How to Keep Your Pets Safe in the Summer Heat

Summer in the Peterborough area is something truly special. Long days at the lake, evening walks along the trails, and plenty of time outside with the pets we love. But when the humidity settles in, our dogs and cats feel it even more than we do. Pets can’t cool themselves the way people can, and heat-related illness can develop quickly. The good news is that keeping your pet safe in hot weather mostly comes down to a few simple habits. Here’s what every pet owner in Peterborough and area should know.

Why Hot Weather Is Harder on Pets Than on People

Dogs and cats don’t sweat the way we do. They cool down mainly through panting and by releasing heat through their paw pads, which means they overheat much faster than people. When the air is hot and humid, those built-in systems become far less effective. That’s why a temperature that feels manageable to you can be dangerous for your pet, especially during those muggy July and August stretches we know so well around here.

Some pets are at higher risk than others. Puppies, senior animals, flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs, and pets with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable in extreme heat. If your pet falls into one of these groups, plan ahead on hot days and keep outdoor time short.

Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car

This one can’t be repeated enough. Temperatures inside a vehicle can climb quickly, putting animals at risk of heatstroke within minutes. Even on mild days, in the shade, or with the windows down, a parked vehicle can quickly become deadly. If your pet can’t come inside with you at your destination, the safest choice is to leave them at home where it’s cool.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society runs its No Hot Pets campaign each summer, asking animal lovers across the province to pledge never to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle. It’s a message we stand behind fully here at PHS.

If you see an animal in distress from the heat, act quickly. Call Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or your local police, and in a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Keeping Dogs Cool on Walks

Timing matters more than anything. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler, avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and remember that pavement and sand can become hot enough to burn paws.

Test the pavement on sunny days using the back of your hand or wrist. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Stick to grass and shaded trails when you can, and bring water along on any walk longer than a quick trip around the block.

At home, make sure your dog always has access to shade and fresh water when they’re outside, and bring them in during the hottest part of the day. A kiddie pool in a shady corner of the yard is a summer favourite for a lot of dogs, and it does double duty as a cooling station.

Fans Are Your Friend, Especially Without Air Conditioning

Not every home in Peterborough and area has air conditioning, and that’s where fans earn their keep. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, provide a fan to keep your pets cool and comfortable. Close the curtains to keep the indoor temperature down and give animals access to a cool room, ideally one with bare floors where they can stretch out.

Moving air makes a real difference for pets because it helps evaporate moisture from their skin and coat, which is how their bodies shed heat. Set up a fan at pet level in the room where your dog or cat spends the most time, and keep it running through the warmest hours of the day. Pair it with a fresh bowl of water nearby and you’ve created a simple cooling station that works.

Don’t Forget About Cats in the Summer Heat

Cats often get overlooked in summer safety conversations because so many of them live indoors. But indoor cats can overheat too, especially in homes without air conditioning. Extra water bowls in different rooms, closed blinds during the sunniest hours, and a fan running where they like to nap all go a long way.

One more thing worth checking this time of year. Window screens should be secure before you open up the house. Every summer, shelters across Ontario see cats injured in falls from open windows. A few minutes with a screwdriver can prevent a heartbreaking accident.

Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and recognizing the early signs can save your pet’s life. Watch for excessive or exaggerated panting, lethargy, weakness, drooling, high fever, dark red gums, rapid heartbeat, unresponsiveness, or vomiting. Cats may pant too, which is unusual for them and almost always a sign something is wrong.

If you notice these signs, move your pet somewhere cool right away and offer water. Start cooling them down with a hose or wet towels, but do not use ice. A helpful trick is to apply a little cool water directly to the skin between the paw pads and inside the ears, then position your pet in front of a fan. As the water evaporates, it pulls heat away from those areas where blood flows close to the skin.

Then get to a veterinarian immediately, and continue cooling with wet towels during the drive. Even if your pet seems to recover, take them in as soon as possible, because some medical problems caused by heatstroke may not show up right away.

A little planning and a watchful eye go a long way when it comes to keeping your animals safe during this summer heat. If your pet ever shows signs of heatstroke or any other urgent health concern, please reach out to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away. Quick action makes all the difference.

For the everyday side of pet health, the Peterborough Humane Society is here to help. We offer affordable general wellness services, including vaccines and routine preventive care, along with affordable spay and neuter services through our Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic.

From all of us at PHS, have a safe and happy summer with your furry family members!