As global temperatures soar, it’s not just people who feel the heat. Pet owners are increasingly finding themselves needing to protect their furry friends from the sweltering dog days of summer.
“It’s really important to remember that if it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pets,” says Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Factors like a dog’s breed, weight, and existing health issues can all impact how they handle the heat. “There’s not one specific temperature that we can say is the right one to go outside, because every pet is different.”
In the U.S., over 180 million people, or 63% of households, have at least one pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. With pet-related spending projected to exceed $150 billion this year, many pet owners are beginning to adapt their routines to better protect their pets from heat.
Simple Safety Measures
The most straightforward way to keep pets safe is to limit their outdoor time to early morning or evening, advises Faeh. If pets must go out during the hotter parts of the day, keep trips brief and stick to shaded areas, grass, and dirt. Pavement can become extremely hot and burn their paws.
“We often think their paws are tougher, but they’re not immune to the heat,” Faeh warns. Blisters and pain are possible, so using dog booties designed for hot surfaces can be beneficial. Dogs may need time to adjust to walking in them.
Pets are also vulnerable to sunburn, especially those with lighter skin or short hair. Veterinarians can prescribe pet-safe sunscreens to prevent sunburn. After sun exposure, cooling mats and small fans can provide relief, and wetting the body with cool — but not too cold — water helps avoid constriction of blood vessels.
During power outages, Faeh suggests relocating pets to cooler areas of the home like basements or windowless rooms and keeping blinds or curtains closed.
Watch for signs of heat-related stress or heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting in dogs, or open-mouth breathing in cats. Contact a veterinarian immediately if these symptoms occur.
Accessorizing for Comfort
There is a growing market of pet accessories designed to help manage heat. Pete Scott, president of the American Pet Products Association, highlights that while some markets were caught off-guard by the heat, many are now seeking ways to better equip their pets for hot weather.
Accessories like sun visors, doggy sunglasses, and cooling collars are becoming more popular. David Escalante, who founded Kaykos Dog Shades in 2016, has seen significant demand for his hand-made dog sunglasses, designed to protect pets from UV rays.
Cooling collars and elevated dog beds that improve airflow can also offer relief. Frozen treats such as canine gelato, pup-sicles, and ice cream mixes can be a fun way to help pets cool down.
Indoor Playtime
Indoor dog parks are a growing trend in hotter climates. Spencer Mak, co-owner of Mak Pack Dog Training & Boarding in suburban Phoenix, reports a surge in visits to their indoor park during heatwaves. Their facility, which features agility exercises, climbing obstacles, and a bounce house, provides a cool escape from the heat. They are also in the process of adding an indoor doggy pool.
Avoiding Hot Cars
Leaving pets in hot cars remains a serious concern. Interior temperatures can climb rapidly, leading to dangerous conditions. Faeh advises that it’s best to leave pets at home to ensure their safety.
Some vehicles come equipped with alerts for pets left in the backseat, and backseat car alarms are also available. However, Scott emphasizes that the ultimate responsibility lies with the pet owner to ensure their pet’s safety.
As summer heat intensifies, these strategies and tools can help keep pets cool and comfortable, ensuring they stay safe during even the hottest days.