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* (US only), 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 fertilisers 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 recognising 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:
Dogs
Cats
Temperature risk starts at…
24°C
30°C
Early warning signs look like…
Excessive panting, lethargy, confusion, or drooling
Excessive pacing, panting, grooming, drooling, or atypical vocalisations
Severe signs are……
Pale gums, foaming at the mouth, or seizures
Stumbling, vomiting, loss of consciousness or collapsing
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.
Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?
This table shows the safe temperature ranges in which you can take dogs of different sizes on a walk.
Temperature (°C )
Risk Level
Too Hot to Walk?
16–24°C
Small–med dogs: Low
Large & at-risk dogs: Moderate
Nope!
24–29°C
Small–med dogs: Moderate
Large & at-risk dogs: High
Short Walks in the Shade Only
29°C+
All dogs: High
Yes
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 heat stroke (severe signs), take them to the emergency vet right away.
Overheating is one stage before heat stroke. Help your cat cool down if you see these signs.
What’s the Hottest Area In The UK?
According to the Met Office, London and the South East experience the highest temperatures, while Northern England and Scotland experience the coolest. July is the warmest month on average, with the average temperature in London hitting a maximum of 19.62°C.
While this is generally safe dog-walking weather (although some medium- to large-sized dogs may be uncomfortable), this is only an average. Record temperatures across the UK have reached over 40°C (and even 34°C in Scotland). So if you’re a pet parent, be sure to check the outdoor temperature wherever you are.
Beware of 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 a peak in claims for burned paw pads in July over the last three years. Burnt paws occur when outdoor temperatures reach 29.4°C, causing tarmac and concrete to rise well above 54.4°C.
Sometimes the weather gets hot quicker than you realise. 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 30°C / 85°F 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.
A temperature guide for preventing paw burns during summer
Here’s what the heat of the tarmac is doing during certain air temperatures.
Air
25°C
30°C
31°C
Tarmac
52°C
57°C
62°C
Tips for summer walks:
- ✅ If the ground is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws!
- ✅ Try dog shoes or booties to protect your pup.
- ✅ Walk on dirt or grass instead of tarmac.
- ✅ Take walks in the early morning or late evening.
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 about 11°C every 10 minutes. This means that during a 21-degree day, the inside of a car can reach 32°C in less than 10 minutes and 38°C within 20 minutes, even with the windows cracked.
Warm day? Skip the 🚗 ride with your dog
On an average 21°C day, temps rise inside a car much quicker than outside, becoming potentially fatal for dogs left inside.
Time Elapsed
Temp in Vehicle
10 min
32°C
20 min
37°C
30 min
40°C
60 min
45°C
Planning ahead is key for travelling 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.
Tips for cooling your pet
Dog
Cat
Keep fresh water out (indoors and out)
✓
✓
Set up a cooling mat
✓
✓
Regular grooming
✓
✓
Run the AC or fans in rooms
✓
✓
Try cooling collars, bandanas, and booties
✓
✓
Trim long hair — but don’t shave
✓
✓
Save walks for early morning or late afternoon
✓
Close blinds to limit sunlight
✓
Place ceramic tiles or stones in the shade
✓
✓
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 are a simple, low-effort, and delicious way to cool down, and 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
- Learn to recognise which plants are toxic to dogs
*Methodology: A Rover survey of 1,000 US pet parents conducted in May 2025, via Pollfish.
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