Summer brings more than sunny days and outdoor fun—it also introduces a wave of hidden risks for pets that many owners may not notice until it’s too late. As the heat rises, veterinarians are seeing an uptick in cases that could easily be avoided with a little preparation and awareness.
Heat isn’t just uncomfortable for pets—it can turn deadly fast. Unlike humans, animals don’t sweat efficiently. Dogs and cats cool off by panting and through their paw pads, which makes them extremely vulnerable when temperatures spike.
Dr. Gary Spence from Spence and White Veterinary Hospital emphasizes how quickly heatstroke can hit. He advises starting with a seasonal check-up to catch any issues before the intense heat rolls in.
Heatstroke doesn’t always show up the way you’d expect. Some signs are easy to miss until things get serious. Watch for:
Lots of drooling
Breathing that seems too fast or shallow
Wobbly legs or sudden tiredness
Vomiting or loose stool
Total collapse
If you see any of this happening, don’t wait around. Get your pet to the vet right away—it can be the difference between life and death.
Pexels | Norbert Kundrak | Heat isn’t just uncomfortable for pets—it can turn deadly fast.
Not all pets handle heat the same. Puppies and senior pets have a tougher time regulating their body temperature. Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Persians are especially at risk due to their narrow airways. Overweight animals and pets with heart or kidney conditions are also on high alert during the summer season.
As Dr. Spence puts it, “Some pets just can’t win against the heat.”
Diet can play a bigger role than many expect. High-protein food, while popular, can put extra strain on the body when it’s hot outside. Dr. Spence suggests keeping protein levels under 28% during the hotter months.
“Feeding your pet that kind of diet all summer is like asking someone to run a marathon every day. It’s exhausting for them,” he said. Look for well-balanced food options that support hydration and digestion.
Grooming is another area where owners often make well-intended but risky choices. Trimming is fine, but shaving should be off the table. A pet’s coat does more than add cuteness—it serves as natural insulation against the heat. Removing it entirely makes them more exposed to sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Keeping pets hydrated seems obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Make sure fresh, cool water is always available—indoors and out. And it cannot be stressed enough: never leave pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside can skyrocket in seconds.
Pexels | Bekka Mongeau | Supervise pets closely in water and ensure an exit, as they might panic or tire quickly.
Pools and bodies of water may seem like fun, but they pose risks too. Some pets aren’t natural swimmers, and even good ones can panic or tire quickly. Always supervise closely and make sure pets have a safe way to exit the water.
Out at a local park in East Texas, Shelby Perez plays with her two dogs, Bella and Remy. She shared a thoughtful take on what it means to care for pets in the heat. “It’s really about understanding what your dog needs, not what you think they need. You learn their signals. You support them how they need to be supported.” She adds, “When you take care of them like that, they give it back. They really do become family.”
Veterinarians are urging pet owners to think beyond the basics. A simple seasonal check-up, balanced food choices, proper grooming, and basic safety habits can make the difference between a safe summer and an emergency visit. These aren’t complicated steps—they’re everyday decisions that matter.
Watch for warning signs, know what puts your pet at risk, and learn what they need in the heat. Staying ready and aware is the best way to keep them safe this summer.
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