As summer approaches and temperatures rise, pet owners must remember that their furry friend can feel the heat as much as they do. While enjoying the warm weather, pet owners need to take extra precautions to ensure their pets stay cool and safe. Our Aberdeen Veterinary Clinic team shares our top heat safety tips to keep your pet comfortable during the hot months.

1: Hydration is key for pets

When the weather is hot and humid, pets need plenty of water to stay hydrated. Ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Place bowls with water in different areas of your home and yard where your pet can easily find them—adding ice cubes to the bowls will keep the water cool for longer. When going for walks, carry a portable water bottle and collapsible bowl and take water breaks.

2: Avoid the midday heat for pets

The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s best to avoid outdoor activities during these hours and take your pet for walks early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. If your pet must be outside during the day, ensure they have access to plenty of shade.

3: Cool pets down with water play

Many pets love to play in the water, which is a great way to help them cool down. Consider these fun water activities:

  • Wading pools — Set up a shallow wading pool in your backyard for your pet to splash around in.
  • Sprinklers — Let your pet run through a sprinkler for a fun and refreshing playtime.
  • Frozen treats — Make pet-friendly cool treats by freezing chunks of melons, berries, or bananas in water or low-sodium broth. Pour the mixture into a silicone mold to make “pup-sicles” that your pet will love on a hot day.

4: Watch for overheating in pets

It’s important to recognize the signs of overheating in pets, so you can take action quickly. Heatstroke signs in pets include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of coordination. If you notice any of these signs, move your pet to a cool area, offer them water, and contact your Aberdeen Veterinary Clinic team immediately.

5: Grooming matters for pets

Proper grooming can help keep your pet cool in the heat. Here are some grooming tips:

  • Regular brushing — Brush your pet regularly to remove excess fur and prevent matting, which can trap heat.
  • Avoid shaving — Although you likely think shaving your pet would keep them cooler, their fur coat helps regulate their body temperature and protects them from the sun. 

6: Protect those pet paws

Hot pavement, asphalt, or sand can burn your pet’s sensitive paw pads. Test the pavement with your hand—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Here are some tips to help protect your pet’s paws:

  • Walk on grass — Stick to grassy or shaded areas when walking your pet.
  • Put on booties — Consider using pet booties to protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces.
  • Walk in the morning — Walk your pet early in the morning before the sun has warmed up the pavement.

7: Create a cool indoor environment

Ensure your home is a comfortable retreat for your pet during hot weather. Here are a few ways to keep your indoor environment cool:

  • Air conditioning — If you have air conditioning, keep it on during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Fans — Use fans to create airflow and help cool down rooms.
  • Cool mats — Invest in a cooling mat for your pet to lie on. 

8: Never leave your pet in a parked car

Cracked windows do not stop the temperature inside a parked car from quickly becoming dangerously high. Leaving your pet in a car, only for a few minutes, can lead to heatstroke, or worse. If you need to run errands, leave your pet at home where it’s safe and cool.

9: Plan pet-friendly activities

Summer is a great time to bond with your pet, but your activities must be safe as well as fun. Here are some ideas:

  • Visit pet-friendly beaches — Look for pet-friendly beaches where your dog can enjoy the water—always under supervision.
  • Explore hiking trails — Find shaded hiking trails that offer a cool escape from the sun.
  • Stop by pet-friendly restaurants — Enjoy lunch or a frozen treat at a pet-friendly restaurant where you can both cool off.

By following these heat safety tips, you can ensure your furry friend stays cool, comfortable, and happy all summer long. However, if your pet shows signs of overheating or heatstroke, contact our Aberdeen Veterinary Clinic team immediately for help.