Summer is the perfect season for outdoor adventures and fun in the sun. However, it’s also a time when our furry friends can face some serious health risks. With temperatures soaring, pet hydration and wellness become top priorities for pet parents.
From hot surface safety to hydrating treats for dogs and cats, this Sploot Vets guide discusses crucial tips on keeping your pets cool, comfortable, and safe this summer!
Overview:
- The most common health risks for pets during summer include overheating, dehydration, and paw burns.
- Pet parents also need to be aware of safety tips for pool days and the Fourth of July.
- Fleas and ticks are abundant during the summer, necessitating flea and tick preventives. Mosquitos, which can carry heartworm, also thrive in warm weather, highlighting the importance of heartworm preventives.
What Temperature Is Too Hot For Pets?
Generally, home or ambient temperatures close to or above 85°F are too hot for dogs and cats. High temperatures increase the risk of overheating, especially if pets are exposed to such temperatures for more than 4 hours.
How Do I Keep My Pet Cool In The Summer?
To keep your pet cool and comfortable, it’s crucial to give them access to fresh water and limit their outdoor time. Hydrating treats for dogs and cats can also help keep them refreshed and cool.
In the following sections, we go into more detail about preventing heat-related discomforts and health issues in pets.
1. Protect Your Pet’s Paws From Hot Surfaces
One of the most overlooked aspects of summer pet safety is hot surface safety. Pavement, sand, and even artificial turf can become scorching hot in the sun, easily burning your pet’s paws.
Here are some tips to prevent burnt paws:
- Test the surface – Place your hand on the pavement or surface for 5 seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s definitely too hot for your pet. Based on this, you may need to re-route your dog’s walk or keep your cat away from that area of the house or catio.
- Schedule walks or outdoor time – By scheduling walks or outdoor time during early or late hours, the surfaces would tend to be cooler, minimizing the chances of paw burns.
- Grass is your friend – Grass stays cooler and is easier on delicate paw pads. Consider planting grass in your backyard or your cat’s outdoor enclosure. (Heat-tolerant species like Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass are great choices.) If you’re walking your dog, stick to grassy areas.
- Consider using booties or shoes for dogs – Booties protect your dog’s paws from heat, as well as sharp objects, during walks or hikes
- Consider using pet-friendly, non-toxic paw balm – Paw balm moisturizes cracked paws and can even soothe MINOR burns (do NOT apply paw balm to severe burns). For dogs that are not comfortable with booties, paw balm can be the next best thing to protect their paws.
2. Know the Signs of Paw Burns
Even with careful precautions, accidents can happen. During summer, burnt paws in dogs (and sometimes cats) are a lot more common. Here are signs that your pet has burnt paw pads:
- Limping or reluctance to walk
- Panting heavily (could be a sign of pain in dogs and cats)
- Redness, blisters, or cracking paw pads.
- Dead tissue (necrosis) on the paw pads.
Note: If there is any blistering, cracking, peeling, or bleeding, the burn is a second degree or more. Do NOT soak severely burned paws in water and AVOID applying balm. Put a cone on your pet to prevent them from chewing or licking the burn, and call an urgent care vet. If you need an urgent care vet in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Chicago, you can call us at 720-770-8656.
→ Learn more - Burnt Dog Paws: Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention:
3. Make Sure Your Pet Has Clean Water at All Times
Dogs and cats need fresh, clean water at all times, especially during summer. If you’re spending time outdoors with your pet, make sure to have frequent water breaks.
It may be more challenging to get some cats to drink enough during summer since some have a low thirst drive. You can try providing a pet water fountain to keep water fresh and enticing for your cat.
4. Provide Hydrating Treats for Dogs & Cats
Hydrating treats for dogs and hydrating treats for cats aren’t just delicious, they are also really helpful for beating the heat! Here are some ideas:
Hydrating Treats for Dogs
- Plain ice cubes (though simple, some dogs love this)
- Ice cubes with dog food, kibble, treats, or dog-friendly fruits
- Ice cubes made with low-sodium broth
- Frozen dog-friendly fruits (e.g., watermelon, apples)
Hydrating Treats for Cats
- Ice cubes made with low-sodium broth
- Watermelon (some cats enjoy the flavor)
- Ice cubes with cat food or treats (some cats like this, some don’t)
Get ideas for preparing dog and cat treats at home:
5. Never Leave Pets Inside Cars or Outside Unattended
Here’s another critical pet summer tip: never leave your pets outside unattended in extreme heat or in parked cars. Even with windows cracked, temperatures in cars can rise to lethal levels within minutes, putting your pet at serious risk of heatstroke.
If you’re heading out and can’t bring your pet inside with you, it’s always safest to leave them at home in a cool, comfortable environment.
6. Know the Signs of Dehydration or Overheating in Dogs & Cats
Knowing the signs of overheating or dehydration is crucial to summer pet wellness. Dogs and cats can’t regulate their body temperatures as effectively as humans, so overheating can happen quickly.
