In the late summer months, the ever-increasing heat has many of us altering our daily routines. We wait until the cool morning or evening air comes out to exercise, dust off our largest water bottle, and slather on SPF 75 sunscreen. But what about your furry friend, panting beside you?
Many pet owners are unaware that their pets can suffer from sunburn and other heat-related problems, just like humans. At least 123 cats and dogs died from heat-related causes in 2023 in the U.S., according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
As heat waves become more frequent and intense, it's critical to understand how to keep our beloved animals safe. We spoke to local experts about pet-safe sunscreens, signs of heatstroke, and other best practices to keep your pets safe during the heat wave. Here's what they had to say:
1. Apply sunscreen
“Pets, especially those with short hair, light-colored fur or exposed skin, can get sunburned,” says Dr. Mellissa Jae, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “It’s not just discomfort. Sunburn can lead to skin cancer and other serious health problems in pets.”
You may be wondering: How can I tell if my cat or dog’s coat provides enough sun protection? Specific dog breeds that are most at risk include chow chows, bulldogs, French bulldogs, Dogue de Bordeaux, greyhounds, boxers, English springer spaniels, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, pugs, golden retrievers and Staffordshire bull terriers. Cat breeds that are at risk include those with fine or no fur, such as the Bambino, Sphynx, Donskoy (Russian hairless) and Peterbald, according to Dr. Danielle DeMel, a critical care specialist at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital in Pasadena.
Even if your pet has a thick, protective coat, there may be areas on his body that would benefit from sunscreen — namely those with less hair, such as the nose, ears and belly, Jae says.
Jae says it's important to use sunscreens specifically designed for animals, because most human sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are toxic to pets if ingested. However, pet-safe sunscreens are formulated so that if your pet tries to lick the sunscreen off, the worst that can happen is an upset stomach.
“Look for sunscreens that state they are safe for pets, and pet owners should check with their veterinarian,” Jae says.
DeMel recommends K-9 Care sunscreen. He notes that dogs and cats, unlike humans, do not convert sunlight into vitamin D like humans do, so unprotected sun exposure for extended periods of time is not beneficial for pets like it is for humans.
“The product should be reapplied to the pet every two hours when exposed to the sun to help ensure the best possible protection,” DeMel said via email.
DeMel adds that to prevent your pet from licking the sunscreen off after applying it, in addition to an extra layer of sun protection, pet owners can dress their pets in a custom-made UPF 50 sun suit, such as a K9TopCoat.
However, owners should be careful, as this can generate heat, even if the material is lightweight.
“I wouldn’t recommend this as a tool to prevent heat stroke, but these garments can help protect the skin from sunburn,” says DeMel.
Pet owners can also purchase bandanas, vests and hats for their pets for extra protection (and style) during walks, says Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Los Angeles.
2. Look for signs of heat stroke
Understanding the symptoms of heat stroke can save your pet's life. Early warning signs include heavy panting, lethargy, glassy eyes, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, staggering and bright red gums, DeMel says. Recognizing the early signs of heat-related illness and addressing them right away can prevent serious complications.
“If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, move your pet to a cooler location or use a handheld fan, apply room temperature water to the pet’s body and contact your veterinarian immediately,” DeMel said. “Failure to act quickly when a pet is suffering from heat stroke can lead to kidney failure, lung injury and brain damage.”
DeMel says she's seen more severe cases of heat stroke in pets this summer than in previous years and warns that they can occur very quickly depending on the environment and each pet's individual risk factors. For this reason, pet owners should never leave their pets in a car or an enclosed space, even for a few minutes.
“Bulldogs can overheat in less than an hour, and for other dogs, this could happen within 10 minutes when exposed to extreme heat,” she explained.
3. Keep them hydrated
Hydration is critical during a heat wave. Temperatures above 80 degrees can be too hot for pets, Bernstein said.
“Pets can become dehydrated quickly, which can lead to heat stroke,” she added.
To prevent this from happening, place bowls in different areas of your home and yard and make sure to carry a portable bowl and water bottle for your dog when you go for walks. You can also add some ice cubes to the water. Dogs need between 60 and 80 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight and cats need between 40 and 60 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight, according to Bernstein.
It's also important to make sure outdoor dog houses have ventilation at all times, otherwise they can become a heat trap, Bernstein said.
4. Avoid midday walks
The midday sun is most intense between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., making it the worst time to engage in outdoor activities with pets.
“Be sure to change routines as needed to keep your pet healthy and safe from the heat,” says Dr. Whitney Miller, Petco’s chief veterinarian.
Adjust your schedule to walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. If you have an outdoor cat, consider keeping him inside during this time period. Protective boots can help make your pet more comfortable during walks.
Not sure if it's too hot for your pet outside? Miller suggests an easy fire test.
“If you are concerned that the ground is too hot, try touching it with your bare hands,” says Miller. “If you can’t keep your hand on the pavement for more than seven seconds, then it is too hot for the animals’ paws.”
5. Groom them, but not too much
Regular haircuts can help prevent dogs from overheating, but don't overdo it.
“Grooming is important, but pet owners should not shave their dog down to the skin, as this can lead to sunburn,” Jae says.
DeMel adds that long-haired cats can have their hair shaved or clipped during the summer months if the indoor ambient temperature is high; however, if cats are kept cool, this is often not necessary, because most cats do not tolerate haircuts well without being sedated by a veterinarian.
Some breeds have coats that provide natural insulation against both heat and cold, she adds. Thick-haired breeds and those with double coats, such as chow chows, Alaskan huskies and golden retrievers, retain heat better in cold temperatures.
“It is thought that the double coat may also help the animal stay cool in high temperatures, as the undercoat is usually held upright and may allow for better airflow closer to the skin,” DeMel said. She suggests consulting with a veterinarian before grooming these breeds.
6. Create a fresh space
Indoors, make sure your pet has a cool place to retreat to. This can be an air-conditioned room, a fan, or even a cooling mat designed for pets. A spray toy, a freezer toy, and a bone-shaped ice mold are other great cooling options.
“If you don't have air conditioning, consider placing ice packs wrapped in towels on your pet's bed,” Jae says.
She recommends that Los Angeles pet owners call 211 if they are looking for a pet-friendly cooling center nearby.
While inside, you can keep your pet entertained with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games. This can help him burn off energy without the risk of overheating.
“Mental stimulation can be just as exhausting as physical exercise,” Jae says.
7. Know the peculiarities of your pet's breed
Some breeds are more prone to heat-related problems. All dogs can get heat stroke, but some may be more at risk than others. Overweight, flat-faced, or more energetic dogs are more likely to get heat stroke, and the same dog and cat breeds that are at risk for sunburn may also be at higher risk for heat stroke.
“These breeds need extra care during heat waves,” says DeMel. “Keep them in cool environments as much as possible and monitor them closely for any signs of discomfort.”
