6 Summertime Dangers for Pets
Summer can bring heat, toxic plants, and other risks for pets. Learn six warm-weather dangers and ways to keep dogs and cats safer.
Key takeaways
- Heatstroke and hot pavement are serious warm-weather risks for pets.
- Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes peak in summer — keep pets on year-round preventives.
- Keep pets away from cookout foods like onions, grapes, and fatty meats.
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Veterinary Educational Resource
Warmer weather means more time outdoors with your pet, but summer also brings a handful of hazards that every pet owner should watch for. Here are six common summertime dangers for dogs and cats, along with tips for keeping your companion safe.
1. Heatstroke and Overheating
Dogs and cats can't cool down as efficiently as people do, and temperatures that feel comfortable to us can quickly turn dangerous for a pet left in a hot car, walked during peak heat, or without access to shade. Watch for heavy panting, drooling, weakness, or collapse, move your pet to a cool area, and call your veterinarian right away if you notice these signs.
2. Hot Pavement and Paw Pad Burns
Asphalt and concrete can reach temperatures well above the surrounding air on a sunny day, and prolonged contact can burn sensitive paw pads. A simple rule of thumb: press the back of your hand to the pavement for a few seconds, and if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet's feet.
3. Dehydration
Pets lose fluids quickly through panting and increased activity, so access to fresh, cool water is essential any time they're outside. Bring water along on walks and hikes, and encourage frequent rest breaks in the shade.
4. Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes
These parasites are most active in warm months, and mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease. Keeping your pet on a year-round parasite preventive recommended by your veterinarian is one of the best ways to guard against these seasonal pests.
5. Cookouts and Toxic Foods
Backyard barbecues often mean table scraps, and foods like onions, grapes, corn cobs, and fatty meats can cause anything from stomach upset to a life-threatening emergency. Keep pets away from grills, coolers, and trash cans, and resist the urge to share.
6. Water Safety
Not every dog is a natural swimmer, and even confident swimmers can tire quickly in pools, lakes, or ponds. Always supervise pets around water, rinse them off afterward, and keep them from drinking water that could harbor blue-green algae or harmful bacteria.
If your pet shows any signs of heat-related illness, poisoning, or injury this summer, don't wait, contact Northwest Animal Clinic right away. We're here to help keep your best friend safe all season long.
When to call us: If your pet shows signs of illness, call Northwest Animal Clinic at 505-898-1491.
Reviewed by the veterinary team at Northwest Animal Clinic & Hospital on May 4, 2026.
Have a question about your pet's health?
Our doctors see patients by appointment Monday through Friday. Call our pet care team to schedule a visit.
