Rover’s 2026 Guide To Summer Safety

The long, lazy days of summer are some of our favorites to spend with our pets—but they also come with hazards. According to a summer survey by Rover, half (50%) of pet parents report that their pet has experienced heat exhaustion or dehydration, and one in four (24%) has had to take their pet to the vet for an emergency related to summer activities.

The challenges of the season aren’t just heat-related, either—there are fleas and ticks to contend with, plus water safety concerns. And increased outdoor exposure means more opportunities for pets to ingest harmful plants and pesticides.

What can you do to avoid the dangers of the season? We’ve rounded up our favorite 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 to keep an eye on too. Here are our top 10 summer safety tips for pets:

• 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 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

High temperatures can pose a serious hazard to pets, both indoors and outdoors. Half of pets have experienced dehydration or heat exhaustion, and 10% have experienced its more dangerous form, heat stroke.

Two thirds (64%) of pet parents admit to not knowing exactly what signs to watch for potential heat exhaustion in their pet. Knowing the warning signs can make all the difference, so check out both 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 at home.

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

Don’t use cold or ice water, as this can trap heat and cause dangerous changes in a pet’s blood pressure. If your pet shows any signs that they’ve progressed to heat stroke, take them to the emergency vet right away. 

Avoid Paw Burns from Hot Pavement and Asphalt

As the temperature rises, so does the risk of paw pad burns. Burnt paws can happen when outdoor temps hit roughly 85°F, causing asphalt and concrete to soar well above 130°F.

Sometimes the weather gets hot more quickly than you realize. It’s not surprising that 16% of pet parents say their pet’s paws have been burned by hot pavement.

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
• 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 and paw wax 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 140 animals suffered heat-related deaths in 2025, while 365 were rescued from the heat.

Interior car temperatures can skyrocket fast. On a 70°F 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 heat can impact all pets, some pets are more vulnerable to heat than others. Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds—like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Persian cats—can struggle to regulate body temperature due to their shorter airways, which make it more difficult for them to pant.

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 more dangerous conditions like heat stroke.

Get creative with indoor enrichment & exercise

Most pet parents adjust their pet’s routine during the summer, with 51% walking their pets at cooler times of the day and 46% limiting strenuous activity in general. But your pet still needs exercise and stimulation.

Indoor activities can be a great way to keep your pets entertained. Puzzle toys stimulate your pet’s brain, and games like hide-and-seek or tug-of-war are fun bonding activities that burn energy. 

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’s too out there, we also have other tasty frozen cat treats to try.

What To Know About Summer Activities and Pet Playdates

Summer is a great time for getting outside with your pet. In fact, 88% of pet parents choose summer activities based on whether or not their pet can participate.

But just because a location is pet-friendly doesn’t mean it’s a safety slam dunk. Here’s what to know about summer activities like swimming, hiking, and backyard parties. 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.

Fireworks and parties

• If your pet is among the 65% of cats and dogs who are afraid of fireworks, consider asking your vet about calming supplements or medications ahead of time
• Give pets have quiet, cozy spots away from the noise, with calming music or pheromones
• Escape-proof carefully, especially for cats, and avoid unsupervised trips to the yard; fireworks are a leading cause of runaway pets
• If your pets are participating in the festivities, make sure they don’t snag traditional BBQ foods—instead, offer pet-safe frozen treats

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 accidents at home by installing a pool cover, perimeter fence, or outdoor gate

Beach & lake cautions

• Dogs can get sunburned, too—make sure to use pet-safe sunscreen, especially on your dog’s nose and ears
• Watch out for water intoxication, which happens when a dog accidentally ingests too much water, often when swimming
• Watch out for dangerous sea animals that may linger near the shore
• Check the water temperature to make sure it’s not too cold, and watch for toxic algae
• 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 your dog takes breaks from swimming to rest
• Follow dog safety guidelines for boating

Hiking & dog park tips

• Check dog restrictions ahead of time
• Stick to shaded trails and avoid rocky or excessively sunny paths
• Make sure your dog is on flea and tick preventives, and check their fur for ticks post-hike
• Avoid unfamiliar or toxic plants
• Ensure your dog is wearing a sturdy ID tag and their microchip is up to date
• 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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