Keeping Your Pet Cool as Summer Moves In

With several days already soaring past 90, it is clear that summer is arriving in full force. As the warmer weather settles in for good, we are preparing for the season and making sure every pet stays cool, hydrated, and comfortable on walks and at home.

If you’re feeling the heat, your pet likely is too.

There is a lot you can do at home to help you and your pet handle the summer heat, and we are right there with you, adding our own safety practices during walks and visits.

Recognizing Heat Stress in Dogs

Dogs regulate their body temperature differently than humans. While we sweat to cool down, dogs rely mostly on panting and a little heat release through their paw pads. This means they can overheat more quickly, especially on hot, humid days or during activity.

A few early signs of heat stress to keep an eye on include:

• Excessive panting — faster or heavier than usual

• Drooling — thick, sticky saliva

• Lethargy — slowing down, seeking shade, reluctance to walk

• Disorientation — wobbling, confusion

• Vomiting or collapse — signs of a medical emergency

If you notice these early signs, move your dog to a cooler spot, offer water, and give them time to settle. More serious symptoms can indicate heatstroke and should be addressed quickly by a veterinarian, especially if they don’t improve once your dog is cooled down.

Smarter Summer Walks

Summer walks stay safer and more comfortable when a few key things stay top of mind:

• Morning and evening walks Choosing cooler times of day protects paws and reduces heat stress. Early mornings and later evenings are the safest windows for outdoor activity.

• If a mid day walk is unavoidable A shorter outing with plenty of shade can help keep your dog comfortable when the sun is strongest.

• Hot sidewalks, decks, and concrete Pavement, decks, and concrete heat up quickly in direct sun and can stay hot long after the peak of the day. If you have ever stepped outside barefoot in the summer, you know how intense that heat can feel. Steering your dog toward grass helps protect their paws from burns and keeps the walk more comfortable.

• Cooling vests or booties Some dogs appreciate a little extra help in the heat. Cooling vests and protective booties can make warm weather walks more comfortable, assuming your dog will actually let you put the booties on and keep them on. Have you ever seen the K‑9 at DPAC out patrolling in lime‑green booties? Adorable.

• Water breaks along the way Bringing fresh, cool water and offering frequent sips keeps pets hydrated and comfortable.

• Safe splash stops If your dog enjoys dipping their paws or belly in water, you can identify approved spots such as a backyard kiddie pool, a specific creek access point, or a dog friendly splash area. When we walk your pup, we will follow the water locations you have approved. You can show us during the meet‑and‑greet or send a quick message in the client portal chat.

If it's really hot and humid out there, a quick potty break paired with yard or indoor games is often safer than a full walk. Wakefield Pets follows these same adjustments during our mid day visits.

Keeping Pets Cool Indoors

Inside the house, the heat can still sneak in and make pets uncomfortable. Cats may feel the heat even more in the quiet corners they love.

• Cold water refills Refreshing water bowls throughout the day helps pets stay hydrated, especially before and after outdoor time.

• Extra water stations Many cats and dogs drink more when water is available in multiple spots.

• Airflow matters Fans, open interior doors, and steady AC help maintain a safe indoor temperature.

• Cool floors and cozy mats Tile, hardwood, or cooling mats offer a refreshing place to stretch out.

• Playtime adjustments On especially hot days, keeping activities gentle and indoors helps prevent overheating.

Summer Grooming Basics

A little seasonal grooming can help pets stay more comfortable in the heat, but the right approach depends on your pet’s coat.

• Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and allows air to move through the coat more easily. Cats benefit from this just as much as dogs, especially long‑haired breeds.

• Shorter trims can help some breeds stay cooler, especially around the belly, where fur can trap heat.

• Avoid shaving double‑coated breeds like Huskies, Shepherds, Labs, Goldens, and many doodles. Their undercoat actually helps regulate temperature and protects the skin from sunburn. Shaving can interfere with their natural cooling system and may damage how the coat grows back.

  
  

If you’re unsure what’s best for your dog’s coat type, your groomer or veterinarian can help guide you.

Car Safety in Hot Weather

Even on mild days, the inside of a parked car can heat up quickly. Keep an eye on the outside temperatures and amount of sun. Leaving a dog in the car is a no‑go unless the AC can stay running the entire time.

If your dog enjoys car rides, consider bringing them along to dog‑friendly stores like a pet store, Lowe’s, or Home Depot (where they may also get a treat from a friendly worker).

How Wakefield Pets Supports Your Efforts

You set the tone at home, and we follow your lead. During the hottest months, we:

• Adjust walk length and pace based on temperature

• Choose shaded, grassy routes whenever possible

• Watch closely for signs of heat stress

• Keep hydration a priority

• If your pet has special instructions for hot days, just let us know.

• See our full warm weather blog here.

We know your pets mean the world to you, and we’re right there with you. Together, we can make the warm months easy, safe, and enjoyable for every pet in our care.

Dear Pawrents - Sun naps are my favorite. Just help me keep them short.