Florida heat index reaches mid-100s this weekend. Tips to keep pets cool
We're approaching the dog days of summer, with the season's scorching heat already here. And it's going to get worse this weekend.
The heat index is expected to reach the mid-100s across the entire Florida peninsula toward the end of the week and into the weekend, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Heat advisories may be issued, and National Weather Service offices in the state are warning residents about "extreme heat."
While we know our own risks when it comes to bracing for sweltering heat, we also need to be aware of our furry-faced residents, who are among the most at risk of overheating in temperatures over 90 degrees. It's critical to keep our beloved pets cool during the summer.
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Wondering what the signs of heat stroke look like for animals? We got you covered. Here's what to look out for, along with tips on how to prevent it in the first place.
Know the symptoms of possible heatstroke in pets
If you suspect that your pet is overheated, immediately take them to a cooler area or to the vet. Once in a cool room, separate their fur with your fingers so the cool air can penetrate the skin.
In case of heatstroke, the RSPCA and PetMD list these symptoms:
- Unusual breathing (rapid and loud)
- High rectal temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
- Extreme thirst
- Weakness and/or fatigue
- Frequent vomiting
- Disorientation
- Dark or bright red tongue and gums
- The skin around the muzzle or neck doesn't snap back when pinched (dehydration)
- Difficulty breathing
- Thick saliva
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heavy drooling
- Agitation
Keep water on hand when outside
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure to have plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot and humid outdoors.
If your pet is getting overheated, cool them down as quickly as possible by pouring cool water over their head and body, gently hosing a very light stream of cool water over them, or submerging them in a tub of cool water.
Get supplies to help cool pets down
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests ways to relieve your pet from the heat by having cooling supplies on hand in advance, such as:
- Battery-operated fan
- Cool cloths made of chamois. If you keep your cool cloths in a cooler, don't put them directly into the ice. You don't want to put anything ice-cold onto a pet, because that shrinks the blood vessels and generates more internal heat.
- Cooling vest which deflects the heat and cools the dog through evaporation
- Cooling crate pad or a cold, wet towel that you can spread out for your pet to lie on. You can also have them stand on a damp towel to help their paw pads release heat.
- Rubbing alcohol, which you can dab behind your dog's ears, on their stomach, or on their paws. Rubbing alcohol cools faster than water and can draw out heat.
- Spray bottle filled with cool water. Spray the underside of their body that's not exposed to the hot sun (such as the groin area, where the hair is less dense), the bottoms of their feet, and inside their mouth.
- Rectal thermometer with lubricant. Your pet's temperature shouldn't rise above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the high end of normal.
- Unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution for the dog to drink if they get dehydrated
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Never leave your pet in a hot car
Not only is this dangerous for pets, but it is illegal in most states. Even on a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to severe levels.
On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.
Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.
Don't let your pet linger on hot asphalt
If the temperature outside is 85 degrees, asphalt in the sun can easily reach over 140 degrees, burning your pet's paw pads.
Try to limit your pet's outdoor exercise and adjust its intensity and duration according to the temperature. On very hot days, the American Kennel Club suggests limiting exercise to early morning or evening hours and being especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing.
Never shave your pet
While one might think layers of thick fur might cause a pet to overheat, shaving does the opposite.
The Humane World for Animals writes that the layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat
They note that any sunscreen or insect repellent you use on your pets must be labeled specifically for use on animals.
Visit the vet for a spring or early summer checkup
In addition to keeping your pets cool at the moment, make sure they get their regular check-ups and that there are no underlying issues to worry about before the summer. Experts also advise that pets be tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventive medication.
Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Florida Network
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida's best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida heat index reaches mid-100s this weekend. Tips to keep pets cool
Reporting by Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida / Fort Myers News-Press
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This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 9:09 AM.