08/04/2025
☀️ Summer Safety Spotlight: Protecting Your Pet from Heat Risks 🐾
As temperatures rise, our pets rely on us more than ever to stay safe, cool, and comfortable. Here’s your friendly reminder to look out for nature’s furriest—and most vulnerable—family members 💛
Top Heat Safety Tips for Pets
• 🐶 Skip the midday walks (11 a.m.–3 p.m.): Opt for early morning or late evening outings when it’s cooler.
• 💦 Keep water flowing: Ensure access to fresh, shaded, and ice‑cold water—especially if pets are outside.
• 🌳 Provide shade, always: Whether indoors or out, your pet needs cool refuge—shade, fans, or air conditioning help drop the temperature.
• 👣 Beware of hot surfaces: Asphalt heats up fast—test with your hand; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws. Consider booties or grassy paths.
• 🔆 Use pet-safe sunscreen: Pets with light fur, pink skin, shaved spots, ears or noses are prone to sunburn—and even skin cancer. Always use sunscreen formulated for animals.
• 🏡 Never leave pets in cars: On moderately warm days, parked vehicles can reach dangerous temperatures in just minutes—even with the windows cracked  .
• 🩺 Spot the signs of heat stress: Watch for panting, drooling, red gums, vomiting, lethargy or collapse. Get immediate vet care if symptoms appear.
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Why It Matters
Pets don’t sweat like we do—they rely on panting and minimal paw sweating, which makes cooling a challenge, especially during high humidity or heatwaves. Brachycephalic breeds (like bulldogs or pugs), elderly, overweight, or health‑compromised pets are particularly at risk  .
Protecting your pet from heat not only prevents immediate health consequences, but also promotes long-term wellness.
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🧊 Bonus Tips
• Frozen pet-safe treats like yogurt or broth cubes are both fun and helpful for hydration.
• Cooling mats, vests, fans and dehumidifiers can make indoor spaces cooler and more comfortable.
• Brush your pets regularly to remove excess fur and help them stay cooler.
• Talk to your vet before summer—especially if your pet has underlying health conditions.
For more about how to keep your pet safe from heat risk read about it on our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/protecting-you-pet-from-heat-risks
Keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe from heat risks this summer with tips from experts at Thrive Pet Healthcare.
