Hot Weather Safety Tips for Dogs, Cats, and the People Who Love Them

Summer in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable. One week it’s breezy and mild, the next it’s scorching hot and the pavement feels like a frying pan.

While humans have options for keeping cool, pets don’t adjust to the heat the way we do. They can’t chill out with a cold drink on demand or escape into an air-conditioned café. They count on us to help them stay safe.

With Portland’s summers getting hotter, it’s a good time to brush up on warm-weather care. Whether your pet is an indoor cat or an adventure-loving pup, here’s how to keep them cool, hydrated, and healthy when the heat rolls in.

Understanding How Dogs and Cats Handle Heat

Dogs and cats aren’t very efficient at cooling themselves down. Unlike humans, they don’t sweat much. Dogs cool off through panting and some sweating through their paw pads, while cats mostly regulate body temperature through grooming and sometimes panting.

When the environment is hot and humid, these methods just don’t cut it.

Some dogs and cats are at even higher risk. Flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs and cats like Persians and Himalayans have a harder time breathing in general, and heat makes it much worse.

Older pets, overweight pets, those with heart or respiratory conditions, and long-haired breeds also struggle in high temperatures.

Understanding your pet’s individual risk level helps you prepare better and spot problems sooner.

Managing Heat at Home and Outdoors

The first rule of summer pet care? Don’t assume your home is safe just because it’s indoors. Houses and apartments without AC can heat up quickly, especially during a stretch of hot days.

My northwest Portland apartment can reach upwards of 82 degrees on high-temperature days, even with the windows and blinds closed and fans on throughout.

If I didn’t lower the blinds and keep fans on to circulate air from cooler to warmer areas, it would easily reach over 90 degrees inside when the heat peaks. And that would be no fun for my long-haired Siberian cat!

Here are some tips for helping your pets stay cool:

1. Always make sure your pet has access to a cool area in the home, preferably somewhere with tile, shade, and ventilation. Fans help circulate air, but won’t lower body temperature on their own, especially if the air is warm.
2. For dogs, try freezing treats or using a pet cooling mat during the hottest part of the day. Keep windows covered with blackout curtains if your place bakes in the sun. Cats are experts at finding cooler surfaces, but they still need fresh water and a shaded retreat they don’t have to fight for.
3. If you’re spending time outside, early morning and later evening hours are the safest for walks and backyard lounging. Always check the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for your palm, it’s too hot for paws. Dogs can burn their footpads in seconds on hot surfaces. Stick to grass, dirt trails, or shaded sidewalks. Dog paw protectors can help prevent burns from hot pavement and are also useful in winter on snow or ice.
4. While lakes, rivers, and streams are popular spots to cool off with dogs, be aware of potential toxic algae blooms.

Hydration is Everything

Dogs and cats can become dehydrated fast in hot weather. Make sure fresh, cool, clean water is available at all times, and change it daily.

Adding ice cubes can help keep it cooler longer and may even make drinking more appealing. Some cats prefer moving water, making pet fountains a great option for encouraging hydration.

If your dog is out and about with you, carry a travel bowl and water bottle they can drink from. Offer small sips often rather than waiting for them to show signs of thirst.

Dehydration in pets can come on quickly in hot weather and may not always be obvious at first. It’s important to know the signs so you can act fast.

Even mild dehydration can affect your pet’s energy, digestion, and ability to regulate body temperature. Severe dehydration can become a medical emergency.

Common signs of dehydration in dogs and cats include:

• Dry or sticky gums instead of moist, slippery ones
• Lethargy or weakness, especially after exercise or during heat
• Sunken eyes, which may look dull or tired
• Loss of skin elasticity—if you gently pinch the skin between the shoulders and it doesn’t quickly snap back into place, your pet may be dehydrated
• Panting or rapid breathing, especially if not tied to recent activity
• Loss of appetite or refusal to drink water
• Dark yellow or reduced urine output, sometimes with a strong odor

If your pet shows signs of dehydration, get them cool and shaded right away. Offer small, frequent sips of water (not large gulps) to avoid triggering vomiting. You can also give them ice cubes to lick, which helps with slow rehydration.

