As temperatures rise across North Carolina, summer brings endless opportunities for outdoor fun with our pets — from neighborhood walks and hiking trails to beach trips, backyard barbecues, and family vacations.
But warmer weather also brings increased risks for pets, including heat-related illness, dehydration, parasites, and other seasonal dangers.
At Brentwood Veterinary Center, our veterinary team sees a significant increase in heat-related emergencies and seasonal concerns every summer. Understanding what to watch for — and how to prevent common warm-weather hazards — can help keep your pets healthy, comfortable, and safe all season long.
Dogs and cats are far more sensitive to heat than many people realize. Unlike humans, pets cannot efficiently cool themselves by sweating. Instead, they primarily regulate body temperature through panting, which becomes much less effective during hot and humid weather.
Some pets are especially vulnerable to overheating, including:
- Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Persian cats)
- Senior pets
- Puppies and kittens
- Overweight pets
- Pets with heart or respiratory conditions
- Thick-coated breeds
Even mild outdoor activity can quickly become dangerous during peak summer temperatures.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Common signs include:
- Excessive panting
- Thick drooling
- Bright red or pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weakness or collapse
- Disorientation
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
If you suspect your pet is overheating:
1. Move them to a cool, shaded area immediately
2. Offer cool (not ice-cold) water
3. Apply cool towels to the paws, belly, and armpits
4. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately
Delaying treatment can quickly become life-threatening.
One of the most overlooked summer dangers is hot pavement. Asphalt and concrete can become extremely hot during summer afternoons and may burn sensitive paw pads within seconds.
Try the “7-Second Rule”
Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
To reduce the risk:
- Walk pets early in the morning or later in the evening
- Stay on grass or shaded areas whenever possible
- Avoid prolonged walks during peak heat hours
Summer is peak season for parasites in Eastern North Carolina. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more than just annoying — they can transmit serious diseases to pets.
Common concerns include:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Heartworm disease
- Tapeworms and intestinal parasites
Year-round parasite prevention remains one of the most important things pet owners can do for their pets’ long-term health.
At Brentwood Veterinary Center, we strongly recommend maintaining consistent:
- Heartworm prevention
- Flea prevention
- Tick prevention
- Annual parasite screening and wellness testing
Swimming and boating can be great enrichment activities for many dogs, but water safety is essential.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Not all dogs naturally know how to swim
- Always supervise pets near water
- Use life jackets when boating
- Rinse pets after swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean
- Prevent pets from drinking lake or pool water
Blue-green algae, which can develop in ponds and lakes during hot weather, can be extremely toxic to pets and should always be avoided.
If your family is traveling this summer, planning ahead can help make the trip safer and less stressful for your pet.
Helpful travel recommendations:
- Use secured carriers or pet seatbelts
- Bring medications and medical records
- Pack extra water and food
- Schedule frequent bathroom breaks
- Never leave pets unattended in vehicles
Even with windows cracked, vehicle temperatures can rise dangerously within minutes.
Summer often brings thunderstorms and fireworks, both of which can trigger anxiety in pets.
To help your pet feel safer:
- Create a quiet, secure indoor area
- Keep pets indoors during fireworks
- Ensure ID tags and microchip information are current
- Use calming aids or medications if recommended by your veterinarian
If your pet struggles with severe anxiety, our veterinary team can discuss supportive options to help keep them comfortable.
Routine wellness care plays an important role in helping pets stay healthy during every season — especially summer. Annual exams allow veterinarians to evaluate your pet’s overall health, discuss preventive care, and identify concerns before they become emergencies.
At Brentwood Veterinary Center, we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality veterinary care for pets throughout every stage of life.
Whether your pet needs preventive care, allergy management, travel guidance, diagnostics, or treatment for a summer illness, our team is here to help.
If your pet is due for an exam, parasite testing, vaccines, or preventive medication refills, we encourage you to schedule an appointment before summer activities are in full swing.
Brentwood Veterinary Center
📍 Brentwood Veterinary Center
📞 (252) 243-6252
🌐 brentwoodvetcenter.com
Your pet’s health and safety are our priority — all summer long.