Hot Off the Press: Rover’s Summer Safety Tips for Pets

Summer is a season full of energy and outdoor play, but high temperatures also make this one of the most hazardous seasons for pets. According to a summer survey by Rover, nearly half (46%) of pet parents report that their pet has experienced a heat-related illness or injury.

From blazing-hot pavement to sky-high temps in parked cars, the unique challenges of the sun’s heat can spike during these months. Increased outdoor exposure also means more opportunities for pets to ingest harmful plants and pesticides.

What exactly are these people doing to help their pets? We put it all together in this guide. Read on for practical tips to help keep your dog or cat safe, cool, and happy all summer long.

Most Common Safety Tips for Summer

While heat-related incidents are often summer’s biggest threat, there are other risks (and tips) to be aware of. Here are our top 10 summer safety tips for pets, which 76% of pet parents actively do to keep their pets comfortable during the heat:

• Don’t leave your pets unattended in a car, even on cool days
• Walk your pets in shady areas during cooler parts of the day
• Avoid strenuous activity on extremely hot days
• Bring portable bowls and provide fresh, clean water when outdoors
• Protect paws with a set of booties if the pavement is too hot
• Stay up to date on flea and tick treatments
• Make sure that any plants, grass, or fertilizers within a pet’s reach aren’t toxic
• Don’t leave pets unattended near swimming pools or large bodies of water
• Never use fireworks around pets
• Follow proper grooming and bathing advice for your pet’s breed to keep them cool and prevent sunburn

Keep an Eye Out for Heat Exhaustion

Pets can develop heatstroke indoors and outdoors, if the temperatures are too high and conditions are ripe for it. Dehydration is the most commonly reported affliction (23%) related to the heat.

When it comes to recognizing signs of heat stroke, only 35% of pet parents say they know exactly what to look for. Knowing the warning signs of early overheating can make all the difference, so check out the early and severe symptoms below:

Pet parents may find their pets eagerly seeking shady areas or cool surfaces when they start to get too warm. When your pets show early signs, there’s still time to intervene without seeking veterinary treatment.

To help prevent heat stroke, you can:

• Take your pet out of the heat to a cool, shaded area, preferably indoors with air conditioning
• Cool them down slowly using wet towels or cool water on their head or neck
• Offer small amounts of cool water to drink
• Turn on a fan to increase air circulation
• Keep an eye on their temperature using a digital thermometer

Do not use cold or ice water as this can trap heat and cause dangerous changes in their blood pressure. If your pet shows any signs of heatstroke (severe signs), take them to the emergency vet right away. 

A State Guide to How Long 75°F Can Last

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Beware Paw Burns from Hot Pavement and Asphalt

As seasons get hotter, so do the risks of paw pad burns. Pet insurance provider Trupanion has observed peak claims for burnt paw pads in July over the last three years. Burnt paws happen when outdoor temps hit 85°F, causing asphalt and concrete to soar well above 130°F. 

Sometimes the weather gets hot quicker than you realize. If you’re out, here are some signs that indicate your pet’s paws are experiencing discomfort:

• Limping 
• Excessively chewing or licking feet
• Visible redness on pads
• Blisters
• Lethargy
• Limited mobility
• Lack of appetite
• Burnt paw pads with blood or ulcerations

The best way to prevent paw burns is to avoid walking on hot pavement, particularly when it’s above 85°F / 30°C outside. If you’re unable to hold the back of your hand on the pavement for at least seven seconds, then it’s too warm for your pup to be comfortable. 

Opting for early morning or late evening walks in shaded areas can help. Grass is best, but if you live in an urban area without much coverage, booties are another great solution. Just keep in mind that it can take your dog some time to adjust to wearing them.

Never Leave Your Dog In the Car, Even for 5 Minutes

Even with the windows cracked, leaving your pet in a parked car is extremely dangerous, putting them at risk of major illness or death. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) reports that at least 111 animals suffered from heat-related deaths in 2024 while 388 were rescued from the heat.

Interior car temperatures can skyrocket fast, with temperatures rising 20°F degrees every 10 minutes. This means during a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can turn into 90°F in less than 10 minutes and reach 100°F within 20 minutes, even with the windows cracked. 

