07/01/2026
Essential Heat Safety Rules
The Pavement Test: Place the back of your hand on the concrete for 7 seconds. If it is too hot for your skin, it will burn your pet's paw pads.
Avoid Hot Cars: The interior temperature of a vehicle can skyrocket to dangerous, life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes, even with windows cracked.
Watch At-Risk Breeds: Take extra precautions with senior pets, overweight animals, and snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs, as they struggle to breathe and regulate body temperature.
Shade vs. Doghouses: If they must go outdoors, provide ample natural shade (trees/tarps) that allows airflow. Doghouses trap heat and can make conditions worse.
Signs of Heatstroke
Watch for heavy or excessive panting, drooling, weakness, bright red gums, or collapse. If your pet shows these symptoms, move them to a cool, shaded area immediately. Place cool, wet towels on their head and neck and contact a veterinarian. Do not use ice, as it constricts blood flow and traps heat in the core.If you tell me what type of pet you have and if they spend most of their time indoors or outdoors, I can tailor these cooling strategies to your specific situation.