For pets that refuse water or are losing fluids due to vomiting or diarrhea, offering a vet-approved electrolyte solution can be helpful, but only under veterinary guidance.

If your pet’s dehydration is moderate to severe, these steps can provide vital relief while you get them to professional care, where they may need IV or subcutaneous fluids to restore hydration levels quickly.

Skip the Shave!

It’s tempting to give your long-haired dog or cat a summer haircut, but a full shave can backfire. Fur provides insulation against both heat and cold, and it also protects against sunburn.

Instead of shaving, consider a professional trim by a groomer to thin the coat and remove mats, combined with frequent brushing to help air move through their coat.

Short-haired or light-colored pets may still be prone to sunburn on noses, ears, and bellies. Use a pet-safe sunscreen if your animal spends time sunbathing or walking in direct sunlight.

Recognizing Signs of Heat Stress in Dogs & Cats

Heat stress and heatstroke can happen quickly, especially if your pet is already at risk.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs:

• Panting that’s rapid or excessive
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Dark red gums and tongue
• Weakness or disorientation
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Glassy eyes
• Seizure or collapse
• Fast heart rate
• Rectal temperature over 104° F

If your dog is just starting to show signs of heat stress, move them to a cool, shaded area and make sure they have access to fresh water.

If your dog is still conscious but showing more advanced signs of heat exhaustion, take them into a cooler environment right away, soak them with cool (not cold) water, and let them drink as much water as they want. Then take them to a veterinarian immediately.

If you find your dog unconscious in a hot environment, gently soak them with cool water, being careful to keep water out of the nose and mouth. Place a wrapped ice pack or any cold item between the hind legs, and seek emergency veterinary care.

Don’t have frozen veggies or an ice pack? You can use anything cold from your fridge or freezer – like cold water bottles or even a chilled can wrapped in a towel.

The goal is to cool the major blood vessels in the inner thighs without causing discomfort or frostbite. Just be sure whatever you use is wrapped in a thin cloth or towel to avoid direct contact with the skin.

Signs of heatstroke in cats:

• Fast heart rate and/or panting
• Dark red tongue and gums
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Loss of consciousness
• Stumbling, staggering gait
• Rectal temperature over 104° F

If your cat is starting to show signs of heat stress, move them to a cool, quiet spot and make sure fresh water is available.

If they’re still conscious but showing symptoms of heat exhaustion, bring them into a cooler environment right away. Then, gently soak their fur with cool water, and allow them to drink as much water as they want. Then get to a vet without delay.

If you find your cat unconscious in the heat, soak them with cool (not cold) water, taking care to avoid the nose and mouth. Place something cold wrapped in a thin cloth or towel between the legs and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Don’t delay care! Call your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic right away. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires prompt professional treatment, often including IV fluids and monitoring.

Your Car Isn’t a Kennel – It’s a Sauna

Never leave your pet in a parked car.

Not even if it feels cool outside. Not even if the windows are cracked. Not even if you think you’ll “just be a minute.”

On a 70-degree day, the temperature inside your vehicle can hit over 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. At higher outdoor temps, the inside of a vehicle can reach 140° F in less than an hour – even faster if you’re parked in direct sunlight. A cracked window does not help. Shade moves. A pet left in a car has no escape.

Dogs and cats regulate their body temperature by panting and through limited sweating from their paws, which becomes ineffective quickly in a hot, enclosed space. Heatstroke can begin within minutes, and once symptoms appear, the risk of organ damage or death is very real.

Every year, hundreds of dogs die from being left in hot cars or from heat-related illness caused by it. Leaving a pet in a hot car can lead to serious consequences including fines, criminal charges, loss of custody, and even jail time in severe cases.

If you see an animal in distress in a parked car (panting heavily, drooling, glassy-eyed, unable to move), call the local authorities immediately. In Oregon, the Good Samaritan law protects individuals who take action to save an animal in imminent danger.

