How to Protect Your Pet in The Summer Heat

Hot summer days might be perfect for outdoor adventures, but they can pose serious health risks like heatstroke and sunburn for your furry companion. Dogs, unlike humans, do not cool themselves efficiently through sweating; instead, they rely primarily on panting and a small amount of sweating through their paw pads. This limited cooling ability makes them much more vulnerable to overheating and sun-related injuries during the hottest months of the year.

Heatstroke in Dogs

Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises above the safe range, typically beyond 104°F (40°C), and it can escalate into a life-threatening condition in minutes. Dogs with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs), older dogs, and those carrying extra weight are especially susceptible due to reduced ability to cool themselves naturally.

Recognize These Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs:

• Excessive panting or drooling that continues even after resting in a shaded area

• Bright red gums or tongue, which can later turn pale as shock sets in

• Lethargy, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, or sudden collapse

Take Immediate Action if You Suspect Heatstroke:

If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, move them immediately into a shaded or air-conditioned space and begin cooling efforts without delay. Gently pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their paws, belly, and neck to begin lowering their body temperature. Place a fan nearby to speed up evaporation and enhance the cooling effect, and offer small sips of cool water frequently, never force them to drink. Even if they appear to recover, you must seek veterinary care immediately, as internal damage may continue to develop unseen.

Senior and Overweight Dogs Need Extra Summer Support

Older dogs and those carrying excess weight are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses because their cardiovascular systems and natural cooling mechanisms may not function as efficiently as those of younger, leaner animals. In senior dogs, arthritis or reduced mobility can make it difficult to move out of direct sunlight or shift to a cooler location, increasing the risk of overheating. Overweight dogs are at even greater risk, as excess body fat acts as insulation that traps heat and significantly impairs heat dissipation—even during minimal physical activity.

In a 2017 review published in Temperature: Multidisciplinary Biomedical Journal, researchers highlighted that “the median body weight of the dogs was 31 kg, supporting a higher susceptibility of large breed dogs to heat stress” and that brachycephalic and overweight dogs were significantly overrepresented in heatstroke cases (Bruchim et al., 2017).

This finding reinforces the importance of providing tailored summer care for large, older, or overweight dogs—especially ensuring they stay hydrated, rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and avoid intense exercise during peak heat hours.

Dogs Can Get Sunburned, Here’s How to Protect Them 🌞 

Although many people are surprised to hear it, dogs can get sunburned, especially those with short hair, light-colored fur, pink skin, or exposed areas like the nose, ears, and belly. Sunburn doesn’t just cause pain and irritation; prolonged sun exposure can also increase the risk of skin cancer over time.

Ways to Avoid Sunburn in Dogs:

• Always apply a pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas before outdoor exposure, avoiding human products that may contain zinc oxide or salicylates, which are toxic to pets.

• Limit outdoor activity during peak sun hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and ensure shaded areas are always accessible.

• Consider investing in lightweight UV-protective shirts or hats for dogs with highly sensitive skin or sparse fur.
  
  

Hydration: Your Dog’s First Defense Against Summer Heat 💧 

Hydration plays a foundational role in maintaining your dog’s health and comfort during summer, especially as dehydration can sneak up quickly in the heat. Always provide access to multiple bowls of clean, cool water, particularly if your home lacks central air conditioning or your dog spends time outdoors.

Tips to Keep Dogs Well-Hydrated in Hot Weather:

• Drop a few ice cubes or a splash of low-sodium bone broth into your dog’s water bowl to make drinking more appealing.

• Add water-rich options to your dog’s meals, like gently cooked food, cucumber slices, or seedless watermelon, to boost hydration through moisture-rich nutrition

• Carry a collapsible bowl and water bottle whenever you go out for a walk or car ride with your dog, especially during travel or outdoor adventures.

Protect Those Paws: Avoiding Burns from Hot Surfaces

Asphalt, concrete, and even sand can reach dangerously high temperatures during the summer months and cause severe burns on your dog’s paw pads. On a sunny 90°F (32°C) day, pavement can heat up to 125°F (51°C) or more, which is hot enough to blister skin within seconds.

How to Protect Your Dog’s Feet in the Summer Heat:

• Always test the walking surface by placing your hand or bare foot on it for at least 7 seconds before taking your dog out.

• Use protective dog booties or apply paw wax as a barrier between your pet’s pads and the ground when walking on hot surfaces.

• Stick to grassy paths or walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the ground has cooled.
  
  

Smart Cooling Strategies for Happy, Healthy Dogs 

Help your dog beat the heat by incorporating smart cooling solutions that regulate their body temperature and provide relief from warm indoor and outdoor environments. Even dogs kept indoors can overheat without proper ventilation or cooling aids.

Effective Cooling Methods for Dogs in Summer:

• Invest in cooling mats, vests, or bandanas, which absorb and dissipate heat to help your dog feel more comfortable.

• Make homemade frozen treats using plain yogurt, pureed dog-safe fruits, or frozen broth cubes for a cooling, tasty reward.

• Use fans, cool damp towels, or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor environment, especially during heatwaves.

🐱 Don’t Forget Your Cat—They Can Overheat, Too

While cats tend to handle heat a bit better than dogs, they still face serious risks during extreme temperatures, particularly if they are overweight, elderly, or have health issues. Cats often hide signs of discomfort, so it’s important to watch for subtle cues such as excessive grooming, seeking out cool tile floors, or avoiding sunny areas.

To encourage hydration, place multiple bowls of water around your home or use a pet water fountain, which entices cats to drink more frequently by mimicking flowing water.

Understand Temperature Thresholds: When Is It Too Hot for Pets?

Dogs are highly susceptible to overheating, and their ability to regulate internal temperature becomes compromised quickly in high heat. Once outdoor temperatures rise above 85°F (29°C), even healthy dogs are at increased risk—particularly if they’re active, exposed to direct sun, or belong to a high-risk group. Temperatures above 90°F (32°C) significantly increase the likelihood of heat exhaustion or heatstroke in all dogs.

Internally, a normal canine body temperature ranges from 100°F to 102.5°F (37.8°C to 39.2°C). If your dog’s temperature exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), it’s considered a fever, while 105°F (40.5°C) or above is an emergency requiring immediate intervention. On the opposite end, any temperature below 99°F (37.2°C) signals potential hypothermia.

✅ Summer Pet Safety Checklist

Final Thoughts

Summer offers countless opportunities for bonding and outdoor fun, but it also requires extra care to keep your dog safe and healthy. From spotting early signs of heatstroke to using pet-safe sunscreen and prioritizing hydration, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing emergencies.

If you ever feel unsure about your dog’s behavior or symptoms, don’t wait—book a consultation with a certified Holistic Pet Health Coach for personalized support. And if you're new to pet parenting, check out our Whole Pet Wellness Course, designed to help you confidently care for your furry companion—season after season.

👉 Schedule your consultation or learn more about Whole Pet Wellness today!