Stay cool and keep pets comfortable when the sun blazes.

If a dog or cat shows fast breathing, heavy drooling, vomiting, bright red gums, or lethargy, move them to a shaded spot and call a vet right away. Cool the animal with lukewarm water or a fan, but avoid ice‑cold baths that can shock them.

Helpful tools include small fans, cooling vests, a spray bottle for the paws and belly, rubbing alcohol for quick evaporation on ears, and a plain electrolyte drink to replace fluids. Offer ice cubes or warm bone broth to entice the pet to drink more.

When walking dogs, choose cool grass or plan walks early in the morning or late in the evening. Do not shave a pet’s fur; it protects against heat, but trim excess hair if it gets too long. For animals with light or pink noses, apply a sunscreen made for pets.

Before the hottest months arrive, bring pets to a vet for a health check, make sure vaccinations are up to date, and test for heartworm. Monitoring body temperature with a rectal thermometer helps catch fever early—anything above 102. 5°F needs attention.


# Stay Cool and Keep Pets Comfortable When the Sun Blazes

- **Signs of Heat Stress**  
  - Fast breathing  
  - Heavy drooling  
  - Vomiting  
  - Bright red gums  
  - Lethargy  

  If any of these appear, move the pet to a shaded spot and call a vet immediately.  

- **Cooling Techniques**  
  - Use lukewarm water or a fan.  
  - Avoid ice‑cold baths to prevent shock.  

- **Helpful Tools**  
  - Small fans  
  - Cooling vests  
  - Spray bottle for paws and belly  
  - Rubbing alcohol (for quick evaporation on ears)  
  - Plain electrolyte drink to replace fluids  

- **Hydration Tips**  
  - Offer ice cubes or warm bone broth to encourage drinking.  

- **Walking Strategies**  
  - Choose cool grass.  
  - Walk early in the morning or late in the evening.  

- **Fur Management**  
  - Do not shave; fur protects against heat.  
  - Trim excess hair if it becomes too long.  

- **Sun Protection**  
  - Apply pet‑specific sunscreen to light or pink noses.  

- **Preventive Care**  
  - Vet check before the hottest months.  
  - Keep vaccinations up to date.  
  - Test for heartworm.  

- **Temperature Monitoring**  
  - Use a rectal thermometer.  
  - Anything above **102.5°F** warrants attention.



Pets Safe from Summer Heat

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