Heat and Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

Staying cool

Very high temperatures can be dangerous for dogs. These Do’s and Don’ts will help keep your pet safe:

• DON’T ever leave your pet in a parked car or truck, not even “just for a minute” and not even with the windows down. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can reach a deadly 160 degrees in five minutes.
• DO keep your dog well-groomed so they’re not carrying around excess fur.
• DO consider a cooling bed or pad for your dog.

• DON’T forget sunscreen. Dogs can get sunburn too, so apply a little dog-safe SPF on their noses, ears and other areas where their coat doesn’t cover the skin.
• DO hydrate your hound. Keep your dog’s water bowl full and away from the sun. Always bring water and a portable bowl along if you take your dog on outings.

• DON’T walk your dog on hot pavement. It can burn their paws.
• DO stick to grassy and shaded areas during walks.
• DO consider investing in a cooling vest, bandanna or collar for the outdoors.
• DO put your dog in a life jacket if you’re headed to a lake or body of water.