11 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

3. Stay safe on the road

An estimated 78 percent of pet owners travel with their pets each year, according to a 2023 study. While there are no rules about restraining pets in cars, there are recommendations to keep them safe, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Those recommendations include keeping your pet in a crate, pet seatbelt or pet car seat to minimize the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

Unrestrained pets are a distraction to drivers and can cause accidents, potentially leading to serious injuries to both animals and people, according to a study published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine. Coronado also advises against letting dogs travel in the back of a pickup truck because of the risk of falling out. And no matter how much your pet loves feeling the wind in their fur, they should never be allowed to ride with their head out the window.

“One of the most common sources of eye injuries is dogs with their heads out the window,” Coronado says. “They can get hit by something flying in the air [that was] kicked up by the car in front of you or even a bug that hits them.”

4. Steer clear of hot cars

The temperature inside your car can rise to dangerous levels quickly — even when it’s cool outside. CDC data shows that on an 80-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle with the windows closed can reach 109 degrees after 20 minutes and 123 degrees after 60 minutes.

Pets can die from heat exhaustion or heatstroke, even if the windows are cracked and they are left alone for only a few minutes, according to the AVMA.

“A pet should never be left alone in a car, period,” Coronado says, adding that it’s better to leave your pet safe at home when you run errands. 

5. Shield skin and paws

You might need to slather on sunscreen before taking your pets outside on sunny days. Certain pets — particularly those with light-colored, short or thin fur — are at risk of sunburn, says Joslin.

You can prevent sunburn by limiting sun exposure during peak hours, providing shaded areas and discouraging your dog or cat from spending too much time sunbathing outdoors, says the AKC. Joslin also recommends using pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas of skin and considering lightweight, protective clothing for pets at high risk of sunburn.

It’s also important to protect your pets’ paws when it’s hot outside.

“A general rule is: When the outside temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you should be cautious about pavement temperature,” Joslin adds.

Test the surface temperature of the sidewalk, asphalt or parking lot with the back of your hand; if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Joslin suggests walking your dog during cooler times of the day, sticking with grassy areas and considering protective booties to help prevent paw burns.

6. Soothe seasonal allergies

Pets, like people, can suffer from seasonal allergies. Certain dog breeds, including boxers, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and golden retrievers, are more prone to them, but all breeds can be affected by environmental allergies, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Coronado notes that excessive licking and scratching are often the first signs that your pet is experiencing allergies. Your vet can recommend possible treatments to help alleviate symptoms.

You should make an appointment with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment for seasonal allergies, but Greenstein notes that regular baths or using pet wipes on the coat and paws can reduce the allergens on your pet’s fur.

You can try to reduce allergens in your indoor environment, too. “Many veterinary dermatologists recommend frequent vacuuming and the use of HEPA filters in your home,” Greenstein adds.

7. Watch water safety reports

Taking a dip in a lake or river is a favorite summer pastime for some dogs, but not all water is safe. An overgrowth of algal blooms in lakes, ponds or other fresh water can cause blue-green algae poisoning in pets. Dogs that swim in or drink water that contains these cyanotoxins can experience vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, muscle tremors, seizures and even sudden death.

“Blue-green algae is a very toxic product that does bloom during warm periods, and you don’t always know that it’s there,” Coronado says.

He suggests checking with local water reports (most municipalities publish them online) for information on the presence of blue-green algae before letting your dog swim in or drink from local waterways. Kiddie pools, sprinklers and pet splash pads are the safest ways for your water-loving dogs to cool off in the summer.

8. Keep a close watch on your pets at the beach

“Dogs can be knocked over or dragged under by ocean waves and currents,” says Joslin.

The AKC says to consider putting a life jacket on your dog when spending time at the beach, on docks or on boats. And make sure that your dog is drinking lots of fresh water (not salt water) and not eating seaweed, sea creatures or other items that have washed ashore.

9. Update ID tags and microchip information

One in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime. Pets are especially at risk of getting lost during the summer months, when fireworks, the enticing scent of neighborhood barbecues and unfamiliar vacation surroundings could be to blame.

A microchip increases the odds that you’ll be reunited with a lost pet. The electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) is inserted under your pet’s skin and can be scanned at veterinary clinics or animal shelters for an identification number that links to a database with your contact information. More than half of lost dogs with microchips are returned to their owners.

Your pet should also have a collar and ID tag with up-to-date contact information. If they get lost, anyone who finds them can use the phone number to call you.

10. Be careful at barbecues

It might be tempting to sneak your dog a bite from the grill, but some barbecued foods can be toxic to pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals includes onions, garlic, raw meat and bones on their list of toxic foods. Fatty foods such as hamburgers and hot dogs can also trigger digestive upset or inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis.

“Corncobs seem innocent enough, but they are notorious for causing chronic partial intestinal obstructions,” Greenstein says. “The symptoms … can wax and wane for weeks or sometimes months after they are ingested, making them a challenge to diagnose and treat.”

Ask guests not to feed your pets table scraps and keep food out of reach and garbage cans secured to ensure that your summer cookout doesn’t end with a trip to the vet. If you do think your pet ingested something toxic, go to an emergency veterinary clinic.

11. Know the risks of fireworks and other loud summer events

Fireworks are often a highlight of summer celebrations, but “the unexpected — and to pets, unexplained — loud booms and crackles associated with fireworks can be downright terrifying,” Greenstein notes.

When there are fireworks in the area, leave your pet at home. Make sure all doors, windows and gates are secure.

“Pets have a tendency to flee when frightened, which means that if they are outdoors in an unfamiliar place, they can run away and get lost,” Greenstein says. “They can also get so anxious that they dart out of an open door or gate and accidentally escape and get injured or go missing.”

Create a cozy area at home with your pet’s favorite bed and toys, and turn on the television or switch on a fan for soothing background noise. If your pet demonstrates severe anxiety during fireworks, talk to your vet about prescription medication that can help keep your pet calm and safe.