New England summers can turn hot and humid quickly, and dogs and cats don’t cope with heat the way we do. As a pet sitter I plan every summer walk around the temperature, and I live with a French Bulldog, so heat safety is something I take seriously. This guide pairs with my winter pet safety tips.
This post is general guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your pet is overheating, call your vet or an emergency vet straight away.
Signs of heatstroke
The American Animal Hospital Association lists these signs of heatstroke in pets:
- Heavy, excessive panting
- Thick, ropey drool
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Lethargy or weakness
- Incoordination, confusion or disorientation
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Bright red or pale gums
- Collapse or seizures
AAHA describes heatstroke as life-threatening and says to seek veterinary care immediately, even if your pet seems to improve.
What to do while you get help
Based on AAHA’s guidance:
- Move your pet somewhere cool, into shade or air conditioning.
- Call your vet or an emergency vet right away.
- If the vet tells you to cool your pet at home, wet the body with tepid water, focusing on the neck, chest and belly.
- Don’t use ice or cold water, which can shock the body, and don’t wrap your pet in wet towels, which trap heat.
- Point a fan at your pet and offer small amounts of cool, not cold, water.
Source: AAHA – Too Hot to Handle: A Guide to Heatstroke in Pets.
Which pets are most at risk
AAHA lists these pets as higher risk:
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Boston terriers and Persian cats, which can’t pant as effectively.
- Overweight pets.
- Puppies, kittens and senior pets.
- Pets with heart, respiratory or kidney disease.
My own French Bulldog, Stella, is in that first group, which is one reason I take hot days seriously.
Walking dogs in the heat
- Walk early and late. Avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Check the pavement. A common rule of thumb is to press the back of your hand on the pavement for about seven seconds; if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws. It’s only a rough check, so stick to grass and shade on hot days.
- Shorten the walk. On hot or humid days I shorten and slow client walks and choose shaded routes. See my weather policy.
- Carry water and offer it often.
Cats in the heat
Indoor cats can overheat too, especially in upstairs rooms or during a power cut. Leave several water bowls, keep blinds closed on sunny windows, and make sure your cat can reach a cool floor or the basement. If you’re away, a cat sitter can check the temperature in the house and the water bowls every day.
Massachusetts laws on heat and dogs
Hot cars. Under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 140, section 174F, you may not confine an animal in a vehicle in a way that could reasonably be expected to threaten its health because of extreme heat or cold. Fines are up to $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second and $500 for later offenses. Animal control, police and firefighters may enter a vehicle to protect an animal, and other people may do so only after calling 911 or police and meeting the law’s other conditions.
Dogs left outside. Under chapter 140, section 174E, as summarised by the Animal Rescue League of Boston, a dog may not be left outside when a weather advisory, warning or watch is in effect, except for tethering of no more than 15 minutes. Fines are $50, $100 and $300 for repeat offenses.
Going away this summer?
Summer travel is the time when routines slip. If you’ll be away, a sitter who adjusts walks for the heat, keeps water topped up and knows the signs of heatstroke matters. I’m Pet First Aid and CPR certified; see dog walking, overnight pet sitting or get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
AAHA lists heavy panting, thick drool, rapid or irregular heartbeat, weakness, incoordination, confusion, vomiting or diarrhea, bright red or pale gums, and collapse or seizures. Call a vet immediately.
Should I put ice on an overheated dog?
No. AAHA advises against ice or cold water. Move the pet somewhere cool, call a vet, and if told to cool at home use tepid water on the neck, chest and belly.
Is it illegal to leave a dog in a hot car in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts General Laws chapter 140, section 174F prohibits confining an animal in a vehicle in a way that threatens its health in extreme heat or cold, with fines up to $500.
Which dogs are most at risk in hot weather?
Flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs and pugs, overweight dogs, puppies, seniors and dogs with heart, breathing or kidney problems.
About the author
I’m Lisa, the owner of Lisa’s Pet Sitting in Chelmsford, MA. I’ve worked in the pet industry for more than 20 years and have been a full-time dog walker and pet sitter for about the last three. I’m Pet First Aid and CPR certified and insured through PCI, and I care for one client’s pets at a time. Questions about your own pet? Get in touch or call 978-758-2750.
Need someone you can trust with your pet?
Talk with Lisa about dog walking, cat visits, overnight sitting and boarding in Chelmsford, MA.
