Keep Pets Safe During Soaring Temperatures

Published on July 13, 2022

Water given to two dogs

By Arlington Animal Services

Arlington and much of the nation is experiencing multiple weeks of heat advisories and warnings, above normal temperatures in the triple digits, and heat index values soaring to dangerous levels. These temperature extremes affect everyone – including treasured pets.

Summer Pet Safety Tips

  • Never leave your pet(s) alone in a parked vehicle. When the outside temperature is 85⁰ the inside temperature of a car can quickly reach 120⁰. Just imagine how hot it can get when the outside temperature is already in triple digits!
  • Note that flat face dogs such as Pugs and Bulldogs are more susceptible to heat stroke since they are unable to pant as effectively.
  • Keep elderly pets, or overweight pets in cool, air-conditioned environments as much as possible.
  • Limit outdoor exercise during warm temperatures because most dogs do not know when to stop playing and can become dangerously overheated.
  • Provide plenty of shade and cool, fresh water.
  • Make sure your pet can swim if it is around a swimming pool or other body of water. Not all animals are good swimmers. 
  • Avoid letting your dog drink chlorinated pool water. 
  • Avoid walks on asphalt, concrete, and other hard surfaces! If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, that means it is also too hot for your dog’s paws.

Much more information and education on keeping pets safe in hot weather is available. Here are a few resources to help:

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