Beat the Heat: Keep Your Pets Safe (and Cool) This Summer
Richmond summers know how to make an entrance. Between the humidity, the pavement heat, and days that stay warm well past sunset, our pets need a little extra help staying safe when temperatures climb. The good news? A few simple habits go a long way toward keeping every furry family member comfortable, hydrated, and healthy all season long.
Hydration is Everything
Fresh, clean water should be available at all times, both inside and outside your home. A few easy ways to make sure your pet never runs dry:
Set up multiple water stations around your house and yard.
Add ice cubes to keep bowls cool longer.
Carry a portable bowl and bottle whenever you head out, even for a short walk.
Rethink Your Routine
Peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are the toughest on paws and lungs alike. Try to schedule walks and playtime for early morning or evening instead.
Before you head out, do the seven second test. Place the back of your hand on the pavement and hold it there. If it's too hot for you after seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws too.
Never Ever Leave Pets in Cars
This one deserves its own headline because it matters that much. Even with the windows cracked, a car's interior can climb from 85 degrees to 120 degrees in just 30 minutes. Shade doesn't help much either, since it moves with the sun throughout the day.
If you ever see an animal alone in a car on a hot day, try to locate the owner or call 911, and stay with the vehicle until help arrives.
Grooming Makes a Difference
Regular brushing removes excess fur and helps pets regulate their temperature more easily. For long haired pets, a trim can help too, but resist the urge to shave down to the skin. That coat offers real protection against sunburn.
Cool Down Together
A few favorite tricks from our staff and volunteers:
Cooling mats for lounging
Damp towels to lie on
Kiddie pools filled with cool water
Sprinklers or splash pads for backyard fun
Frozen, pet friendly treats are always a hit too.
Know Who’s at Higher Risk
Some pets need extra watchfulness in the heat, including:
Flat faced breeds like pugs, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs
Dogs with thick double coats, like huskies, golden retrievers, and chows
Very young or very senior pets
Pets with little body fat or thin coats, like greyhounds or sphynx cats
If your pet falls into one of these groups, keep outdoor time shorter and check in on them often.
A Closer Look at Heatstroke in Dogs
Because dogs can overheat quickly, and because it can turn serious fast, we want to walk through this one carefully. Think of this as your at home crash course, straight from our shelter veterinarian.
Warning signs to watch for:
Heavy panting or trouble breathing
Excessive drooling
Lethargy, drowsiness, or wobbliness
Collapse or vomiting
Tiny red or purple pinpoint spots on the ears or gums
If you notice any of these signs on a hot day, act right away. Heatstroke moves fast, and every minute matters.
What to do while you get to help:
Move your dog to a cool, shaded spot. Indoors with air conditioning is ideal. Cool tile, cement, or a bare crate without bedding all work well too.
Pour cool water over your dog right away. Tap water works best. Avoid ice cold water, since a sudden temperature shock can actually work against you.
Skip the wet towel over the body. This traps heat instead of releasing it. If you do use towels, place them underneath your dog instead. Pouring water directly, combined with airflow from a fan, is the most effective approach.
Take a rectal temperature if you're able. This gives you and your vet real information to work with.
Offer small sips of cool water if your dog is alert and willing to drink.
Keep cooling gradually until breathing starts to settle. Watch closely so your dog doesn't begin shivering, which means it's time to ease off.
Stop active cooling once temperature reaches 103.5 degrees. Going further can overcorrect and cause new problems.
Avoid pouring water near the head and face. There is a real risk of water being inhaled, which is especially dangerous for flat faced breeds or dogs who have lost consciousness.
One important note from our vet team: a dog who has lost consciousness will often stop panting, even though their temperature is still dangerously high. Don't mistake this for improvement. These dogs need urgent, aggressive cooling right away.
Once your dog is cooling down, get to a veterinarian immediately. Heatstroke doesn't just affect body temperature. The higher it climbs, the more strain it puts on the kidneys, gut, and other organs, so professional care is essential even after your dog seems more comfortable.
Dogs who have experienced heatstroke before are more likely to experience it again, so if that's your pup, keep an especially close eye on them all summer.
Our Community Looking Out for Each Other
Richmond's heat isn't going anywhere soon, but with some planning and a watchful eye, we can all help our pets enjoy the season safely. Share these tips with a fellow pet parent, keep your phone handy for that emergency vet number, and give your furry friend an extra splash of cool water today.
Stay cool, Richmond, and give your pets a little extra love from all of us at RAL 🩵🧡
