Hot Weather, Hot Risk: Protecting Your Pet from Heatstroke
By Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital

Summer brings sunshine, outdoor fun—and serious heat. While we humans can cool off with a cold drink or air conditioning, our pets aren’t so lucky. At Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital, we see too many cases of heatstroke in pets during warm months, and it can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

What Is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke happens when a pet’s body temperature rises dangerously high and they can’t cool down. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do—they mainly rely on panting to release heat, which isn’t always enough on hot or humid days.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Heavy panting or drooling
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Weakness, wobbliness, or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion or glazed eyes

If you notice any of these signs, treat it as an emergency and call your vet immediately.

Tips to Keep Pets Safe This Summer:

• Never leave pets in a parked car—even for a minute.
• Avoid midday walks. Stick to early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
• Always provide shade and fresh water if your pet is outside.
• Be cautious with flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs—they overheat faster.
• Limit exercise on hot days and watch for signs of overheating.

Final Thoughts

Heatstroke can happen quickly but is almost always preventable. If you think your pet is overheating, call us right away. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe—your pet’s health depends on it.

☀️ Stay cool and safe this summer from all of us at Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital!