Why Summer Heat Is Harder on Pets Than People Think

AUSTIN, Texas (June 4, 2026) — When summer temperatures rise, pet owners often focus on the number on the thermometer. But veterinarians say pet safety depends on more than air temperature. Humidity, pavement heat, sun exposure, breed, age, weight, coat type and medical history can all affect how quickly a dog or cat overheats, becomes dehydrated or suffers sun damage.

Thrive Pet Healthcare is encouraging pet owners to think about summer weather the way they think about it for themselves: Check the forecast, plan outdoor time carefully and watch for signs that the heat is becoming unsafe.

"Pet owners may underestimate how quickly pets can overheat, even in temperatures that feel comfortable to people," says Dr. Tony Coronado, vice president of emergency medicine at Thrive Pet Healthcare. "Humidity, direct sun and hot pavement can all increase the risk. If a pet is panting heavily, slowing down or acting weak, that’s not something to wait out."

Dogs and cats do not cool themselves the same way people do. Panting helps them release heat, but it also causes fluid loss. Pets that are very young, older, overweight, short-nosed or living with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, breathing issues or mobility problems may need extra protection during summer weather.

Before walking a dog or spending time outdoors, pet owners should consider the full weather picture. A warm day can become risky when the humidity is high, the sun is strong, or the pet is walking on pavement that has been heating up for hours.

Pet owners should:

Pavement can become significantly hotter than the surrounding air and may burn a dog’s paw pads. Before heading out for a walk, pet owners can use the five-second test by placing the back of their hand on the pavement. If they cannot comfortably keep their hand there for five seconds, the surface is too hot for their dog’s paws.

Dogs with burned paw pads may limp, lick their feet, refuse to walk or have red, blistered or damaged pads. If a pet shows these signs, owners should contact a veterinarian.

Pets cannot tell people when they feel thirsty, dizzy or overheated. That makes it important to watch for small changes before they become emergencies.

Signs of dehydration can include:

“A quick way to check hydration is by gently pulling up the skin over your pet’s shoulders,” Coronado said. “If it snaps back quickly, that’s a good sign. If it stays tented or is slow to return to normal, your pet may be dehydrated.”

Signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke can include heavy panting, weakness, dark red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, confusion or seizures. These signs require immediate veterinary care.

If a pet appears overheated, move the pet to a cooler area right away. Apply cool, not ice-cold, water to the stomach, groin and armpit areas, and seek veterinary care immediately. Do not use ice baths, as they can reduce cooling effectiveness and may cause other problems.

“At our emergency hospitals, we see far too many pets suffering from dehydration or heatstroke every summer,” Coronado said. “Even mild dehydration can become serious quickly, especially when heat and humidity are involved.”

Heat is not the only summer weather concern for pets. Dogs and cats can also suffer sunburn and long-term skin damage from ultraviolet exposure.

“Pet owners often don’t realize that their dog or cat can suffer sun damage just like we do,” said Dr. Anthea Schick, veterinary dermatologist and national specialty director of dermatology at Thrive Pet Healthcare. “Breeds with short, sparse coats like pit bulls, whippets, Boston terriers, bull terriers, sphynx, Devon rex and Cornish rex are especially vulnerable, particularly if they also have light-colored skin.”

Pets with thin coats, light-colored skin or hairless areas may need extra protection on the top of the nose, ear tips, belly, groin and inside the legs. Pets that lie in direct sunlight for long periods may also face a higher risk of UV-related skin damage.

“Pet owners often think baby sunscreen is gentle enough for dogs, but that’s not the case,” Schick said. “Zinc can be toxic when ingested, and some chemical sunscreens can cause allergic skin reactions or worse. Pet owners should ask their veterinarian which sun protection products are safe.”

For pets that are hairless or have very sparse coats, sun-protective clothing may be a better option than sunscreen alone. Shade, indoor breaks and limiting time in direct sun remain the best first steps.

Dogs and cats can also receive UV exposure indoors when they lie in sunny windows for long periods. Window glass blocks many UVB rays but may not block all UVA rays. For pets with light skin or thin coats that sunbathe near windows every day, UV-filtering window film, shades or moving the pet’s bed away from direct sun may help reduce risk.

Before heading outside, pet owners should ask:

Indoor activities, doggy day care, enrichment toys, training games and short shaded walks can help pets stay active without adding heat risk.

“Hydration is needed year-round, but summer weather can make small problems worse quickly,” Coronado said. “Checking and refilling water bowls, watching for early warning signs and adjusting outdoor time can make a real difference.”

Visit thrivepetcare.com to find a location near you that offers primary, specialty or emergency care services, as well as participating Thrive Plus membership hospitals.