Summer Heat Safety Tips

Summer brings longer days, family adventures, and more time outside with our pets. It also brings serious heat risks that many pet parents may underestimate until there’s a concern or emergency.

Dogs and cats are far more sensitive to heat than we are because they can’t cool themselves efficiently.

In fact, when outdoor temperatures reach just 85°F, the inside of a parked car can climb to over 100°F in as little as 10 minutes. Hot pavement can reach temperatures of 125°F or higher on sunny days, hot enough to burn paw pads quickly.

We see an increase in heat-related emergencies every single summer, and even a few minutes in extreme temperatures can become dangerous for pets.

The good news is that a few simple precautions can help keep your pets safe all season long. A Lanoka Harbor, NJ vet offers some insight on this below.

Choose Cooler Times for Walks

If your dog loves daily walks, summer doesn’t mean you have to stop, it just means adjusting the schedule a bit. Early mornings and evenings are usually the safest and most comfortable times to get outside.

We recommend:

• Walking before the midday heat sets in
• Choosing evening strolls after the sun goes down
• Taking shorter walks on especially hot or humid days
• Bringing water along for longer outings

Even healthy pets can overheat quickly, especially brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, like Bulldogs and Pugs, as well as senior pets, overweight pets, and pets with heart or respiratory conditions.

Hot Pavement Can Burn Paw Pads

One of the most common summer injuries we see is burned paw pads from hot asphalt and sidewalks. If the pavement feels hot to your hand, it’s definitely too hot for your pet’s paw pads.

Try the 7-Second Test:

Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If you can’t hold it there comfortably, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.

To help protect sensitive paws:

• Stick to grassy or shaded areas when possible
• Avoid blacktop and asphalt during peak heat
• Check paws after walks for redness, licking, or limping

A quick route change can save your pet from painful burns!

Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car

We know many pets love car rides, but during the summer, leaving them in the car, even “just for a minute”, can quickly become life-threatening.

According to the AVMA, cracking the windows does little to slow the rise in temperature inside a vehicle. Heatstroke happens fast and can become fatal before owners realize there’s a problem. This is a heartbreaking and preventable emergency.

If your pet can’t go inside with you, the safest option is to leave them comfortably at home. Offer them a frozen Kong – they will be safe and grateful.

Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heat-related illness can escalate very quickly, so recognizing the warning signs early is incredibly important.

Watch for:

• Heavy panting
• Excessive drooling
• Weakness or lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Bright red gums
• Collapse or disorientation

If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cool area immediately, offer cool water, and contact your veterinarian right away.

We know pets are family, and we want to help you enjoy a safe and healthy summer together.

If you ever have questions about heat safety or concerns about your pet during hot weather, our team is here to help.

Stay cool, stay safe, and give your pets an extra belly rub from all of us this summer!

Contact Our Lanoka Harbor, NJ Animal Clinic

Please feel free to reach out to us anytime with questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. As your Lanoka Harbor, NJ veterinary clinic, we are always happy to help. You can reach us at (609) 971-9669, or through our Contact Page.