07/01/2026
Everyone stay cool this week! ☀️💧🐾
The summer heat is on! As temperatures climb, don't forget that our pets feel the heat too. Read and follow these simple tips to help your four-legged family members stay cool, comfortable, and safe this summer.
Remember, senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs), overweight dogs, and dogs with long or dark coats are more sensitive to the heat.
1) Outdoor Safety
• Limit or avoid time outdoors if it is very hot. If possible, walk your dog during the cooler hours of the morning or evening.
• Check the pavement! If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their paws. Try to walk on grassy or shaded areas instead.
• Bring cold water with you on walks to ensure your pup stays hydrated.
• If your dog loves hanging out in the backyard, set up sprinklers or a shallow kiddie pool for them to splash around in.
• If your dog enjoys swimming, find shallow, safe areas in streams or lakes for them to play. Be sure to discuss vaccinating them against Leptospirosis with your veterinarian to help protect them from the disease, which can be contracted through wildlife urine or contaminated water and environments.
2) Hydration & Frozen Treats
• Make sure your pet has access to fresh water 24/7. You can add ice cubes to their water bowl to help keep it cool on hot days.
• Make frozen treats and enrichment by filling Kongs or other chew toys with peanut butter, spray cheese, pumpkin, or other pet-safe treats, then placing them in the freezer.
• Check your dog's hydration throughout the day. You can assess hydration by testing skin elasticity and capillary refill time.
◦ Skin elasticity: Gently pinch and lift the skin over your dog's shoulders or the back of their neck, then release it. In a well-hydrated dog, the skin should snap back immediately. If it slowly falls back or remains "tented," it is a common sign of dehydration.
◦ Capillary refill time: Gently press your finger against your dog's gums, then release. The pale spot should return to its normal pink color almost immediately. A delayed return longer then two seconds may indicate dehydration.
3) Know the Signs of Heat Stroke & What to Do
• Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, dehydration, excessive drooling, vomiting or retching, being hot to the touch, loss of coordination, inability to stand or walk, and seizures.
• If your pet shows any of these signs, remove them from the heat and seek veterinary care immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
• While transporting your pet, you can help cool them by using wet towels, room-temperature water, and moving air from a fan or air conditioner.
• Never submerge your pet in ice or very cold water, as doing so can cause shock and make cooling less effective.