Planning ahead is key for traveling with your pet during warmer months. Run the air conditioner, pack plenty of fresh water, and stop for breaks in shaded areas. Cooling mats and fans can make the ride more comfortable for them, but you should never leave your pet unattended in the car.

Pay Special Attention to High-Risk Pets 

While the above heat risks can impact all pets, some pets remain more vulnerable to heat than others. Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds—like bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Shih Tzus, and Persian cats—struggle to regulate body temperature due to their shorter airways, which makes it more difficult for them to pant and breathe.

Large dogs, obese pets, double-coated dog breeds, long-haired cat breeds, and senior animals are also at higher risk.

If your pet falls into one of these categories, take extra precautions before you go on vacation.

Communicate heat care instructions with your pet sitter or boarding facility before you travel. Give your dog walker permission to limit walks or time outside. Don’t forget to provide outdoor water bowls, water bottles, and your pet’s cooling gear, like vests or mats, to help them stay comfortable.

Cooling Tips for Dogs & Cats

Keeping pets cool isn’t complicated but it does take consistency and preparation. Preventing your dog or cat from heat exhaustion in the first place is the best way to prevent heat stroke.

Get creative with indoor enrichment & exercise

Most pet parents adjust their pet’s routine during the summer, with 53% walking their pets at certain times of the day and 41% limiting outdoor activity in general. But your pet still needs exercise and stimulation!

Interestingly, 24% of pet parents reported being unaware of opting in for indoor enrichment instead of walking. Indoor activities can be a good alternative to keeping your pets entertained. Puzzle toys are a great way to stimulate your pet’s brain, and games like hide-and-seek or tug-of-war are fun bonding games that work in a pinch. 

You can also make frozen dog treats with peanut butter, pumpkin, or fruit puree. These treats, like this two-ingredient cantaloupe ice cream, are a simple, low-effort, and delicious way to cool down. Cats may enjoy our infamous sardine popsicle but if that is too out there, we also have other tasty frozen cat treats to try.

These frozen treats make a much better food offering than traditional BBQ foods. While we may enjoy these snacks, the sauces, bones, and sweets carry both choking or nutritional risks for our pets.

What to Know About Summer Activities and Pet Playdates

In addition to heat concerns, pet parents who love to adventure with their animals outdoors should understand any potential safety concerns and be prepared for them. When bringing your pet along for the experience, make sure the location is pet-friendly.

Below is our guidance on how to navigate your pet’s favorite spots safely this summer. For each activity, be sure to bring a collapsible water bowl, plenty of drinking water, food for long days, and a leash to keep your dog close.

Pool safety for dogs

• Supervise them closely—not all dogs are good swimmers
• Teach your dog to swim over time, using short sessions
• Consider a pet life vest for additional safety
• Don’t let your dog drink too much pool water
• Exposure to chlorine can cause dry skin, so check your dog’s paws and ears
• Prevent drowning accidents at home by installing a pool cover, perimeter fence, or outdoor gate

Beaches & lake cautions

• Use pet-safe sunscreen on your dog’s nose and ears
• Limit their salt water intake—it can make them sick
• Watch out for dangerous sea animals that may linger near the shore
• Check the water temperature to make sure it’s not too cold
• Avoid hot sand, especially during mid-day
• Don’t allow your dog to eat sand, as it can block their intestines and cause an impaction
• Make sure they take rest breaks from swimming 
• Learn how to give pet CPR

Hiking & dog park tips

• Check dog restrictions ahead of time
• Stick to shaded trails and avoid rocky or excessively sunny paths
• Look for ticks and burrs in your pet’s fur that they may have picked up
• Avoid unfamiliar or toxic plants
• Ensure they have proper identification, like a microchip or ID tag
• Avoid surprise wildlife attacks by sticking to marked trails while leashed
• Consider packing a doggie first-aid kit for paw pad injuries, scratches, and scrapes

More reading on outdoor safety:

• Watch out for toxic algae
• Keep away from foxtails—a dangerous grass
• Know when flea & tick season is in your state
• Learn to recognize which plants are toxic to dogs and cats

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