You can legally break a window to free a pet only if:

1. You reasonably believe the animal is in urgent danger
2. You contact law enforcement before or right after taking action
3. You stay with the animal until help arrives

Speak up. Notify store staff. Call it in. Document what you see. A few extra minutes of attention can save a life.

Download the full-size OHS Hot Car infographic (PDF)

Portland & Oregon Pet Emergency Resources:

Non-emergency police (Portland): 503-823-3333 (or 311)

Oregon Humane Society Animal Investigations: 503-802-6707

Multnomah County Animal Services: 503-988-7387

In an emergency: Always call 911

Preparedness in a Changing PNW Climate

Now let’s shift to long-term thinking. Our Pacific Northwest is facing more frequent and intense heatwaves and that means pet safety has to include planning for the unexpected. Power outages, smoky air, and wildfires are becoming part of our summer landscape.

Start with the basics: build an emergency kit specifically for your pet. Having supplies ready means you can act quickly during heatwaves, power outages, or unexpected evacuations—without having to scramble for essentials.

At a minimum, your pet’s emergency kit should include:

• Food and water for at least 3 days (don’t forget a can opener if using wet food)
• Collapsible or portable bowls for feeding and drinking
• Medications and supplements, along with dosage instructions
• Leash, harness, or carrier, depending on your pet’s species and needs
• Waste supplies, like poop bags, litter, or disposable bedding
• A printed copy of vaccination records and any important medical notes
• Photo of your pet (in case you’re separated)
• Comfort items, like a blanket, toy, or familiar-smelling item to reduce stress

Store your kit in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container or bag, and check it seasonally to refresh food, water, and meds. If you have multiple pets, prep a version for each.

Being ready before an emergency makes all the difference when time is short.

Protect Your Cooling System

If you have air conditioning or a cooling system, a surge protector or UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can prevent sudden shutoffs that could harm sensitive equipment—or pets relying on it.

No A/C? Identify a cool, shaded part of your home that stays safe, even if the power fails. This could be a basement, a tiled bathroom, or any room that avoids direct sun. Make sure your pets can access this space at all times, even if you’re not home.

County Cooling Centers

Pets are welcome at Multnomah County Cooling Centers when they are activated. See Cooling Center Locations and Activation Status

Have a Plan!

Finally, if evacuation ever becomes necessary, have a plan in place for bringing your pets with you. Most shelters and hotels that accept evacuees do not accept animals unless you plan ahead.

A Few Cool Ideas to Beat the Heat

Summer doesn’t have to be all about dangers and restrictions. There are plenty of ways to have fun safely!

• Set up a shallow kiddie pool for your dog to splash in.
• Let your cat “hunt” frozen treats or ice cubes on the kitchen floor.
• Fill puzzle feeders with cold snacks like frozen low-sodium broth or fruit pops made for pets.
• Many dogs also enjoy frozen carrots, blueberries, or watermelon chunks (seedless and rind-free).

Indoor pet enrichment becomes more important when it’s too hot for a walk. Rotate toys, try short training sessions, or use treat-dispensing games to keep your dog or cat mentally engaged and physically active.

Some dogs love hikes or lake days, but even the most adventurous need extra support in the heat. Bring water, a cooling dog vest if they tolerate one, and take frequent shade breaks. If it’s too hot for you to be comfortable, it’s too hot for them.

Before You Clip the Leash and Hit the Trail

Our summers are changing, and so is what it means to be a responsible pet guardian in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

Dogs and cats may not know the forecast, but they’re counting on you to respond to it. With a little awareness and some practical tools, you can protect your pets from the worst of summer and help them enjoy the best of it.

Keep them cool. Keep them close. And remember—there’s no shame in skipping a walk for an air-conditioned snuggle session when the thermometer’s creeping past 90!

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Resources

Oregon Humane Society – Hot Weather Safety for Pets

Heatstroke in Cats: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention

Multnomah County – Keeping Your Pets Safe in Hot Weather

ORS 30.813 -Liability of person who enters motor vehicle to remove unattended child or domestic animal