Summer is the time for outdoor adventures, late nights with friends, and vacations you’ve looked forward to all year long. However, even though this season is full of tail-wagging fun, the extra heat can pose significant risks for our four-legged friends. Make sure this summer stays enjoyable and safe for your pet by knowing the risks associated with the changes in temperature that summer brings and knowing how to prepare for them!  

Handling the Heat 

Just like humans, dogs are sensitive to the intense heat that summer brings. However, pets are especially at risk since they lack the ability to cool themselves efficiently. Dogs have limited sweat glands, so they primarily release a majority of their body heat through panting. When they’re outside for prolonged periods of time and are exposed to hotter temperatures, their bodies can struggle to release heat quickly enough to safely cool them. This can lead to heat exhaustion — and in the worst of cases, heatstroke.  

“Heat poses significant dangers for dogs, especially as temperatures continue to rise over the summer,” says Dr. Clay Hellner, Chief Medical Officer at Pet Paradise + NewDay Veterinary Care. “Every pet parent should be conscious of outdoor activities in the heat, but especially those who have brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, senior pets, and dogs with thick-coats, as those pets are most at risk.” 

There are several ways you can help your four-legged friend stay cool while enjoying outdoor activities, such as:

• Ensuring your dog always has access to fresh, clean water
• Providing shaded areas out of direct sunlight during play
• Limiting outdoor playtime and/or choosing times of day when it’s cooler for more vigorous activities
• Using cooling vests or mats to assist them in lowering body temperature 

Hydration 

We explained that providing fresh and clean water is important to combat the effects of higher temperatures — but why? 

It’s important to keep dogs hydrated, as electrolytes are critical for maintaining fluid balance, enabling nerve signaling, and supporting muscle health and movement. While enjoying outdoor activities in the heat, dogs lose more fluid as they exercise. Therefore, drinking water and maintaining hydration are an important part of reducing the chances of developing a heat-related illness (such as heatstroke). Signs of dehydration can include:

• Loss of skin elasticity
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy 
• Excess panting and/or thick saliva
• Vomiting 

To ensure your pet stays hydrated, our veterinarians recommend:

• Offering ice cubes or frozen treats
• Refilling water bowls often
• Maintaining access to water when on-the-go with collapsable water bowls
• Offering water and/or pet-safe fruits and vegetables with a high-water content after play, such as celery. 

Water and Swimming 

Now that we’ve discussed water intake, it’s important to know the facts around water safety as well. Swimming and splash play can be a great way for your pup to burn energy and stay cool, as long as they’re participating within their natural abilities.  

No matter how experienced your dog is wagging in the waves, it’s critical to:

• Maintain constant supervision when your dog is in the water, as dogs can struggle and become exhausted while swimming
• Use a lifejacket, especially in deep water or if your pet is an inexperienced swimmer
• Never force a dog into water and let them explore comfortably
• Show your pet easy access ways to leave the water
• Prevent them from drinking too much pool or ocean water 

Pest Prevention 

Although there are risks with water activity, land has its own pests to worry about. Pests such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitos are especially active in the summer as the warm and humid conditions are ideal for breeding and feeding.  

Since these pests are commonly found in areas where outdoor summer activities occur (such as yards and wooded areas), it’s important to keep your pet on flea and tick preventative medication year-round. Additionally, be sure to check your pet for bugs after time outside and be alert for excessive scratching or skin irritation, which can indicate they’ve encountered a pest.  

Practicing Pet Summer Safety  

Summer should be a time to enjoy the outdoors with your four-legged friend — and everyone can have fun with the help of a few extra precautions. Make sure your pet is prepared to handle summer vacation while staying hydrated, avoiding overheating, participating in activities safely, and avoiding pests during the fun!