LIFESTYLE

Five hot tips for summer pet care

Hot weather can be hard on pets. Stay informed and keep them safe this summer with these five tips.

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Key takeaways

Summertime is fun time, but hot weather brings some unique challenges for pet owners. The good news? Summer pet safety isn’t hard — it just requires some thought and attention. Watch over your pet the way you would a small child: protect them from too much heat, sun, and other summer dangers. If you plan to travel with your pet, or take them on an outdoor adventure, check out our Pet Travel Guide article. Read on for five ways to stay safe while enjoying summer activities with your pet.

Respect the heat.

Humans aren’t the only animals that can find a hot summer day overwhelming. But unlike you, your pet has a limited ability to deal with the heat. While humans can sweat through all of the skin on their body, pets mainly release heat through their paw pads and by panting.¹ So even on a day when you feel fine in the sunshine, your pet may be at risk of heatstroke.²

Some pets are more vulnerable than others. Animals with flat faces, also known as brachycephalic breeds — like Pugs and Persian cats — cannot pant as effectively and are therefore more susceptible to heatstroke.^{1, 2} You should also keep an eye on elderly or overweight pets, or animals with heart or lung disease.^{1, 2}

Dehydration is another warm weather concern. In the summer, make sure your pets always have access to plenty of fresh, cool water, and avoid letting them run around outside during the hottest parts of the day.³ And, of course, never leave a pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes.^1,2,3

Does my pet have heatstroke?

Know the signs of heatstroke in pets and what to do about it. Signs and symptoms may include:⁴

Increased heart rate
Excessive panting or drooling
Dry, sticky gums (in some cases)
Listlessness or confusion
Abnormal gum colour
Vomiting or diarrhea
Body temperature higher than 40°C
Collapse, seizure, or coma

If you think your pet is experiencing heatstroke, act quickly:^1,4

Move them immediately out of the heat and into a cooler area.
Cool them down using wet towels, sponges, or a hose. Do not use ice. Offer cool water to drink.
Get to a veterinarian as soon as possible, and keep cooling them with wet towels on the way.

Keep bugs away, and use pesticides safely.

Ticks, fleas, and other biting insects are more than just a nuisance in summer. Not only can these bugs carry diseases, but the ways people try to ward them off can also cause problems for your pet’s health. Pesticides can help manage insects and other pests, but they should always be used with extra care around pets. Before treating any area, read and follow the label directions carefully. Keep pets, cages, toys, bedding, food bowls, and water dishes away from treated areas during application and until surfaces are dry. For indoor use, ventilate the space before pets return. If your pet may have been exposed or shows signs such as trembling, vomiting, or digestive upset, contact a veterinarian and bring the product label or container with you.⁸

Practice water safety.

Water is a great way to help your pet beat the heat, but safety comes first. Although it’s fun to bring your pet to the beach or pool to stay cool together, always keep a close eye on your pet when they’re in or near the water.⁷ Even a strong swimmer could have trouble getting out of a pool or get trapped by ropes and other obstacles.⁷ For more risky summer adventures with your pet, like boating, look into equipment such as a pet lifejacket.⁷ A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping the fun in your summer outings.

Ask your veterinarian for guidance.

From heat and sun exposure to insecticides, water safety, and unexpected hazards, knowing what to watch for — and when to ask for help — can make all the difference. For guidance specific to your pet’s health, age, breed, and lifestyle, including questions about sun protection, insecticides, or managing heat-related risks, your veterinary team is your best resource. Be sure to tap into that expertise, and schedule regular visits. If you’re a new pet owner, you can read more about preparing for your first visit to the veterinarian here.

References

“Keep Your Pets Safe from Heatstroke.” Toronto Humane Society, www.torontohumanesociety.com/keep-your-pets-safe-from-heatstroke/.
“Beat the Summer Heat.” Toronto Humane Society, www.torontohumanesociety.com/beat-summer-heat/.
“Hot Weather Pet Safety.” Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, ontariospca.ca/blog/hot-weather-pet-safety/.
“Know the Signs: Heatstroke.” Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, ontariospca.ca/blog/know-the-signs-heatstroke/.
“Pet Health Corner: Dangers of Antifreeze.” Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, ontariospca.ca/blog/dangers-of-antifreeze/.
“Do Dogs Need Sunscreen?” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-need-sunscreen/.
“Water Safety Tips for Your Pet.” Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, ontariospca.ca/blog/water-safety-tips-for-your-pet/.
“Keep Your Pets Safe When Using Pesticides.” Health Canada, Government of Canada, www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/reports-publications/pesticides-pest-management/fact-sheets-other-resources/keep-your-pets-safe-when-using-pesticides.html

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