With warm summer weather on the way, vacation season and outdoor time is just around the corner. For pet owners, summer is more than packing a bag for vacation instead it involves meticulous planning so that pets can be comfortable all season.
Why Summer Can Be Dangerous for Pets
Dogs and cats regulate body temperature differently than humans. While people sweat to cool down, pets primarily rely on panting. High humidity and extreme temperatures make it harder for them to release heat effectively, increasing the risk of overheating and heatstroke.
Pets can become dangerously overheated faster than many owners realize, especially during walks on hot pavement, outdoor exercise, car rides, or beach days. Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Persian cats are especially vulnerable because their shortened airways make cooling themselves more difficult.
Senior pets, overweight pets, puppies, kittens, and animals with heart or respiratory disease are also at higher risk during hot weather.
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Common signs of overheating in pets include:
- Heavy or frantic panting
- Excessive drooling
- Bright red, pale, or purple gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weakness or collapse
- Staggering or disorientation
- Open-mouth breathing in cats
- Refusal to move or exercise
If you suspect heatstroke:
- Move your pet into a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned space immediately.
- Apply cool or room-temperature water to the paws and body.
- Avoid ice baths or extremely cold water.
- Contact an emergency veterinarian right away.
Even if your pet appears to recover, internal organ damage can continue developing after overheating.
Concerned your pet may be overheating?
Call Mass-RI Veterinary ER or come directly to our Swansea emergency hospital for immediate veterinary care.
Hot Pavement Can Burn Paw Pads
One of the most overlooked summer hazards for dogs is pavement temperature.
Asphalt and concrete absorb heat quickly and can become hot enough to burn paw pads within seconds. A simple rule: if the pavement is too hot for your hand for five seconds, it is too hot for your pet.
Whenever possible:
- Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening
- Choose grass or shaded surfaces
- Avoid peak afternoon heat
- Bring water during walks and outings
- Watch for limping or excessive licking of the paws
Parasites, Ticks, and Mosquitoes Increase During Summer
Summer is peak season for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other infections, while mosquitoes spread heartworm disease — a potentially life-threatening condition affecting the heart and lungs.
The best protection includes:
- Year-round parasite prevention
- Monthly flea and tick medication
- Heartworm prevention
- Routine wellness exams
- Checking pets for ticks after hikes or outdoor activities
Ticks commonly hide around the ears, collar area, paws, and between toes. If you find a tick attached to your pet, remove it promptly and monitor for signs of illness.
Contact your primary care veterinarian with any questions about keeping your pet safe this summer.
Book an appointment with our primary care hospital Coastal Veterinary Care today.
Summer Travel Tips for Dogs and Cats
Traveling with pets requires planning well before departure, especially during busy summer months.
Car Travel Safety for Pets
Pets should never roam freely inside a moving vehicle. Dogs should ride secured using a crash-tested harness or secured crate. Cats should always remain safely inside a carrier during travel.
Safe travel recommendations include:
- Never leave pets unattended in a parked car
- Bring water and portable bowls
- Schedule frequent breaks during long drives
- Keep pets restrained while driving
- Pack medications, food, and veterinary records
- Use familiar bedding or toys to reduce stress
Even with windows cracked, vehicle temperatures can rise to deadly levels within minutes.
Flying With a Pet? You May Need a Health Certificate
If you’re flying domestically or internationally with your pet, airlines and destinations may require official veterinary documentation.
USDA-accredited veterinarians can provide health certificates that verify:
- Your pet is healthy enough for travel
- Vaccinations are current
- Travel requirements have been met
Because many certificates are only valid for a short time before departure, scheduling these appointments early is important.
Helping Pets with Travel Anxiety or Motion Sickness
Some pets become extremely stressed during travel.
Signs of travel anxiety or motion sickness can include:
- Panting
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Crying or vocalizing
- Pacing
- Trembling
- Refusing food
For anxious travelers, veterinarians may recommend:
- Prescription anti-nausea medication
- Anxiety medication
- Pheromone sprays
- Calming supplements
- Crate training and desensitization exercises
A trial run before your trip can help determine what works best for your pet before travel day.
If your pet experiences anxiety, contact your primary care veterinarian to discuss treatment options.
Book an appointment with our primary care hospital Coastal Veterinary Care today.
Is Boarding Better Than Traveling?
Not every pet enjoys travel.
Some dogs become reactive in unfamiliar environments, while many cats experience significant stress when removed from home. If your pet stops eating, hides excessively, becomes aggressive, or develops gastrointestinal issues while traveling, boarding or pet sitting may be a safer and less stressful option.
