Summer Pet Safety Tips

Dr. Ruth, "The Pet Vet", shares five simple safety tips to help you keep your pets safe this summer.

SAN DIEGO, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is the perfect time to enjoy parks, beaches, and hiking trails. However, summer heat can be dangerous for your pets. To make sure everyone, including your pets, has a fun and safe summer, Dr. Ruth MacPete, aka Dr Ruth "The Pet Vet" shares five simple summer pet safety tips.

"Dogs and cats don't perspire like we do," says Dr. Ruth "The Pet Vet". "To cool off, dogs and cats dispel excess heat by panting and only perspire minimally through their pads. Unfortunately, this method is less efficient than sweating and your pets can quickly overheat and develop heat exhaustion on a hot day. When it's hot outside, it's imperative that people are extra careful with their pets."

What are the best ways to keep your pets safe this summer?

1.  Keep your pets cool

Whenever possible keep your pets inside where it's nice and cool. If your pet has to be outside, be sure that they have access to shade and water. Avoid strenuous exercise when it's hot. Keep your walks short to avoid over-heating and walk them in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Be extra careful with brachycephalic, or flat-nosed breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers, as they are even more heat-intolerant than other dogs.

2.  Keep your pets hydrated

Be sure your pets always have plenty of water. When it's hot, pets drink more water than usual, and water evaporates faster. Make sure you provide extra bowls of water and refill them frequently. Also remember to bring water for yourself and your dog when going on outdoor excursions or walks and don't forget to bring a portable bowl for your dog. The Loving Pets Bella Roma travel bowls are a must for all dog parents. They are lightweight, collapsible, and even come with a carabiner so you can easily clip them to your purse, backpack, or your dog's harness or leash.

To encourage your pets to drink more consider getting a pet water fountain or try adding ice to their water to make it cool and refreshening. For a cool treat, there are a number of dog ice creams available. For cats, I recommend freezing catit Creamy lickable treats to make ice pops or putting catit Creamy treats in the catit Creamy tray to make frozen treats your cat will love.

3.  Know the signs of heat exhaustion

Be sure to know the common signs of heat exhaustion which include:

• Excessive panting
• Trouble keeping up
• Bright red tongue and gums
• Dry gums that feel sticky to the touch
• Vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea
• Dark urine 
• Unsteadiness or wobbly
• Collapse
• Seizures

If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, get them out of the heat, cool them down gradually by wetting them with cool water and immediately take them to your veterinarian for additional treatment. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can be fatal.

4.  Protect your pet's feet from hot surfaces

Before going on a walk, check the ground to be sure it is not too hot for your pet's feet. Asphalt, concrete, and sand can get very hot and actually burn your pet's feet. If it's too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for your pets! If you have to walk your pet when the ground is hot consider getting them dog booties to protect their pads or walk them on grass or dirt.

5.  Never leave your pet in a hot car

Never leave your pet unattended in a car when it's warm outside. Even with the windows rolled down, your car can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes. To be safe, never leave your pet in a parked car for ANY length of time when the weather is warm. It's better and safer to leave them at home if you are going somewhere that doesn't allow pets. 

Hopefully these safety tips will help keep your pets safe and cool this summer.

For more information or pet health tips go to: www.DrRuthPetVet.com/pet-tips 
Facebook @DrRuthMacPete
Instagram @drruthmacpete

About Dr. Ruth MacPete
Dr. Ruth MacPete is a veterinarian, media correspondent, and author. She has appeared on The Doctors, Good Morning America, The Today Show Hallmark's Home & Family, The Weather Channel, as well as numerous news shows around the country. She has written about pets and pet health for various magazines and is the author of the award-winning children's book Lisette the Vet. To schedule an interview with Dr. MacPete or for more pet tips go to: www.DrRuthPetVet.com.

SOURCE Dr. Ruth MacPete -- The Pet Vet