Summertime in Mooresville, NC, means longer days, lake outings, and plenty of sunshine. But while you’re enjoying the season, it’s easy to overlook how these changes affect your pets. Each year, veterinarians treat a spike in preventable conditions caused by heat, insects, and lifestyle shifts that summer brings.
To help you keep your pets safe and thriving, we’re outlining seven of the most common summer pet safety mistakes—and what you can do to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Leaving Pets in Hot Cars
It’s a tragic but far too common mistake: leaving a pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside a car can skyrocket in moments, easily surpassing 100°F even with cracked windows. For pets, this rapidly turns into a life-threatening situation. Dogs and cats can’t cool down as efficiently as humans, and heatstroke can set in alarmingly fast.
At Brawley Animal Hospital, we’ve seen first-hand the panic of a pet parent realizing their dog has become unresponsive due to heat exhaustion. One client brought in their Boston Terrier after leaving him in the car for only ten minutes while picking up dry cleaning. Thankfully, we were able to cool him down and administer IV fluids in time. Not all pets are as lucky.
If you can’t bring your pet with you when running errands, it’s safest to leave them at home in an air-conditioned environment. If travel is necessary, have another adult stay in the car with the AC running, and always keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior for signs of overheating.
Mistake #2: Walking Dogs During the Hottest Part of the Day
A sunny afternoon may seem like a great time for a walk, but for your dog, it could lead to scorched paws and heat exhaustion. Asphalt and concrete can heat up dramatically under direct sunlight, reaching temperatures that can cause burns to your dog’s sensitive paw pads in seconds.
Use the 7-second rule: place your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Instead, aim for early morning or late evening walks when surfaces have cooled and the air temperature is more manageable.
You can also protect your dog’s feet with booties or paw wax, especially for long outings or hikes. Always bring fresh water on walks, and be mindful of signs of overheating like excessive panting or refusal to keep walking.
Mistake #3: Skipping Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention
Many pet owners make the mistake of assuming parasite preventatives are only needed during certain seasons. The reality? Here in North Carolina, parasites are active nearly year-round—and they surge in summer.
Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid conditions and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and tapeworms. Mosquitoes, which flourish in the summer, are the primary carriers of heartworm disease—a potentially fatal condition if left untreated.
Preventing these pests is far simpler and less expensive than treating the illnesses they cause. We recommend keeping pets on a year-round parasite prevention plan. At Brawley Animal Hospital, we offer customized prevention strategies for your pet’s lifestyle, whether they’re indoor, outdoor, or both.
Don’t forget to schedule your pet’s annual heartworm test and talk to us about flea and tick checks, especially if your furry friend enjoys wooded trails or grassy play areas.
Mistake #4: Letting Pets Swim Unsupervised
Summer and swimming go hand-in-hand, especially in lake country like Mooresville. But don’t assume your pet is a natural swimmer. Some dogs, particularly flat-nosed breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs, struggle in the water, while cats and small animals may panic and drown.
Even confident swimmers can get into trouble. Strong currents, hidden obstacles, or sudden fatigue can be dangerous. Additionally, pools with steep sides can trap pets who don’t know how to climb out.
Always supervise pets near water. If you’re on a boat or at the lake, invest in a pet life jacket—these are designed to help keep your pet afloat and visible. After swimming, rinse your pet to remove chlorine or algae, and dry their ears to prevent infections.
Let swimming be fun, but also safe.
Mistake #5: Overgrooming or Shaving Double-Coated Breeds
When the heat rolls in, it might seem like a good idea to shave your pet to keep them cool. But for double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or Australian Shepherds, shaving can do more harm than good. Their coats are designed to regulate temperature by trapping a layer of cool air near the skin.
Shaving these dogs removes that insulation and can expose them to sunburn and overheating. Instead, focus on regular brushing to remove loose undercoat and reduce shedding. For pets with exposed skin (like hairless breeds or post-surgical shaved areas), apply pet-safe sunscreen to prevent burns.
If you’re unsure whether your pet’s grooming needs should change for summer, our team can help with advice or referrals to trusted groomers.
Mistake #6: Letting Pets Roam Off-Leash in New Areas
Summer adventures often mean camping, hiking, or visiting friends in unfamiliar neighborhoods. While off-leash time can be enriching, it comes with serious risks. Your pet could encounter wildlife, ingest toxic plants, get lost, or be struck by a vehicle.
Pets in unfamiliar settings may not respond to commands as reliably, especially if overwhelmed by new smells and distractions. That’s why we recommend always using a secure leash or harness when exploring new places.
Make sure your pet’s microchip information is up-to-date, and that their ID tags are legible and securely fastened. Bringing a travel kit with water, collapsible bowls, and a pet first aid kit can help you prepare for any situation.
Mistake #7: Not Recognizing Signs of Overheating
Perhaps the most dangerous mistake of all is not realizing your pet is overheating until it’s too late. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans do. They rely on panting and limited sweat glands (like those on their paw pads) to regulate temperature. In extreme heat, these mechanisms aren’t enough.
Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, lethargy, and even collapse. If your pet shows any of these signs, move them to a cool area immediately. Wet them with lukewarm water and place a fan nearby, but avoid ice-cold baths which can cause shock.
Then call us right away. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and often requires IV fluids and close monitoring. Quick action can save your pet’s life.
Bonus Tips: Smart Summer Safety Habits
Beyond avoiding the big mistakes, adopting these habits can help keep your pet safe and comfortable all summer long:
- Keep multiple clean water bowls accessible both indoors and outdoors.
- Avoid relying solely on fans—they don’t cool pets like they do humans.
- Create shaded outdoor spaces for pets who spend time outside.
- Use indoor enrichment toys to keep pets active on dangerously hot days.
Simple steps like these can make a huge difference.
FAQs About Summer Pet Safety
Q: Is it safe to use sunscreen on pets?
Yes, but only use pet-safe sunscreens. Human sunscreens can contain zinc oxide or salicylates, which are toxic to animals.
Q: Can indoor cats overheat?
Yes. If your home gets warm or lacks airflow, cats can experience heat stress. Ensure they have cool resting spots and plenty of water.
Q: What temperature is too hot for dog walking?
Anything above 85°F should be approached with caution. Short-nosed breeds, elderly pets, or overweight animals are especially vulnerable.
Let Us Help Your Pet Beat the Heat
At Brawley Animal Hospital, we want your pets to enjoy summer as much as you do—safely. Don’t let a small oversight become a big problem. Whether you’re planning lake days, road trips, or just spending time in the backyard, we’re here to guide you with seasonal advice tailored to your pet’s needs.
Let our team help you create a proactive care plan that keeps your pet happy, hydrated, and protected.
Visit our contact page or call us at (704) 663-5122.
