Florida’s tropical climate can pose challenges for pet owners and often prevents pets from spending time outdoors or puts them at risk for heatstroke. As temperatures rise, you may struggle to find ways to keep pets cool. The Bartow Animal Clinic team shares essential safety tips for pet owners looking to keep their pets happy and healthy despite the rising heat.

1. Provide pets with shade, water, and ventilation

Whether indoors or outdoors, ensure pets can access shaded areas away from direct sunlight. Use fans, air conditioning, or cooling mats to maintain a comfortable indoor environment where pets can quickly cool down after an outing. Ensure pets have unlimited access to fresh, clean water to boost hydration and assist in regulating body temperature. Don’t forget to bring water and a collapsible bowl on walks with your pet.

2. Avoid midday pet outings

Florida’s sun is strongest during midday when temperatures rise and the pavement becomes dangerously hot. Schedule walks early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are more tolerable, and avoid walking on hot asphalt, concrete, or sand. If grassy areas are unavailable for walks or outdoor play, consider purchasing your pet lightweight, breathable, protective booties.

3. Learn to recognize pet heatstroke signs

Recognizing heatstroke signs, which include excessive panting, drooling, red gums, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, bloody urine, weakness, or collapse, can save your pet’s life. If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to an air-conditioned area and apply cool water to their body. Then, seek immediate veterinary attention with our team or a local veterinary emergency hospital.

4. Limit outdoor pet exercise

Vigorous exercise in high temperatures can quickly lead to overheating, especially for sensitive pets, such as short-nosed breeds, seniors, puppies, or those overweight. Limit exercise on hot days and opt for shorter, more frequent walks rather than running or playing fetch. Keep high-energy pets occupied with indoor play sessions, scavenger hunts, interactive toys, or training sessions. If your pet enjoys water, supervised swimming can keep them simultaneously active and cool. 

5. Use pet-safe sunscreen

Like humans, pets—particularly those with thin, sparse, or light-colored coats—can be sunburned. If you anticipate prolonged sun exposure, consider applying a pet-safe sunscreen to your furry pal’s ears, nose, and exposed skin over their back. Avoid using human sunscreen, which may contain ingredients toxic to pets.

6. Supervise pets at all times

Close supervision ensures you can monitor your pet’s heat tolerance in real time and quickly intervene to help them cool down if they start losing steam. Keep a close eye on pets playing outside, and never leave them alone in a parked car, where temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes.

7. Groom pets appropriately

Regular brushing and grooming help prevent overheating by removing loose fur, oil, dirt, and mats and restoring the coat’s natural temperature-regulating abilities. Consult your groomer to determine if a short summer cut is appropriate for your pet’s breed, but avoid shaving the coat too short and exposing the skin to the sun.

8. Purchase cooling pet products

Invest in products that keep pets cool indoors or out, including vests, bandanas, mats, and water toys. Most cooling products store water or non-toxic gel inside, so they retain cold after being placed in the refrigerator or freezer. You can also make cooling treats for your pet by freezing yogurt, broth, or other pet-safe foods in an ice cube tray.

Florida pets cannot sweat to cool down, and high humidity can render panting ineffective. Heat-related illness significantly threatens your pet’s health, but you don’t have to stay locked inside all day. With careful planning, you and your pet can enjoy the outdoors or bring outdoor activities inside. For additional heat safety tips or to schedule a summer pet health check-up, contact our Bartow Animal Clinic team.