There’s nothing quite like summer with a pet—longer days, road trips, backyard cookouts, and outdoor playtime galore. If you’re a new pet parent, all this sunshine can feel like the perfect chance to make memories with your furry friend.
But while summer is packed with fun, it also brings a few sneaky dangers that can catch you off guard. From overheated sidewalks to risky road trips, seasonal hazards can pose serious risks if unprepared.
This guide explains seven hidden summertime dangers and provides practical, beginner-friendly ways to avoid them. Whether you just adopted your first dog or brought home a kitten this spring, these tips will help protect your pet all summer.
1. Hot Surfaces Can Burn More Than Paws
Surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and even synthetic turf can heat up quickly in the sun, reaching temperatures high enough to cause painful burns to your pet’s paw pads.
Even on a day that feels comfortable to you, those surfaces can become scorching in a matter of minutes. Paw burns often go unnoticed until after the damage is done, making prevention essential for new pet parents.
Keep those paws protected:
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Try the 7-second test: Press the back of your hand to the ground—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.
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Walk in the early morning or late evening when the ground is cooler.
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Use grass, dirt trails, or shaded paths for walks.
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Consider booties or protective paw wax for longer outings.
2. Some Summer Plants Are Toxic to Pets.
Many popular flowers and shrubs used in summer landscaping can be harmful or even deadly if your pet nibbles on them. Common offenders include lilies, sago palms, oleander, and azaleas.
Beyond the plants, lawn chemicals like fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides are also a concern, especially when pets walk through freshly treated areas and lick their paws.
How to keep your garden safe:
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Look up plant toxicity before adding anything new to your yard or home.
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Remove or fence off any toxic plants already growing in your space.
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Store garden chemicals securely and out of reach.
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Wait for treated areas to dry completely before letting pets roam, or opt for pet-safe alternatives.
3. Pools, Lakes, and Oceans Can Pose Serious Risks.
Unsupervised access to water is one of the most overlooked dangers for pets during summer. Not all pets are natural swimmers, and many don’t know how to exit a pool or navigate waves and currents safely.
Even strong swimmers can tire quickly or panic in unfamiliar water, and drinking contaminated lake or ocean water can lead to serious health issues.
Stay safe around water:
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Always supervise your pet near any water—pools, lakes, or shorelines.
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Add pet-friendly pool ramps or teach your pet how to find the steps.
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Bring a well-fitting pet life vest when boating or at deep water sites.
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Check for posted advisories about water quality or algae blooms before visits.
4. Insect Bites Can Be More Than Just Itchy
Bugs love summer just as much as we do. Unfortunately, that includes mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, bees, and wasps—many of which can cause more than a little discomfort.
Insect stings and bites can lead to allergic reactions, while mosquitoes can transmit heartworm, a dangerous and often silent disease. Fleas and ticks, meanwhile, can carry bacteria or parasites that cause long-term illness.
Simple bug defense goes a long way:
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Stick to well-maintained areas and avoid dense brush or standing water.
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Use vet-recommended preventatives for fleas, ticks, and heartworm year-round.
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Do regular tick checks after hikes or time outdoors, especially on ears, belly, and paws.
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Use only pet-safe repellents—never human sprays, which can be toxic to animals.
5. Heatstroke Is One of the Most Dangerous Summer Risks.
Pets have a much harder time cooling down than humans do. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do—they mostly rely on panting and limited sweat glands in their paw pads.
That makes them especially vulnerable to heatstroke, which can happen fast and become fatal without treatment. Warning signs include heavy panting, drooling, red gums, confusion, and collapse.
Here’s how to prevent overheating:
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Keep walks and outdoor play short during peak heat hours.
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Provide plenty of cool, fresh water throughout the day.
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Set up shaded spots or bring a travel canopy when outdoors.
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Never leave pets in a parked car, even with cracked windows.
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Be extra cautious with flat-faced breeds, elderly pets, and those with thick coats.
6. The Noise, Smells, and Crowds Can Overwhelm Your Pets.
Summer gatherings are full of strange sights, loud sounds, and tasty—but dangerous—temptations. Fireworks, in particular, are one of the top reasons pets get lost during summer.
Stress and fear can trigger flight responses even if your pet seems confident. Parties can also mean pets eating harmful scraps, stepping on skewers, or chewing on decorations not meant for animals.
Help your pet stay calm and safe:
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Keep them indoors during fireworks and give them a quiet, cozy space.
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Use a white noise machine, soft music, or a favorite toy to provide comfort.
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Be vigilant during cookouts—keep food and trash out of reach.
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Double-check that your pet has updated ID tags and a registered microchip.
7. Travel Needs Thoughtful Planning.
Taking your pet on the road? That’s great—just be aware that summer travel adds a few extra layers of risk. Even a short car ride can become dangerous if a pet is unsecured or left inside during a quick stop.
Many pets also deal with anxiety, car sickness, or overheating if the vehicle isn’t properly ventilated.
Make travel safe and smooth:
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Always use a pet carrier or a secured seatbelt harness.
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Never leave your pet alone in the car, no matter how quick the errand.
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Bring a travel kit with water, a bowl, snacks, poop bags, and a blanket.
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Schedule regular breaks on long drives and look for pet-friendly stops.
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Keep vet records handy and ensure your pet’s microchip and tags are current.
Wrap-Up: A Little Awareness Goes a Long Way.
Summer is one of the best times of the year to build memories with your pet, especially if you’re just starting as a new pet parent. Staying alert to these common (but preventable) hazards means more time playing, relaxing, and enjoying each other’s company.
With some preparation and know-how, you’ll give your furry friend the safe, sun-soaked summer they deserve. Here's to a season of fresh air, happy tails, and peace of mind.