When the summer hits, heat stress can impact everyone, including our pets. Heat stress can happen quickly and lead to serious complications. Whether you’re going for a walk, spending time in the yard, taking a car ride, or playing outdoors, your pet needs help staying cool. Dogs, cats, and other animals don’t cool themselves as efficiently as humans do. Instead of waiting for your pet to show signs of heat stress, take the time to practice prevention and keep your pet safe this summer.
Early Signs of Heat Stress Pet Owners Should Notice
There are some early signs of heat stress that your pet will probably exhibit before they’re in serious distress. Keep an eye out for:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness or wobbling
- Red or dark gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Restlessness or confusion
- Sudden refusal to walk or play
If you notice any of these signs, get your pet into an air-conditioned space, offer water, and give your local vet or CARA a call right away.
When Is Panting a Warning Sign?
Many pet owners recognize panting as a sign their pet is hot, but they don’t always pay attention to how quickly it resolves. Most animals will pant at some point, especially dogs after playtime or a good walk. But normal panting should slow down after rest, water, and shade. If you notice that your pet’s panting is getting frantic, noisy, or isn’t showing signs of improving, there could be trouble ahead.
Take a Seven Second Surface Test Before a Walk
Hot pavement can burn your dog’s paws within seconds, even on a mild day. According to the American Kennel Club, asphalt can reach a staggering 135°F even if the air temperature is 86°F. They recommend the Seven Second Test to make sure it’s safe to walk your dog. Place the back of your hand on pavement, asphalt, or concrete. If it feels too hot for your hand within seven seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Instead, stick to grassy areas or shaded paths, choose water activities, or use protective booties.
Safe Cooling Strategies That Actually Help Your Pet
Your pet needs help cooling off and staying that way. That’s why it’s important to encourage cooling down time and create a safe space for your pet. If it’s a hot day or your pet is getting hot, try:
- Move your pet into shade or air conditioning
- Offer small amounts of cool water
- Use cool, damp towels on the belly, paws, and neck
- Set up a cool resting area with non-slip flooring
- Give your pet easy access to water
- Use fans or air conditioning
- Move bedding away from direct sunlight
Remember that even during a heat wave, your pet still needs movement, especially if they are older, recovering, or managing stiffness. Try playing indoors, getting some new puzzle feeders, trying a new game, and getting your pet involved in your daily routine.
When Heat Stress Is an Emergency for Your Pet
Heat stress can quickly escalate from discomfort to a medical emergency. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care right away:
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Severe weakness
- Confusion
- Pale, red, or blue gums
- Persistent vomiting
- Body that stays hot despite cooling
If you’re not sure if you’re dealing with a pet emergency or not, go ahead and check in with your pet. Describe your pet’s symptoms and ask whether they should be seen for heat-related illness or dehydration.
FAQs About Preventing Heat Stress in Your Pet
What are the first signs of heat stress in a pet?
Early signs of heat stress may include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, weakness, red gums, rapid breathing, vomiting, or fatigue after mild activity. Pets that don’t cool down quickly or seem disoriented need to be checked by a vet right away.
How hot is too hot to walk my dog?
It might be too hot to walk your dog if the pavement feels too hot for your hand after seven seconds. Otherwise, hot pavement could burn their paw pads. During summer, early morning and later evening walks are usually safer options than taking your dog for a walk in the middle of the day. This is especially true if you have a senior pet, an overweight pet, a flat-faced breed, or a pet recovering from an injury or surgery.
Can pets get heat stress indoors?
Yes, pets can absolutely suffer from heat stress indoors if the home is too warm, has poor ventilation, or is too humid. Pets with arthritis, neurologic conditions, obesity, breathing issues, or limited mobility will usually struggle more because trying to move to a cooler area is more difficult for them.
What should I do if I think my pet is overheated?
If your pet gets overheated, move them to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area as soon as possible. Offer small amounts of cool water and use cool, damp towels on their body. Don’t use ice-cold water or force them to drink. If their symptoms are serious, you’re not sure what’s going on, or they don’t improve quickly, you should seek out emergency veterinary care as quickly as possible.
Can rehabilitation help pets stay safer in hot weather?
Yes, rehabilitation can help some pets stay safer, especially if they have arthritis, are recovering from surgery, have neurological conditions, or are weak from illness or injury. Our team at CARA offers customized rehab plans for your pet to support their strength, mobility, and movement.
Get Support for Your Pet This Summer with CARA
Whether you want to keep your pet healthy this summer or want long-term strategies for their overall well-being, we can help. Our team at CARA can help your pet improve mobility, conditioning, recovery, and overall comfort with customized rehabilitation plans. Schedule your appointment today!