When selecting a boarding facility:
- Confirm vaccination requirements
- Ask about medical supervision
- Discuss medication administration needs
- Bring familiar bedding or food
- Verify emergency protocols
Pets with chronic medical conditions may benefit from boarding at a veterinary-supervised facility where medical teams can monitor them closely.
Toxic Summer Hazards Pet Owners Should Know
Summer activities often expose pets to hidden toxins and dangers.
Common seasonal hazards include:
- Fertilizers and lawn chemicals
- Mulch and toxic plants
- Blue-green algae in ponds or lakes
- BBQ foods and table scraps
- Corn cobs and fruit pits
- Chocolate and xylitol-containing products
- Fireworks and loud summer events
Keeping pets supervised outdoors and avoiding off-leash roaming can help reduce emergency visits.
If you suspect your pet has ingested or been exposed to a toxin, call our ER with any question 508-730-1112.
High-Risk Pets Require Extra Precautions
Some pets need additional summer safety measures.
Higher-risk pets include:
- Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Pugs)
- Senior pets
- Overweight pets
- Pets with heart disease
- Pets with respiratory disease
- Puppies and kittens
For these pets, outdoor time should generally be limited to cooler parts of the day.
If your pet has underlying medical conditions, speak with your veterinarian before traveling long distances or exposing them to extended heat.
Easy Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer
Here are a few simple but effective ways to reduce summer risks:
Update Identification Information
- Make sure your pet’s microchip information and ID tags are current before traveling.
- Keep Pets Hydrated
- Always provide access to cool, clean water.
- Adjust Exercise Routines
- Choose shorter walks during cooler hours instead of midday activity.
Build a Pet Travel Kit that Includes
- Medical records
- Medications
- Food and treats
- Leash and harness
- Portable water bowl
- First-aid supplies
- Favorite toys or bedding
Schedule Preventive Care
Routine wellness visits, vaccines, and parasite prevention can help avoid preventable summer emergencies.
Book an appointment with our primary care hospital Coastal Veterinary Care today.
When to Visit an Emergency Vet
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your pet experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or inability to stand
- Heatstroke symptoms
- Seizures
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Suspected toxin ingestion
- Traumatic injuries
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Mass-RI Veterinary ER provides emergency and urgent care services for pets across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including Swansea, Fall River, Providence, Warwick, and surrounding communities.
Call with any questions 508-730-1112 or come in to the ER, we accept walk-ins
Summer Pet Safety FAQs
How hot is too hot to walk a dog?
If the pavement is too hot for your hand for five seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. In general, avoid walks during peak afternoon heat.
Can cats get heatstroke?
Yes. Cats can overheat, especially flat-faced breeds, senior cats, overweight cats, and cats without access to cool indoor spaces.
Should I sedate my pet for travel?
Not always. Some pets benefit from anti-anxiety medication or anti-nausea medication, but sedation is not appropriate for every animal. Your veterinarian can help determine the safest option.
What vaccines are typically required for boarding?
Many boarding facilities require Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper, and canine influenza vaccines for dogs. Requirements vary by facility.
When should I call an emergency veterinarian for overheating?
If your pet has excessive panting, vomiting, collapse, weakness, pale gums, or difficulty breathing after heat exposure, seek emergency care immediately.
Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer
Summer should be fun for both you and your pet — but preparation matters.
From heatstroke prevention and parasite protection to travel planning and emergency care, small steps can make a major difference in your pet’s health and safety.
If your pet needs urgent or emergency care this summer, the team at Mass-RI Veterinary ER is here to help.
Related Services
- Emergency Veterinary Care
- Urgent Care for Pets
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Overnight Hospitalization
- Travel Health Certificates
- Wellness & Preventive Care
Concerned your pet may be overheating or experiencing a summer emergency?
Call Mass-RI Veterinary ER or come directly to our Swansea emergency hospital for immediate veterinary care.s.
Call our ER or come into our ER hospital your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Pet Emergencies
How hot is too hot to walk a dog?
Once temperatures climb into the high 80s and 90s, pavement temperatures can become dangerous very quickly. Early morning and evening walks are safest during summer.
Can dogs get heatstroke indoors?
Yes. Poor ventilation, lack of air conditioning, or warm enclosed spaces can still lead to overheating indoors.
What should I do if my dog eats a corn cob?
Contact a veterinarian immediately. Corn cobs can cause dangerous intestinal blockages and should never be monitored casually at home.
Can dogs burn their paws on pavement?
Absolutely. Asphalt and sand can become hot enough to burn paw pads within minutes during summer afternoons.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Heavy panting, vomiting, collapse, weakness, excessive drooling, and difficulty breathing are all signs of possible heatstroke.
Can dogs develop problems after swimming hours later?
Yes. Secondary drowning symptoms can appear hours after inhaling water and should always be taken seriously.