July 2026 guide Seasonal safety
Updated
Keep Your Pet Safe in Summer Heat
A summer outing should end with a comfortable pet. Adjust your plans to the weather, especially when heat and humidity make cooling down difficult.
Choose cooler times and places
Walk in the cooler morning or evening hours, avoid hot pavement, and take frequent breaks. Provide fresh water and a shaded resting area. On very hot days, choose indoor activities in a cool space.
Leave parked cars out of the plan
Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. Shade and partly open windows do not prevent a car from becoming dangerously hot. Leave your pet at home when an outing includes stops where they cannot join you.
Watch for trouble
Heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, stumbling, vomiting, or collapse can indicate overheating. Short-nosed pets, older animals, and pets with certain health conditions need extra care.
Move your pet to a cool area and contact an emergency veterinary service immediately. Follow professional cooling and transport instructions. Do not wait to see whether serious signs improve on their own.
Further reading
Educational resources from veterinary and animal-care organizations:
This guide offers general pet-care information. Your veterinarian can recommend care for your pet's individual needs.
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