Summer Pet Safety Tips | How to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Heat | Pet Method
How to Have a Safe Summer With Your Pet
Summer brings longer days, more outdoor adventures, and fun in the sun—but it also introduces several health risks for our four-legged companions. At Pet Method, we know that heat, humidity, and summer activities can lead to serious health issues if proper precautions aren’t taken. Here’s how to keep your pet happy, healthy, and safe all season long.
- Know the Signs of Overheating
Pets can’t sweat like humans do. They cool themselves primarily through panting and, in dogs, minimal sweating through their paw pads. When temperatures climb, especially above 85°F, it’s easy for them to overheat.
Common signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke include:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Red or pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat or uncoordinated movement
If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Keep Hydration Top of Mind
Always ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean water—indoors and outdoors. If you’re on the go, bring a collapsible water bowl and a bottle of water for your pet. Some pets drink less when it’s hot due to stress, so consider flavoring their water with a bit of low-sodium broth or providing wet food to increase moisture intake.
- Limit Outdoor Time During Peak Heat
The safest time for walks and play is early morning or late evening, when the sun is low and temperatures are more manageable. Avoid strenuous activity during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), especially on humid days. If your pet must go outside during midday, keep the time brief and stick to shaded areas.
- Protect Paws From Hot Surfaces
Asphalt, concrete, and sand can become dangerously hot and burn your pet’s paw pads. A good rule of thumb: if the surface is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet. Opt for grassy areas when possible or invest in pet-safe booties for added protection.
- Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car
Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach over 100°F in just minutes. Leaving your pet in a car, even briefly, can quickly become fatal. If your destination isn’t pet-friendly, it’s safest to leave them at home.
- Use Pet-Safe Sunscreen
Pets with light-colored coats, short fur, or exposed skin (like the nose and ears) are vulnerable to sunburn. Use a sunscreen formulated specifically for pets—never human sunscreen, which often contains zinc oxide or other ingredients that can be toxic. Reapply every few hours if your pet is spending time in direct sunlight.
- Watch Out for Parasites
Summer is peak season for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes—all of which carry diseases. Make sure your pet is up to date on preventatives for heartworm, flea, and tick protection. If you’re unsure which products are safest or most effective, ask your vet at Pet Method for recommendations tailored to your pet’s lifestyle.
- Be Cautious Around Water
While many dogs enjoy swimming, not all pets are natural swimmers. Never leave your pet unsupervised near pools, lakes, or rivers. Rinse them off after swimming to remove chlorine, algae, or salt, and always provide an exit point in case they fall in accidentally.
Summer can be a wonderful time to bond with your pet—if the right precautions are taken. By staying alert to the risks and following these safety tips, you can help ensure a fun and hazard-free season for your furry friend.
If you have questions about your pet’s summer safety, or need to update vaccines or parasite preventatives, contact Pet Method at (469) 581-8609 or visit us at 260 N Coit Rd, Suite 130, McKinney, TX, 75071.
