Jacksonville heat index reaches mid-100s. Tips on how to keep pets cool

Summer has kicked off strong in Northeast Florida bringing hot temperatures, afternoon storms, and plenty of humidity. That extra moisture in the air is making it feel much warmer than the thermometer suggests, with heat index values climbing into the triple digits.

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."

In Jacksonville, residents are already feeling the effects. Despite a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, mainly after 3 p.m., today's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 94 degrees. Heat index values are expected to reach as high as 102 degrees.

While many of us understand the risks associated with prolonged exposure to extreme heat, it's important not to overlook our furry companions. Pets are especially vulnerable to overheating when temperatures climb above 90 degrees, making it critical to take extra precautions during the summer months.

Here's a look at the forecast, along with important safety tips to help keep your pets cool, comfortable, and safe during their daily walks, to make their outings more enjoyable.

What's the weather forecast for this weekend? Highs, lows and rain expected:

• Friday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high of 96 and a low of 76. Heat index values could reach 101. There is a 40 chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. with a 30 percent chance of lingering showers and storms Friday night.
• Saturday: Sunny and hot with a high of 97 and a low of 77. Light winds and mostly clear skies overnight. Chance of rain: 0 percent.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high of 98 and a low of 77. A 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms develops after 2 p.m, increasing to a 30 percent chance Sunday night, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.

NWS Jacksonville Radar

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

Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville's best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville heat index reaches mid-100s. Tips on how to keep pets cool

Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea and Samantha Neely, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union

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This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 6:09 PM.