Summertime & Pet Heat Safety
- Traci Wilkerson Steckel
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Summer has been here for a few months, and team Traci's Paws has definitely felt it! Although we've gotten accustomed to the moderate temps here in San Diego, we, along with other cities across the United States, are under a DANGEROUS High Heat Advisory in the coming days and weeks.
Like people, animals living in areas with moderate temps are just not accustomed to extreme heat like what we’re experiencing here in San Diego or anywhere in the United States.
(Especially when it's in the 60's one day and over 100 the next.)
You can bet that if it’s hot for you, it’s even hotter for your pets. Stay vigilant, watch for possible heat stroke in your pets, and do everything you can to prevent overheating. We've prepared some great news for you to use in "The Paws Spot" blog, and we hope you can keep your furry friends safe. Please make sure to know where your local Emergency Vets are located in case you need to visit this weekend.
Click here for signs and how to Prevent Heat Stroke in Pets according to the American Animal Hospital Association.
One of the first things you can do is ensure your pet’s shelter or space is safe by creating an open area with adequate airflow and plenty of water. If you normally keep your pets outside during the day, try to bring them in, but don't put them in an enclosed room or garage unless there is air conditioning or plenty of airflow; cracking a window won't be enough.
If your pets must shelter outside (we really hope they don't have to, though), please make sure the space has plenty of air circulation and plenty of WATER! Try to create some shade without compromising the open space.
Putting ice blocks in a kiddie pool may be a great idea for your large dogs to hop in and cool off throughout the day. And horses and farm animals like this too!
Never leave any pets unattended near a swimming pool, because they may fall or jump in to cool off and find themselves unable to get out.
Putting ice in your pet’s water and making frozen treats are great ways for farm animals, cats, dogs, and small animals to stay cool. From ice trays to large Rubbermaid containers, freeze your pets' treats in water or use bone broth to create a fun and cool treat for them during the day.
Another tip for you and your pet is to look up local cooling centers, but make sure they allow pets before you go.
In addition to staying cool, it is imperative to keep your pet hydrated, especially senior pets. A tip to help with this is to add water, or a mixture of a little bone broth with water, to your pet’s food, just if they’re not making enough trips to the water bowl throughout the day. It's also something we did with Traci's Paws spokesdogs Lexi and Emee, and currently do for Bebe)
If you normally exercise your pets before you leave for the day, it is best to either go extra early in the morning or wait until much later when it has cooled down. Pets can overheat very quickly, and if you are in an area where you are experiencing extra high temps earlier than usual, skip it, don’t risk it. That's our motto!
Hot sidewalks and asphalt can burn and damage paws, and getting out in the heat can be too much for pets not used to it. Even riding in the car might be too much when it is scorching outside. Some cars take too long to cool off, and leaving your dog in the car while you are away is deadly. Especially if your pet has an underlying health condition like a heart murmur or heart failure.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR---NEVER!
Did you know some states allow you to save a dog from closed, hot cars? Check your state laws to see whether you are permitted to help rescue a dog from a car and what guidelines apply. Some states require that you call the police first; others make you pay for the owner's damage.
This chart shows just how quickly the temperature inside a car can rise, even with the windows down. It is deadly for pets left in the car even on a semi-warm day, even for just a few minutes.
Check out this KUSI news segment with our friend John Van Zante from Rancho Coastal Humane Society, discussing & demonstrating on his thermometer what it's like inside a car during the summer and how quickly the heat can rise. (Click photo to open video). Again, NEVER EVER leave your pets inside a car. Not even for a second.
Despite the heat, as long as you keep a watchful eye and keep your pet cool, you can get through the heatwave with a happy, healthy pet. Remember, if you fear your pet may be overheating, suspect burned paws, or need a professional opinion on keeping your pet safe, call your veterinarian for advice or to schedule an appointment. Remember, Traci's Paws and The Paws Spot are not veterinarians or veterinary services. Please contact your vet for any professional health advice.
Lots of love from Traci's Paws!
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