10 Summer Hazards for Pets (And How to Avoid Them)

Your Complete Guide to Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat

Summer brings long days, bright sunshine, and plenty of opportunities for fun adventures with your furry best friend. But while the season is full of good times, it also presents a number of seasonal hazards that can put your pet’s health at risk. From hot sidewalks to backyard BBQs, summer can be tougher on pets than we often realise.

Whether you’re heading to the lake, planning a vacation, or simply spending time in the backyard, it’s important to understand the risks and take steps to keep your dog or cat safe. Below, we’ve outlined 10 common summer hazards for pets—along with practical tips to help you avoid them.

1. Overheating and Heatstroke

Pets can overheat quickly during warm weather, especially breeds with short noses like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians. Unlike humans, pets can’t sweat through their skin. They rely on panting and limited areas like their paw pads to regulate body temperature, which means they’re particularly vulnerable during heatwaves. Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, and even collapse. If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them to a cool, shaded area and contact your vet immediately.

To prevent heatstroke, avoid outdoor walks during peak sun hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), and always provide access to fresh, cool water and shade. Never leave your pet in a parked car—even with the windows cracked, temperatures can become fatal in minutes.

2. Hot Pavement and Surfaces

On sunny days, sidewalks, asphalt, and sand can heat up to dangerous temperatures. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws. Dogs and cats can suffer burns, blisters, or even infections from walking on these hot surfaces. A good rule of thumb is to walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when the ground is cooler. You can also use booties or paw wax to protect their feet if hot surfaces are unavoidable.

3. Dehydration

Dehydration is a major risk for active pets in the summer. Just like us, pets need to stay hydrated to stay cool and healthy, especially when they’re playing outdoors or traveling. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and loss of skin elasticity. Always bring water when you’re out and about, and consider carrying a collapsible travel bowl or water bottle specifically made for pets. Adding ice cubes to their bowl at home or offering hydration-boosting treats can also help keep them cool and refreshed.

Henry Wag Water Bottle with Leaf Bowl 500ml £14.99 and Doggyrade Collapsible Silicone Travel Bowl For Dogs £5.65

4. Insect Bites and Stings

Summer is prime time for bugs, and unfortunately, your pet’s curious nature puts them at risk for bites and stings. Bees, wasps, spiders, ants, and mosquitoes can all cause issues ranging from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions. In particular, mosquito bites can transmit heartworms to dogs and cats—a potentially fatal condition if left untreated.

Use pet-safe insect repellents and keep lawns trimmed to reduce exposure to pests. After time outdoors, give your pet a once-over to check for bites, ticks, or swelling. If your pet has a severe reaction to a bite—especially if they’re stung near the mouth or throat—contact your vet immediately.

Tick Twist Family Set 3 Pack £5.49 and Rosewood Pet Products Soft Protection Tick Remover £4.35

5. BBQ and Picnic Foods

Backyard barbecues and summer parties are full of tempting smells and snacks, but many common foods are toxic to pets. Grapes, onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol, avocado, and cooked bones can cause serious health issues. Corn on the cob, skewers, and fatty scraps can lead to choking, intestinal blockages, or pancreatitis.

To keep your pet safe, make sure human food is kept out of reach and ask guests not to share table scraps. Offering pet-friendly treats during gatherings is a great way to include them in the fun without risking their health.

Natures Menu Freeze Dried Bites Chicken For Dogs £3.89 and Scrumbles Niblets Meaty Treats For Cats Chicken 60g £5.59

6. Fireworks and Loud Noises

Summer often brings loud celebrations, and while fireworks may be fun for us, they can be terrifying for pets. Sudden booms and bright flashes can trigger anxiety, leading to pacing, barking, destructive behaviour, or even attempts to run away. In fact, more pets go missing during fireworks holidays than at any other time of year.

Help your pet stay calm by keeping them indoors, closing windows and blinds, and playing calming music or white noise. Anxiety aids like calming treats, vests, or pheromone diffusers can also make a big difference. Most importantly, ensure your pet’s collar has an up-to-date ID tag, and consider microchipping if you haven’t already.

Dorwest Herbs Calming & Relieving Valerian Compound for Dogs & Cats £26.02 and Calmex Diffuser & Refill - Dog & Cat Calming Plug In £22.59

7. Pool and Water Safety

While many dogs enjoy a splash in the pool or lake, not all pets are natural swimmers. Even those that can swim might become tired or disoriented, especially in deep or rough water. Pools also pose a danger if pets can’t find their way out—drowning can happen silently and quickly.

Always supervise your pet near water. If you’re boating or swimming in deep areas, consider a life jacket designed for pets. After swimming, rinse off chlorine, saltwater, or lake bacteria from your pet’s coat to avoid skin irritation.

8. Sunburn

It’s not just humans who need sunscreen—pets can get sunburned, too. Light-coloured or thin-coated pets are especially vulnerable, particularly on exposed areas like the nose, ears, belly, and around the eyes. Repeated sun exposure can even increase the risk of skin cancer in pets.

Limit sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, and if your pet will be outside for an extended period, apply a pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas. Never use human sunscreen—it often contains ingredients like zinc oxide, which are toxic to pets.

9. Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms

Summer is the high season for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, all of which can carry dangerous parasites and diseases. Fleas can cause severe itching, hair loss, and anaemia, while ticks transmit diseases like Lyme and Ehrlichiosis. Mosquitoes carry heartworms, which can be fatal if untreated.

Preventative care is key. Keep your pet on veterinarian-recommended monthly flea, tick, and heartworm treatments all summer long. After outdoor activities, inspect your pet’s fur—especially around the ears, paws, and neck—for any hitchhiking pests.

10. Open Windows and Balconies

It’s tempting to open windows and let the breeze in, but unscreened or unsecured windows pose a serious danger to pets—especially curious cats. Falls from windows and balconies can cause broken bones, internal injuries, or worse.

Make sure windows have secure screens and never leave pets unattended on high balconies or rooftops. If you live in an apartment, consider installing pet-proof netting or barriers for extra peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Summer Fun and Safe

While the risks are real, a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring your pet enjoys summer as much as you do. Keep cool, stay hydrated, and always be aware of your pet’s behaviour and comfort level. Whether you're adventuring outdoors or lounging at home, the key to a great summer is staying informed and putting your pet's health first.