Summer Pet Safety: Keeping Your Furry Friends Cool, Safe, and Happy

Long, sunny days mean more time outdoors with your pet — but summer heat can bring risks if you’re not prepared. At the HBSPCA, we know that pets are family, and just like us, they need extra care to stay safe and comfortable when the temperatures rise.

Whether you're heading to the beach, lounging in the backyard, or just out for a walk, here are our trusted tips fora happy and healthy summer with your four-legged friends.

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☀️ Beat the Heat

• Hydration is key. Always provide fresh, clean water, especially during hot or humid days. Pets can get dehydrated quickly.
• Shade and shelter. Ensure your pet has a cool, shaded spot to relax when outside — and bring them indoors during extreme heat.
• Know the signs of overheating. Watch for excessive panting, drooling, rapid breathing, lethargy, or even collapse. Severe cases can involve vomiting or seizures and require immediate veterinary care.
• Certain pets need extra care. Breeds with flat faces (like Pugs or Persian cats), elderly animals, overweight pets, and those with heart or lung conditions are more vulnerable to heat stress. Keep them indoors in air-conditioned areas as much as possible.

🚗 Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars

Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket in minutes — putting pets at serious risk of heatstroke or death. Leaving a window cracked isn’t enough. It’s also illegal to leave animals unattended in parked vehicles in many areas, including ours.

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🐾 Outdoor Adventures & Exercise

• Time walks wisely. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the ground is cooler. Hot asphalt can burn sensitive paw pads and raise your pet’s body temperature.
• Keep a close eye at the pool, lake, or beach. Not all pets are natural swimmers. Introduce water gradually, supervise them at all times, and consider a pet life jacket when boating. Rinse off after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, or algae.
• Stick to pet-safe bug and sun protection. Only use sunscreen or insect repellents labeled safe for animals. Never apply human products to pets — they can be toxic.

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🌿 Garden & Yard Safety

• Check your plants. Some common outdoor plants and flowers can be toxic if eaten. Even non-toxic plants can cause an upset stomach.
• Keep windows secure. Open windows with no screens — or loose ones — can be a fall risk, especially for curious cats.
• Be cautious with lawn treatments. Herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides can harm pets if ingested or absorbed through their paws. Always follow product instructions and keep pets off treated areas until it’s safe.
• Watch for citronella and torches. Products like tiki torches, insect coils, and citronella candles can be harmful if ingested or inhaled by pets.

🍔 Summer Parties & BBQs

• Avoid sharing human food. Many picnic and BBQ favorites (like fatty meats, onions, chocolate, grapes, and alcohol) can make pets sick or be outright toxic.
• Stick to their usual diet. A sudden change in food or rich table scraps can lead to stomach issues or worse.
• Keep garbage out of reach. Leftovers and discarded skewers, bones, or wrappers can be dangerous if scavenged.

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🎆 Fireworks & Loud Noises

Many pets are frightened by fireworks and loud summer celebrations. Keep them indoors in a safe, secure room during fireworks displays. Consider background noise like a fan or calming music to ease their stress.

Never light fireworks near pets — and remember that even unused fireworks can contain harmful chemicals.

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🩺 Seasonal Health Check

Before summer kicks into full swing, schedule a seasonal check-in with your veterinarian. Ensure your pet is protected against parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworm — especially if they spend time outdoors.

Enjoy Summer the Safe Way

With a little planning and a lot of love, summer can be full of safe, sunny adventures for you and your furry companions. At the HBSPCA, we’re here to support pet families in Hamilton and Burlington year-round — because every animal deserves to enjoy the season in comfort and safety.