05/29/2026
đž đĽHot weather can turn dangerous for pets in minutes.
As temperatures rise, pets can overheat quickly in parked cars and burn their paws on hot pavement. Even a short errand or midday walk can become an emergency.
Two of the biggest warm-weather risks: parked cars heat up fast, and pavement or sand can run far hotter than the air.
Important: A parked car can rise about 20°F in just 10 minutesâeven with windows cracked or the car in the shade.
Pavement and sand can be 40â60°F hotter than the air and may burn paw pads in under a minute!
Here are some key ways to keep your pets safe:
⢠Never leave pets in parked carsânot even for a quick stop.
⢠Risk by the minute: 1â5 minutes, cars begin heating fast; 5â10 minutes, pets may pant and show stress; 10â15 minutes, interiors can be 10â20°F hotter than outside; 15â30 minutes, heatstroke and collapse can happen.
⢠Check the ground first: On hot days, asphalt can be 30â60°F hotter than the air. TRY THE BAREFOOT TESTâif itâs too hot for your foot for 5â7 seconds, itâs too hot for your petâs paws.
⢠Walk pets early in the morning or after sunset, choose grass or shaded paths, and bring water plus a bowl on walks or trips.
⢠If pets are outside, make sure they always have shade and fresh water.
⢠Watch for heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, weakness, wobbling, vomiting, or collapsing. Move your pet to shade, wet their coat with cool (not icy) water, offer small sips if they can drink, and get to a vet right away.
⢠Keep flea, tick, and mosquito prevention up to date, brush pets regularly, and check with your vet before shaving double-coated breeds.
⢠Older pets and short-nosed breeds, like Bulldogs, need extra careâkeep them cool and limit exercise.
A few simple precautions can prevent serious injury. If your pet shows signs of burned paws or heat illness, contact your veterinarian right away.
Please share to help keep pets safe this season and view our helpful video for more tips.
Note: This information is for general awareness and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. For concerns about your petâs health, contact your veterinarian.