How Hot Is Too Hot? Top Tips for Summer Weather Pet Safety

Summer is officially here! For many of us, that means hitting the trails, taking to the water, and spending plenty of time outdoors with our furry friends. But pets don’t always handle heat the same way humans do. So how hot is too hot, exactly? In this month’s blog, we’re looking at hot weather safety tips so you and your pets can have the best summer ever! 

First, Know Your Pet

There’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation for summer weather safety. Where some pets are happy to bake in the sun on a 75 degree day, others will overheat if temperatures climb into the 60s. As a pet parent, the best thing you can do is understand your pet’s personal heat preferences.  

A few factors that can impact heat tolerance include: 

Breed

Some dogs were bred to thrive in warmer climates while others are better adapted to cool winter conditions. In general, dogs with long, lean bodies and snouts will tolerate heat better. Brachycephalic (or flat-faced) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are prone to overheating in the summer because of their shortened skulls and restricted airways. 

The same is true for our feline friends! Flat-faced cats like Persians and Himalayans will be much more sensitive to high temperatures than other breeds. 

Age

Seniors and young animals are much more heat sensitive than healthy adult animals! Because puppies and kittens are still growing and developing, they struggle to thermoregulate. Younger animals also have less body mass, which means their internal temperature can spike rapidly. 

Similarly, senior and geriatric animals may have more difficulty keeping cool than other adult animals. With their lower muscle mass and aging circulatory systems, older pets can’t move heat away from vital organs as efficiently.

Medications and Chronic Conditions

Many medications and chronic health conditions can change your pet’s ability to thermoregulate. If your pet is on medications for a chronic condition, talk to your veterinarian about the risk of heat exhaustion and heat intolerance. 

Coat Type and Color

Next time you’re walking in the sunshine, imagine how you’d feel wearing a heavy, black sweater. Some coat types are more naturally adapted for warm weather. 

Dogs and cats with short, single-layer coats (ex. Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Siamese cats) are more easily able to dissipate excess heat. Pets with thick double coats (ex. Malamutes, Huskies, Maine Coon cats) have insulating fur that’s perfect for Arctic conditions. Unfortunately, that means their coat quickly traps summer heat. 

Fur color also makes a big difference in heat sensitivity. Darker coat colors absorb more heat than lighter coats. 

Size and Weight

Small, lean dogs and cats tend to handle heat much better than their larger counterparts. Smaller animals have a higher surface-area-to-mass ratio, allowing them to radiate body heat much faster. 

Your pet's body condition will also affect how they handle the heat. Excess body fat acts like a blanket, trapping body heat and hindering the cooling process. Even if you have a large breed dog or cat, keeping your pet at a healthy weight can help them keep cool during hot summer months. 

So, How Hot Is Too Hot?

While heat tolerance varies by breed, age, body condition, and health status, there are a few simple rules of thumb you can follow when adventuring with your pets this summer. If the temperature is... 

Below 75°F

This temperature is comfortable for most animals. Still, you should always consider your pet’s coat type, size, and overall health before taking them outside. Watch for signs of heat stress, like excessive panting, drooling (especially in cats), or bright red gums. 

75°F to 85°F

This is the caution zone! Some dogs will be uncomfortable at this temperature. Seniors and puppies will be more prone to heat stress at this temperature. Consider shortening walks or outdoor play sessions and watch your pet closely for signs of discomfort. 

Above 85°F

High risk temperature zone for most dogs. Try to walk early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak heat. Limit to short walks or play near water. Make sure pets have access to more water than normal. 

Above 90°F

Extremely dangerous for most animals! Avoid taking dogs outdoors except for quick potty breaks. Make sure all pets have plenty of cool water, access to shade, and use A/C if possible. 

The Impact of Humidity

Because dogs don’t sweat, they rely on panting to cool themselves down. Panting works through heat transfer. As the dog breathes in, cool air moves across their respiratory tissues. As they breathe out, hot, moisture-heavy air leaves the body. This draws heat away from the surrounding tissues and lowers their body temperature. 

When the air is more humid, panting is less effective. High humidity traps moisture in the air, making it harder for the dog's body to release heat via evaporation. Even mild temperatures can quickly become dangerous when the humidity is high, so pay attention to humidity levels if you live in a more humid area!  

Mitigating the Impact of Heat

Even when temperatures soar, there are a few ways to keep your pets comfortable. 

Clean, cool water. The number one rule of hot weather safety is to make sure your pets ALWAYS have access to clean, cold water. Panting works through evaporation, which can quickly dehydrate dogs. On hotter days, place multiple water bowls around the house and in a shaded part of the yard. Taking your furry friend on an adventure? Pack your pet at least a liter of water and offer them a drink every 15-20 minutes. 

Schedule around hot weather. Even on the hottest summer days, mornings and evenings tend to be cooler. Plan walks and playtime around the hottest part of the day, trying to get pets outdoors before the sun is at peak intensity or after it has started to set. 

If you have to take your pet out during the heat of the day, always check the asphalt temperature first! The best way to do this is to hold the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws. You can also plan for a shorter walk or less intense exercise if you’re going to be out during peak heat.

Shade and cooling gear. The ambient temperature in the shade can be drastically different from the full-sun! If you’re taking your pet out on a hot day, try to choose a shady, wooded hike or make sure they have access to shade on the boat, paddleboard, or kayak. If shade isn’t an option, specialized cooling gear can make it easier for your dog to thermoregulate. 

Air conditioning and fans. For brachiocephalic animals, seniors, puppies, and kittens even indoor temperatures can get too hot! If possible, keep these pets in an air conditioned house when the temperature soars. No access to A/C? Strategically placed fans help circulate air and help with cooling. 

Know the Signs of Heat Stress

Heat stress can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening heat stroke. It’s important to know the signs so you can intervene early and get pets cooled down! Signs to watch for include: 

• Excessive panting
• Seeking shade
• Whining or “nose whistling” 
• Extreme fatigue/trying to lie down 
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Red or purple gums and tongue

In extreme, life-threatening cases, your pet may vomit, collapse, or experience seizures. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency hospital to take immediate action! 

Pets and Hot Cars

Every year, hundreds of animals die in parked cars from heat-related complications. Hundreds more are rescued from hot cars, often by breaking a window. In fact, hot cars are so dangerous for pets that Oregon has laws in place to protect them.

Need to take your pet somewhere on a hot summer day? Crank up the A/C before loading up your pet to prevent temperature spikes. If the ambient temperature is at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it is NOT SAFE to leave your dog unattended. Even with shade and cracked windows, the temperature inside your car can soar to over 115 degrees. 

If you must leave your dog in the car, make sure at least one adult stays with them and keep the A/C on! 

Keep Pets Happy & Healthy This Summer 

Summers in the Pacific Northwest offer plenty of opportunities to get outside with your pets! But it’s important to know when and how to safeguard your furry friends against hot summer conditions. If you ever have questions about your pet, the team at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is here to help!