Pets in the Heat: Keeping Animals Cool and Helping Neighbors’ Pets

When a New England heat wave settles in, people reach for fans, cold drinks and shade. Pets need the same relief, but they depend on us to provide it. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other animals can overheat quickly, especially older animals, very young ones, overweight pets and flat-faced breeds that have a harder time cooling themselves through panting. A few simple habits can keep pets safe, and neighbors can help look out for animals on their street.

Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car

This is the most important rule of summer pet safety. The inside of a parked car can heat up dramatically in a short time, even on a day that feels only warm, and cracking the windows does little to help. Leave pets at home when running errands where they cannot come inside with you.

If you see an animal in distress in a hot car, note the car’s description and location, look for the owner nearby (for example, ask a store manager to make an announcement), and call 911 or local animal control right away. Follow their guidance.

Watch the Pavement

Asphalt, brick and sidewalks soak up heat and can burn paw pads. A common check: place the back of your hand on the pavement for about seven seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws. On hot days:

• Walk dogs in the early morning or late evening.
• Choose grassy or shaded routes.
• Keep walks shorter.
• Consider protective booties if your dog will tolerate them.

Keep Water and Shade Available

• Provide fresh, cool water at all times, indoors and out.
• Use heavy or spill-proof bowls so water does not get knocked over.
• Add ice cubes on very hot days.
• Make sure outdoor pets have real shade that moves with the sun, not just a doghouse, which can trap heat.
• On extreme heat days, bring pets indoors.

Keep Indoor Spaces Comfortable

Pets left home alone during a heat wave need a safe environment:

• Close blinds on sunny windows.
• Run fans or air conditioning if available.
• Give access to cooler rooms, such as basements or tiled floors.
• Offer a damp towel or a cooling mat to lie on.
• Check that small pets in cages, like rabbits or birds, are not in direct sun.

Know the Warning Signs

Common signs that a pet may be overheating include:

• Heavy panting or difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red or pale gums
• Weakness, stumbling or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion or unresponsiveness

If you see these signs, move the animal to a cool, shaded place right away, offer small amounts of water, and contact a veterinarian immediately. Overheating can be life-threatening for pets, and quick professional care matters.

Exercise and Play Wisely

• Save fetch and running for cool hours.
• Let dogs set the pace; do not push them to keep going.
• Offer water breaks often.
• Try indoor games, puzzle toys or frozen treats on hot days.

Water Safety for Pets

Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Near pools, ponds and the ocean:

• Supervise pets around water.
• Consider a properly fitted pet life jacket for boating.
• Rinse off salt water and pool water afterward.
• Keep pets from drinking a lot of salt water or water from ponds with posted advisories.
• Follow beach rules, since many beaches restrict dogs during summer months.

Looking Out for Neighbors’ Pets

Neighbors can be a valuable safety net for animals on their block:

• Offer pet check-ins. If a neighbor works long hours or is traveling during a heat wave, offer to refill water or check on their pet, with their permission and a key arrangement they are comfortable with.
• Swap emergency contacts. Neighbors who share pet info can help in a power outage or emergency.
• Put out a sidewalk water bowl for passing dogs, refreshed daily and kept clean.
• Speak up kindly. If you notice a pet without shade or water, a friendly word with the owner often solves the problem: “It’s really hot today, I wanted to make sure your dog has some shade.”
• Know when to call. If an animal seems to be in serious danger and the owner cannot be reached, contact local animal control or call 911 in an emergency.

Plan for Power Outages

Summer storms can knock out power and air conditioning. Have a backup plan:

• Know a cooler place you could bring pets, such as a friend’s home.
• Keep extra water and frozen water bottles on hand.
• Remember that many public cooling centers allow only service animals, so plan ahead.

Grooming in Summer

Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and can make pets more comfortable. Some owners trim long coats in summer, but shaving certain breeds can remove protection from the sun. Ask a veterinarian or professional groomer what is right for your pet.

A Summer Pet Safety Checklist

• Never leave pets in parked cars.
• Test pavement before walks.
• Provide fresh water and real shade.
• Walk and play during cooler hours.
• Learn warning signs of overheating.
• Have your veterinarian’s number handy, plus an after-hours option.
• Arrange neighbor check-ins for heat waves.

Pets are part of the neighborhood too. A little extra attention during the hottest weeks helps every wagging tail and purring companion stay safe until the cool breezes of September.