July 2026 Newsletter – How to Keep Pets Safe During Summer Heat

A new 2026 Summer Safety Survey found that 88% of pet parents plan summer activities around whether their pets can join them. But more outdoor adventures and travel comes with increased risks, particularly exposure to fleas and ticks and heat-related illness.

How to safeguard against fleas and ticks

Heading into the summer months, make sure your pet is up to date on your vet’s recommended flea and tick prevention to alleviate this concern. Also keep your yard clear of organic matter, including leaves and clippings, where fleas hide. If your dog explores grassy or wooded areas, learn methods for safe tick removal.

How to keep pets safe during summer heat

Heat-related illness remains one of the biggest summer risks for pets. Despite widespread concern, many pet parents still struggle to identify the early signs of overheating.

Early warning signs include:

Dogs: Excessive panting, lethargy, confusion or drooling. Severe signs are pale gums, foaming at the mouth or seizures.

Cats: Excessive pacing, panting, grooming, drooling or atypical vocalizations. Severe signs include stumbling, vomiting, loss of consciousness or collapsing.

For early warning signs, give your pet cool (not iced) water to drink, get them in the shade/air conditioning and apply wet towels or cool water to their head or neck. For concerns about your pet’s symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

Best practices for heat-safety include adjusting outdoor time to cooler parts of the day, avoiding strenuous or excessive activity in general on hot days, and swapping outdoor time for more indoor enrichment activities. Finally, never leaving pets in unattended vehicles.