06/12/2026
As it heats up this weekend, Oregon veterinarians remind pet owners to keep their pets safe.
Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. Even with the window cracked, the temperature inside a car can quickly climb to more than 110 degrees, which can lead to heatstroke. If not caught in its earliest stages, heatstroke can be fatal. Symptoms of heatstroke include:
* Panting
* Dehydration
* Excessive drooling
* Increased body temperature - above 103° F (39° C)
* Reddened gums and moist tissues of the body
* Production of only small amounts of urine or no urine
* Rapid heart rate
Provide your pet with plenty of clean, cool drinking water. This is very important in order to avoid dehydration. However, do not let your dog drink a lot of water before, during or after exercise because a condition called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)—or bloat—may result. A dog, especially a deep-chested breed like the German Shepherd, can die from bloat. Its stomach may swell and even rotate like a wringing towel, which cuts off blood supply through the stomach.
Avoid exercising your pet during the midday summer heat. Exercising your animal is important, but it is better to do so in the early morning or evening hours when the temperatures are lower, and pavement isn't so hot. You wouldn't walk barefoot on hot asphalt and neither should your pet.
When in doubt, stay out. You and your dog may be tempted to go into a river, lake or stream to cool off. Make sure you are aware of current harmful algae bloom advisories, for your health and that of your dog: https://www.oregonvma.org/toxic-algae-advisories
Protect your pet from sunburn. Just like humans, pets can get a sunburn, too, especially on their nose or less hairy areas. Help your pet avoid a sunburn by avoiding the sun during the brightest part of the day (10 am to 4 pm) or use a pet-specific sunscreens which are fragrance free, non-staining, and contain UVA and UVB blockers. Do not use human sunscreens on pets; most are toxic if ingested by dogs or cats. Check the label, as some pet-specific products are not appropriate for use on cats.