As heat wave hits US, here's how to keep your pets safe

The East Coast is gearing up for a brutal heat wave over Fourth of July weekend, with temperatures predicted near and over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That's uncomfortable weather not only for people, but our furry family members, especially dogs. Between walks and trips in the car, there are many chances for dogs to get overheated, which can lead to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.

Know the signs of heat stroke

The initial signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion can start out very minimal, but they can rapidly progress. Signs to look out for early on are excessive frantic, noisy panting, which will seem much more pronounced than normal. Dr. Matthew Murphy, Lead Veterinary Partner at CityVet Uptown Dallas says, "Their drool becomes thick and ropey because of dehydration, they will become restless and sometimes go in shade or water." Dr. Murphy emphasized that this is a sign to get your dog inside, and ideally into an air-conditioned space. He also said to watch for their gums and tongue to be redder than normal, and they will often have an elevated heart rate.

More severe signs of heat stroke include lethargy, weakness, the loss of the ability to stand, confusion, loss of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea. Dr. Murphy said the dogs gums will go from red to "a purple or blue color. These are the patients that we often see and are difficult to cool down and save."

Steer clear of hot cars and be mindful of humidity

How can a dog get heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Leaving dogs in the car even for short errands can be fatal due to rapid temperature increases inside a parked vehicle.

"Studies have shown that a car can heat up by nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and within an hour it can be more than 40 degrees hotter than outside, so with temperatures in the 90s to 100s, these temperatures can quickly reach fatal levels." Murphy said. He cautioned that rolling down the windows, even on a mild 70 degree Fahrenheit day with high humidity and sunshine, is not enough. Temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in minutes.

"I recommend not leaving a dog in a car without air conditioning when it's over 70 degrees," Murphy warned.

One of the most common mistakes owners make is discounting the humidity, according to Murphy. "The humidity out there on a day that is 80 degrees with high humidity is very often worse than a day that is 85 degrees with no humidity," Murphy said.

Plan walks during the coolest parts of the day

Another big mistake is letting the dog dictate when to go out. For example: The dog may seem excited and want to go exercise, and the owner will take them out, even if there are heat warnings. Remember that just because the temperature might feel comfortable, dogs generate heat while exercising and can't cool themselves down as efficiently as we can.

Consider your dog's breed

Remembering the difference in breeds is another important factor, said Murphy. Often owners don't take into account how much the breeds can impact a pet's risk in the heat, "Brachycephalic breeds, or short-nosed dogs, should be monitored closely in any warm weather, as they can develop heat stroke more easily than other dogs, even in relatively mild temperatures." Basically, there isn't one specific unsafe temperature. It's a combination of temperature and humidity.

Remember the five-second rule

When a pet owner is considering what temperature is safe to walk their best friend, consider the breed, the humidity and the UV index, but also keep the pavement temperature in mind, said Georgia-based Dr. Jordyn Zoul of Seaside Veterinary Hospital. "Asphalt can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit even when the air temperature feels mild (75 to 80 degrees), and that's enough to blister a dog's paws within minutes."

Murphy has a "five-second rule" he recommends. "If you cannot place the back of your bare hand on asphalt for 5 seconds, it is too hot for your dog to touch that concrete or hard surface."

Plan your road trip to keep pets safe

If you're hitting the road this summer, Dr. Odeliah Bouganim, DVM of SwiftVet Concierge, offered some sound advice. She said to plan ahead and "look for pet-friendly restaurants with shaded patios, stores that welcome dogs or parks where your dog can safely stretch and drink water." Never assume you can leave your dog in the car.

This likely won't be the only heat wave to hit the country this summer, and it's important to remember simple ways to keep your dog cool. On walks, and when traveling, bring a portable water bowl and carry a water bottle (or two) and look into keeping a cooling mat handy. Try to limit activity that's too strenuous. Zoul said that "Some owners also bring a handheld fan or use a covered stroller or carrier for sun protection on small dogs."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Own: As heat wave hits US, here's how to keep your pets safe

Reporting by Tanya Edwards, USA TODAY / USA TODAY Own

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Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 12:40 PM.