
• Glazed eyes
• Deep red or purple tongue
• Seizure
• Unconsciousness

If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately.

Hot Cars

Speaking of heat stroke, keeping your pet in a warm car alone is never a good idea, even if you crack open a window or park in the shade. You might think it’s safe because you’re “just running into the store for a minute”, but you might be surprised by how quickly a car can become dangerously hot. Consider these alarming stats from the ASPCA (American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals):

• Even if the temperature outside is only 70°, the inside of your car can be as high as 90°
• On an 85° day, it takes just 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102°
• Within 30 minutes, your car’s interior can climb from 85° to a deadly 120°

Staying Hydrated

Heat stroke isn’t the only warm-weather danger that can be fatal to your pet. Dehydration is serious business, too.

Animals need plenty of water to maintain good health, but this is especially true in warmer weather. Without enough water, a pet can suffer organ damage or even die from dehydration.

Many pet owners may be tempted to think that just keeping an animal’s water bowl full is enough, trusting that the pet will drink when it needs to. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s water consumption and encourage drinking. For example, for dogs, adding a splash of bone broth to water can make it more appealing.

If you leave the house with your pet, be sure to bring plenty of water and a bowl or portable pet water bottle.

It’s not a good idea to encourage your pet to drink from natural bodies of water, like ponds, rivers and lakes. These could contain harmful elements like bacteria or pollutants.

Signs of dehydration in pets include:

• Vomiting
• Panting
• Low energy
• No interest in food
• Dry nose
• Dry, sunken eyes
• Dry, sticky gums
• Collapse

If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately.

Hot Pavement

Have you ever walked barefoot on hot pavement? Under a summer sun, concrete, asphalt, and similar surfaces can become scorching and can be painful and cause burns. It’s no different for pets. Their paws are just as vulnerable as our feet.

Whenever possible, encourage your pet to walk on a cooler surface in summer, like dirt or grass. Otherwise, booties and socks can help, as can taking walks when surfaces tend to be cooler, such as in early morning or evening.

Signs of burned footpads include:

• Blisters or redness
• Unusually dark paw pads
• Licking feet
• Limping
• Reluctance to walk

If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Burns can become infected.

​Shaving is Not Always Best

For some breeds of dogs, the “summer cut” is an annual ritual. Pet owners take their dog to the groomer for a super-short haircut in an effort to keep the animal cool.

However, a total shave or near-shave isn’t the best idea. Without enough fur, a dog is more likely to suffer sunburn.

You can prevent sunburn in your dog by using child-safe sunscreen. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply to the parts of the dog’s body that are most likely to burn, including:

• Belly
• Earflaps
• Nose
• Any shaved or otherwise hairless parts of the body

Be sure to reapply if your dog rolls around in the grass or goes in water.

If you think your dog may be sunburned, get him out of the sun and apply cool, wet compresses to the affected areas. If redness or blisters are present, call your veterinarian immediately.

Bug Season

The insects come out in summer and they’ll be looking for someone to bug. Your pet is no exception.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which are prevalent in summer. Be sure your pet is taking preventative heartworm medication.

Ticks thrive in summer and can cause a variety of serious illnesses including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Consider using tick prevention medication for your pet.

Your vet can make recommendations. 

Also, it’s smart to be cognizant of pesticides and other lawn chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Often homeowners who use these kinds of products will post a warning sign on their lawn for neighborhood pet owners, but not always. Steer your pets away from greenery you’re not sure about.

Fireworks Aren’t Fun for Everyone

Many pets are unsettled by loud noises like fireworks and summer thunderstorms. They may hide, paw at carpet or furniture, whine, pace, and display other signs of anxiety.

Here are three ways to help your frightened pet:

• If your pet hides, don’t try to coax them out. Instead, make hiding easier. Being in a dark, cozy space can reduce their anxiety. Give them easy access to closets, bathrooms, basements, crates, and spaces under furniture.

 

• Try using a compression garment, like the famous “Thundershirt”. They’ve been proven to reduce anxiety in many dogs.

 

• Your vet can prescribe gentle anti-anxiety medications that you can administer at the first sign of noise.

Summer may present perils for pets, but with a little knowledge, awareness, and some easy preventative measures, it can be a safe and joyful season for the animals we love.   ​

CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW

Kim Brittingham

Kim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.