Summer Pet Care: Important Behaviors Pet Parents Should Watch and When to Visit the Vet
Introduction:
Summer brings longer days, warm weather, and plenty of outdoor fun — not just for us, but for our beloved pets as well. Whether it’s long walks, trips to the park, or backyard playtime, the sunny season is an exciting time to bond and enjoy the outdoors together.
However, the summer heat and seasonal changes also pose specific health challenges to pets that all responsible pet parents need to be aware of. Certain behaviors in your dog or cat during summer may be signs of discomfort, illness, or even emergencies that require a timely visit to the vet.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore key pet behaviors to watch for this summer, signs that indicate you should seek veterinary care, and essential tips to keep your furry friends safe and healthy through the hot months.
Why Is Summer Risky for Pets?
Pets, especially dogs and cats, regulate their body temperature differently from humans. They don’t sweat the same way and rely heavily on panting and limited sweating through paw pads to cool down. When exposed to excessive heat or direct sunlight, they can quickly become overheated, dehydrated, or suffer from other summer-related health issues.
Outdoor exposure also increases risks related to insect bites, allergies, sunburn, and ingestion of toxic plants or substances. This means pet parents need to be vigilant in monitoring their pet’s behavior for any unusual signs or symptoms.
Key Summer Behaviors to Watch in Your Pet
1. Excessive Panting or Difficulty Breathing
Panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate their body temperature, especially after exercise or exposure to warm weather. However, if your dog pants excessively even while resting, has rapid or labored breathing, wheezing, or coughing, these are warning signs.
Difficulty breathing can indicate serious conditions such as:
● Heatstroke: A life-threatening emergency where the pet’s body overheats. Symptoms include heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, and collapse.
● Respiratory infections or allergies: Often worsen with summer allergens or pollution.
● Heart or lung disease: Older pets or breeds prone to respiratory issues can struggle more in the heat.
If you notice your pet struggling to breathe or showing any signs of heatstroke, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
2. Lethargy, Weakness, or Unusual Fatigue
While it’s normal for pets to be less active in the heat, extreme lethargy, reluctance to move, or weakness are red flags. These may signal dehydration, heat exhaustion, or other illnesses such as infections.
Dehydration can escalate quickly in hot weather if pets aren’t drinking enough water or lose fluids through vomiting or diarrhea. Make sure fresh water is always available, and observe if your pet seems unusually tired or disoriented.
If your pet remains lethargic or shows weakness despite rest and water, a vet visit is recommended for assessment.
3. Excessive Thirst and Frequent Urination
Pets often drink more during hot weather to stay hydrated. But if your pet suddenly starts drinking much more than usual and urinating frequently, it may indicate underlying health issues such as:
● Diabetes mellitus
● Kidney disease
● Urinary tract infections
These conditions can worsen if not diagnosed early. Monitor your pet’s drinking and bathroom habits closely during summer, and consult your vet if you notice sudden or drastic changes.
4. Changes in Appetite or Digestive Upset
Heat can affect your pet’s digestive system and metabolism. If your pet refuses food for more than a day or shows signs of nausea such as vomiting or diarrhea, take note.
Possible causes include:
● Heat-related stress
● Ingestion of spoiled food or toxins outdoors
● Parasites or infections that become more active in summer
● Pancreatitis or other serious digestive disorders
Keep your pet’s diet consistent and provide small, frequent meals if needed. If vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by lethargy or dehydration, seek veterinary advice promptly.
5. Skin Problems: Rashes, Hot Spots, and Itching
Summer exposes pets to many allergens such as pollen, grass, molds, and insect bites. Additionally, pets with light-colored fur or thin coats can get sunburned on exposed skin areas like the nose, ears, and belly.
Watch for these signs:
● Redness or rash
● Persistent scratching, licking, or biting of skin
● Bald patches or open sores
● Hot spots (localized, moist, inflamed areas)
These could indicate allergies, infections, or sunburn, all of which may require medical treatment. Early treatment prevents worsening and secondary infections.
6. Behavioral Changes: Agitation, Restlessness, or Confusion
Heat can affect a pet’s nervous system, especially older animals or those with pre-existing neurological conditions. Signs to watch include:
● Restlessness or pacing
● Disorientation or confusion
● Excessive drooling
● Sudden aggression or unusual vocalization
These may be symptoms of heatstroke or other neurological issues. If your pet shows sudden behavioral changes during summer, seek veterinary care immediately.
7. Signs of Insect or Parasite Bites
Summer increases the activity of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests. Some pets develop severe allergic reactions to bites, while others may contract diseases such as Lyme disease or heartworm.
Check your pet regularly for:
● Excessive scratching or shaking of the head
● Red bumps, scabs, or swellings
● Changes in gait or limping (from tick paralysis)
● Pale gums, coughing, or lethargy (signs of heartworm)
Use vet-approved parasite preventatives year-round and consult your vet if you suspect bites or infections.
Summer Safety Tips for Pet Parents
● Keep fresh, clean water available at all times and encourage frequent drinking.
● Provide shade and cool resting areas, especially during peak sun hours.
● Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day (usually 11am to 4pm).
● Never leave pets unattended in parked cars—even with windows cracked, temperatures rise dangerously fast.
● Use pet-safe sunscreen on vulnerable areas (nose, ears, belly).
● Keep your pet’s environment clean and check for ticks and fleas daily.
● Regularly groom to remove excess fur and prevent matting, which traps heat.
When to Visit the Vet This Summer
If you notice any of the following in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet:
● Heavy panting combined with drooling, vomiting, or collapse
● Persistent lethargy or weakness
● Excessive thirst or urination beyond normal summer increases
● Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours or repeated vomiting/diarrhea
● Red, irritated, or infected skin areas
● Sudden behavioral changes or signs of confusion
● Evidence of parasite bites or infections
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent minor issues from becoming serious emergencies.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy This Summer
Summer can be a joyful time filled with outdoor adventures and bonding. But the heat and environment also bring risks that every pet parent should take seriously. By observing your pet closely for unusual behaviors and symptoms, providing plenty of water and shade, and following basic safety tips, you can help your furry friend enjoy a safe and healthy summer.
Remember, when in doubt, a quick visit to the vet can save lives. We are here to support your pet’s health and wellbeing all year round.