Summer Pet Safety Tips: Keeping Your Dog or Cat Safe in the Heat

By Steph Mueller for The Pet Market

Summer is a wonderful season for enjoying quality time with your pets, but it also brings hazards worth knowing about — from scorching pavement to holiday fireworks and toxic picnic foods. These summer pet safety tips will help you keep your dog or cat happy, cool, and safe all season long, because keeping your pets protected is always the goal.

Flea and Tick Season: Protect Your Pet

Pets spend more time outdoors in summer, and warm, humid weather lets fleas and ticks multiply quickly. If your dog frequents a dog park, be extra vigilant — fleas love to jump from one furry friend to another. Stay ahead of the problem with a consistent, vet-approved flea and tick prevention routine.

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Hot Days, Hot Pavement, and Hot Cars

Heat is one of the biggest summer dangers for pets. A few simple habits go a long way toward preventing burns, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke:

•    Time your walks. Walk during the cooler parts of the day, stick to the shade, and duck into air-conditioned stores when you can. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke — heavy panting, thick drool, red gums, and wobbling — and if you see them, cool your pet with wet towels and call a vet immediately. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are especially prone to heat stroke.

•    Bring water everywhere. Always carry a pet water bottle and a collapsible bowl so your dog can hydrate on the go.

•    Test the pavement. Asphalt can exceed 100°F on hot days. Press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds — if it's too hot for you, it will burn your dog's paws. Dog boots are a great solution on scorching days.

•    Never leave pets in a parked car. A car can heat up 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and 30 degrees in 20 minutes. Cracking a window doesn't help, and heat stroke can turn fatal in as little as 15 minutes. Make it an absolute rule: never leave your dog or cat alone in a car.

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Lawn Chemicals, Bug Sprays, and Citronella

Common summer yard and garden products can be surprisingly dangerous for pets:

•    Lawn sprays and weed killers can be toxic. Many sources recommend letting sprays dry completely — at least 24 hours — before allowing pets on the grass. Always read the label of the specific product you use and err on the side of caution.

•    Bug sprays with DEET, pyrethrins, or certain essential oils can all be toxic to pets. Citronella is highly toxic to cats and dangerous for dogs, too, so keep candles and sprays well out of reach.

Storms, Fireworks, and Stress

Summer thunderstorms and fireworks can be terrifying for pets. Plan ahead to help anxious dogs and cats feel secure:

•    Set up a safe space — a windowless room, bathroom, or an open closet can help. If your pet's favorite hiding spot is under the bed, let them use it.

•    Run a large fan or white-noise machine to mask loud booms.

•    Try natural calming treats, chews, or pheromone diffusers, ideally started before the fireworks begin.

•    Consider a ThunderShirt — the gentle, constant pressure comforts many anxious animals.

•    Offer a long-lasting distraction like a frozen peanut-butter-filled toy or a lick mat to keep them occupied.

  → PRODUCT LINK: calming treats / pheromone diffusers, ThunderShirts, lick mats & fillable toys

Barbecues and Picnics: Foods to Keep Away From Pets

Summer meals often feature foods that are highly toxic to dogs and cats. Keep these off your pet's plate — and off the ground where they can snatch them:

•    Onions, garlic, and chives

•    Grapes and raisins

•    Chocolate and caffeine

•    Macadamia nuts

•    Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in gum, candy, and some peanut butters)

•    Alcohol

•    Cooked bones (they splinter easily and can puncture or block the digestive tract)

Enjoy a Safe, Happy Summer With Your Pet

With a little planning, you and your furry companion can make the most of the season. Have fun, beat the heat, and above all, stay safe out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot is too hot to walk my dog?

Use the 7-second test: press the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paws. On very hot days, walk in the early morning or evening, stay on shaded grass, or use protective dog boots.

What summer foods are toxic to dogs and cats?

Keep pets away from onions, garlic, chives, grapes, raisins, chocolate, caffeine, macadamia nuts, xylitol, alcohol, and cooked bones — all common at summer barbecues and picnics and all potentially dangerous.

How can I calm my dog during fireworks?

Create a quiet safe space, mask the noise with a fan or white-noise machine, and try calming treats, a pheromone diffuser, or a ThunderShirt started before the fireworks begin. A frozen peanut-butter-filled toy or lick mat can also provide a soothing distraction.