Here are signs of overheating and dehydration that pet parents need to watch out for:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to act quickly. Move your pet to a cooler area, offer small amounts of cool water (not ice-cold), and call your urgent care vet for guidance. If your dog or cat collapses, they may need emergency vet services.
Note: Sploot offers both urgent care and emergency vet services in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Chicago. In need of assistance? Call us at 720-770-8656.
7. Proper Grooming for Summer Comfort
Keeping your pet’s coat clean and well-groomed is another important pet summer tip. Proper grooming helps regulate body temperature and prevents matting, which can trap heat and make your pet uncomfortable.
Here are some key summer pet tips for grooming:
- Regular brushing – This helps remove excess fur and helps circulate air through your pet’s coat, keeping them cooler.
- Baths as needed – Keep your pet’s skin and coat clean with a refreshing bath, especially after swimming or playing outdoors. Some pets may welcome baths more during the warmer months; make sure to use a gentle, pet-friendly shampoo to keep their skin and coat moisturized.
Learn more from our guides on pet grooming:
- 5 Best Oatmeal Shampoos for Dogs for Moisturizing→
- 7 Best Cat Shampoos: Moisturizing, Soothing, & More→
- Tips on How to Wash a Cat That Hates Water [Step-By-Step]→
8. Use Tick & Flea Preventives
Warm weather also brings an increase in fleas and ticks, which can carry harmful diseases for your pets—and even for you. Including tick & flea prevention in your summer wellness routine is essential. Make sure to use vet-recommended preventatives and check your pet’s fur regularly after outdoor activities.
9. Stay Consistent with Heartworm Preventives
Summer brings mosquitoes, which are the main carriers of heartworm disease, a serious and potentially fatal illness for dogs and cats.. Medication for treating heartworm is NOT available for cats. As for dogs, treating a heartworm infection is strenuous on their bodies. Therefore, for both dogs and cats, prevention is much easier (and safer!) than treatment.
The good news is that heartworm preventatives are available for dogs and cats, and are commonly given on a convenient monthly basis. Learn more about heartworm prevention from our vet-approved guides:
10. Summer Vaccines & Pet Boarding
Before boarding your pet this summer, ensure their vaccines are up to date. Many boarding facilities require the following vaccines to keep all furry guests safe:
- Vaccines for dogs – Rabies, DHPP, Leptospirosis, Bordetella
- Vaccines for cats – Rabies, FVRCP, FeLV
If you’re planning a trip, make sure to schedule your pet’s wellness check and vaccinations in advance for a smooth, stress-free boarding experience.
11. Be Mindful of Pool Safety for Pets
While most cats won’t enjoy pool days, some water-loving canines tag along for a swim. If you’re taking your dog for a swim this summer, here are some pool safety tips to remember:
- Supervise your dog at all times – Never leave your dog alone in or around the pool.
- Watch for fatigue and dehydration – Dogs can tire out quickly in the water. Dehydration can also set in while a dog is swimming. Make sure to give your dog breaks and offer water every 15 to 20 minutes to keep your dog hydrated.
- Rinse and bathe after swimming – Chlorine or other pool chemicals can irritate your dog’s skin and coat. Give your dog a rinse and a bath, using dog-friendly oatmeal shampoo to moisturize their skin and coat.
- Clean your dog’s ears – regular ear cleaning is important for dogs. In addition, after swimming, it’s best to clean their ears with a dog-friendly ear cleaner to prevent infections.
→ Learn more - How to Clean a Dog's Ears: The Best & Safest Method
12. Fourth of July Safety
Fireworks and festivities during the Fourth of July can be stressful for pets. Keep them safe and comfy by creating a quiet, secure space indoors. In addition, make sure that your pets’ ID tags and microchips are up to date; these are added layers of safety to help pets find their way home in case of accidental escapes.
If you have an extra anxious pet, consult your vet for options. Vets can provide personalized calming tips or one-off medications to help your pet feel safe and stress-free during the Fourth of July. Make sure to book your appointment in advance, as supplies for anxiety medications tend to run out closer to the date.
→ Learn more - How Fireworks Affect Pets [& Vital Pet Safety Tips]
Final Thoughts on Pet Summer Tips & Pet Hydration
With these pet summer tips, you can ensure your dog’s and cat’s well-being, safety, and proper hydration. As a final reminder, know who to call in case of urgent cases or emergencies this summer. From paw burns to overheating, urgent care vet clinics can provide the necessary care to keep your dog healthy this summer.
Note: At Sploot, we offer primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services under one roof. If you ever need our assistance this summer, call us at 720-770-8656 or save our number for future reference!
Sploot Vets: Your All-in-One Vet for All Seasons
If you have further questions about your dog’s or cat’s health, we’re here for you! Sploot Veterinary Care offers all-in-one veterinary care, encompassing primary, urgent, or emergency vet services.
Visit any one of our Fear Free vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver and Chicago, offering next-level, stress-free vet care that you can count on 365 days a year, including holidays!
Book an appointment online or call us for urgent concerns. Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
