How to Keep Pets Safe During the Summer Months - 5 Tips

Dog running at Pawms — Keep your pets safe from the heat. (Lacey Spear / Hville Blast)

Summers in Huntsville can be oppressive. Suddenly, the hottest hours of the day are the only time you can take the time to walk outside.

Want some tips on how to keep pets safe during the summer months? Here are some tips on how to keep your friends, furry or not, safe from the sun.

Hot weeks ahead

Apple, facility dog at Huntsville Hospital — Take care of yourself and pets this summer (Lacey Spear / Hville Blast).

June, July, and August will be the hottest months of 2024. Last year, Heat Index Values hovered around 115ºF! You can find last year’s weather trends here.

“At temperatures [this] high, concrete/asphalt and internal car temperatures become concerning for taking pets on walks and leaving loved ones in hot cars.”
Grace Anello, WAAY 31 Meteorologist

The oppressive heat reveals a risk to pets while going on walks or being left in cars, which is why it is important to follow proper precautions to protect your fur babies.

I spoke with meteorologist Grace Anello of WAAY 31 about how we can keep pets safe during these next few months.

Here are 5 simple tips you can use to make sure you’re taking the proper precautions to avoid heat related illnesses or injuries during the hottest months of summer.

5 Simple Tips to Follow

Dog in Big Spring Park — . It’s important to keep your pets hydrated during the hot summer days. (Hville Blast)

Make sure the ground isn’t too hot for paws!

An easy way to do this is to put your hand to the ground for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, chances are it’s too hot for them!

When the temperatures outside are in the upper 80s or low 90s, concrete’s temperature can climb to 125º, and the temperature of asphalt can climb all the way up to 150º.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

If you’re walking outside with your dog and feel thirsty, remember that your dog also gets thirsty.

Bring water with you on walks, and look into products like portable dog bowls for you to make sure your pet is getting the proper hydration they need to be their happiest and healthiest.

Dress Properly! Both you, and your dog.

Certain dog breeds are accustomed to chillier climates, and grow fur to accommodate those climates. However, many Huntsvillians have Huskies or other Northern dog breeds, which would benefit from getting their long coat shaved during the hottest months.

Talk to your vet or groomer on how you can keep your dog safest and most comfortable during the summer.

Prioritize timing.

Around 3:00pm is when the heat is at its peak during the day. It is essential to bring pets in during this time to keep them safe, as even a few minutes outside can be enough to drain their energy.

Limit time in the sun during the heat of the day.

If taking walks during the day, try and go places where your pets can walk on grass if their paws get too hot. Another thing you can do is take shaded paths such as places with a lot of trees. This will help avoid risks at the hottest time of day.

Dog sitting at Pawms — Keep your pets safe during the hot months ( Lacey Spear / Hville Blast )

Huntsville loves dogs and other pets. Let’s do our best to make sure they can enjoy the summer as much as we can this year!

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