Paws and Refresh: Keeping Your Companion Cool, Calm, and Comfortable Through the Summer Heat

Summer in Los Angeles means warmer days, more time outdoors, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season with your companion. However, rising temperatures can also put pets at risk for overheating, dehydration, and heat-related illness. At Pasternak Veterinary Center, we encourage pet owners to make a few simple adjustments to help keep their companions cool, calm, and comfortable throughout the summer.

Keep Fresh Water Within Reach

Hydration is especially important during hot weather. Make sure your companion always has access to clean, fresh water, whether you are relaxing at home, taking a walk, or spending time outdoors.

If you are heading out around Los Angeles, bring portable water and a travel bowl. Pets may need more frequent water breaks during summer activities, particularly after exercise or time in the sun.

Plan Outdoor Activities Around the Heat

Exercise remains important during the summer, but timing matters. Walks and outdoor play are best scheduled during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. Limit strenuous activity when temperatures are high and provide frequent opportunities to rest in the shade or indoors.

Hot pavement can also become uncomfortable for your companion's paws. Before heading out, check the ground temperature and consider choosing shaded walking areas when possible.

Create a Cool and Comfortable Environment

A comfortable indoor space can help your companion regulate their body temperature during hot afternoons. Air conditioning, fans, shaded areas, and cool resting surfaces can all help.

A few additional summer pet safety habits include:

•          Never leave your companion unattended in a parked vehicle

•          Keep outdoor water bowls filled with fresh water

•          Provide plenty of shade during outdoor time

•          Reduce exercise during the hottest part of the day

•          Watch older, overweight, short-nosed, or medically fragile pets more closely

Pets with certain health conditions or physical characteristics may have greater difficulty handling the heat, making extra precautions especially important.

Help Your Companion Stay Calm

Summer can bring more than high temperatures. Travel, visitors, outdoor gatherings, fireworks, and changes in routine can create additional stress for some pets. Providing a quiet retreat, maintaining a familiar schedule, and giving your companion time away from excessive activity can help them feel more secure. If your pet regularly becomes anxious or uncomfortable during summer events, talk with our veterinary team about ways to support their individual needs.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Heat stress can become serious quickly. Excessive or uncontrolled panting, heavy drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, confusion, difficulty breathing, or collapse can indicate that your companion is overheating.

Move your pet to a cooler environment and seek veterinary attention promptly if concerning symptoms develop. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and should never be treated as something that will simply resolve with rest.

When to See a Veterinarian

Contact our veterinarians if your companion seems unusually tired, refuses food or water, has persistent vomiting or diarrhea, develops breathing difficulties, or does not return to normal after being moved to a cooler environment. Severe panting, weakness, confusion, seizures, or collapse require immediate veterinary care.

Summer wellness visits can also be helpful for pets with heart or respiratory conditions, senior pets, and others who may have difficulty tolerating warmer temperatures.

Visit Pasternak Veterinary Center for personalized summer pet care. Feel free to stop by our office in West Los Angeles during business hours for a walk-in, or call us at (310) 268-2275 with any questions.