5 Expert Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

5 Expert Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

July 29, 2025

Happy Summer! We’re ready for pool parties, beach days, barbeques, camping trips and everything else the season has in store for us. But summer heat can also bring some potential dangers for our furry friends, and our experts at Global Animal Aid want to make sure you’re ready. Here are five essential tips to keep your pets safe and happy in the heat.

1. It’s a Hot One! Remember to Keep Cool

Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so always provide plenty of fresh, clean water. Make sure they have shade, avoid over-exercising, and check that the ground isn’t too hot for their paws. During extreme heat, keep pets indoors whenever possible.

• Know signs of overheating: panting, difficulty breathing, drooling
• Watch for weakness, stupor, collapse, or elevated heart rate
• NEVER leave your pet in a parked car
• Do not shave pets; their coats help protect against heat and sunburn

2. Pool Parties and Other Water Activities

If you’re near a pool, lake, or beach, make sure your pet has access to clean drinking water. Avoid letting them drink pool or ocean water, and never leave them unattended around large bodies of water.

3. Celebratory Food and Drink Hazards

Barbecues and summer parties can pose food risks for pets. Keep fatty or toxic foods away and stick to their regular diet. Ensure garbage is secure so curious noses can’t reach hazardous items.

If alcohol is present, keep drinks out of reach and clean spills immediately. Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to pets.

4. Be Careful with Fireworks

Fireworks are hazardous: they can burn pets if they get too close, or cause intestinal issues if ingested. Keep pets away from firework areas and clean up debris promptly.

Fireworks are also frightening for many animals. Provide a safe, quiet space indoors, and double-check their ID tags and microchip info in case they run away during loud noises.

5. Gardens, Plants and Outdoor Toxins

Summer brings more exposure to plants and garden chemicals. Learn which plants in your yard may be toxic, and supervise pets outdoors—even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset if eaten.

Herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers are common in warm weather. Always follow directions carefully, keep pets away from treated areas until safe, and store products securely out of reach.

Follow these expert tips to ensure your furry companions have a happy, healthy, and safe summer!