☀️ Hot Dog! Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Heat
Friendly Summer Safety Tips from Your Team at Creekside
We love that you want to include your pets in all of life’s adventures—whether that’s hiking the trails, lounging at the park, or running quick errands together. But as summer heats up, so does the risk of heat stress, exhaustion, and even heat stroke in our furry friends.
At Creekside Veterinary Clinic & Pet Grooming, we’re here to be your trusted partners in pet care—through every season. Let’s keep them safe, cool, and comfy all summer long.
🔥 Dogs Don't Sweat Like We Do
We humans cool down by sweating (and sipping iced drinks in the shade). Dogs? Not so much. They rely mainly on panting to cool off—with a tiny bit of help from sweat glands in their paw pads. That makes them far more vulnerable to overheating, especially in hot, humid conditions.
Some dogs are at even greater risk, including:
Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Frenchies, Bulldogs
Older dogs or those with underlying health conditions
Dogs with thick coats (like Huskies or Bernese Mountain Dogs)
Overweight pets
A happy pant can quickly turn into heat stress, then heat exhaustion, and—if not caught in time—life-threatening heat stroke.
🚩 Warning Signs: When Is It Too Hot?
If your dog looks extra tired or just not right, stop and check them out. These are signs to watch for:
Early Heat Stress
Heavy, open-mouth panting
Flaccid/floppy tongue
Seeking shade or slowing down
Danger Zone
Tongue flattening at the tip or curling at the edges
Watery eyes, droopy or squinting look
Drinking less or not at all
Unsteady movements, trembling
Emergency – Heat Stroke!
Vomiting
Collapse or trouble standing
Diarrhea
Seizures or loss of consciousness
Pale, bluish, or bright red gums
👉 If you’re seeing these signs, don’t wait—cool your pet immediately and seek veterinary care.
❄️ Emergency Cooling: What to Do (Fast!)
We get it—emergencies make our brains short-circuit. That’s normal. So here’s your simple guide:
Too hot? Cool quickly!
Soak your dog to the skin using whatever’s handy: hose, cooler, lake, bottled drinks—cooling the goal!
Focus on getting water down to the skin, not just the fur.
Get air flow: A/C or a fan to help the water evaporate, which cools more efficiently than just dunking.
Call an emergency vet on your way or have someone else call while you’re cooling the dog. Here is a link to the four ER vet clinics in the Madison area
No time to make a fancy setup. Cooling first, then transporting to the vet—it can truly be life-saving.
💡 Pro tip: Ice water won’t cause shock—heat is the real danger. Just don’t leave your dog submerged for too long. We just them to get wet down to the skin.
🧊 Prevention Is the Best Medicine
Here’s how to keep your pup cool before they overheat:
Walk your dog early morning or evening.
Avoid pavement—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.
Give unlimited access to water and shade when they are outside.
Use fans, cooling mats, or wet towels (not wrapped—just draped or under them).
Soak your dog before playtime when it’s hot out.
Skip the car rides unless absolutely necessary—even a few minutes in a car can be fatal.
Thinking about a summer haircut? Ask us first—some breeds shouldn’t be shaved, as their coat protects against sun and heat. Our groomers can give you expert advice and get them set up for a summer haircut if needed! Call Creekside Groomers at 608-767-1404
❤️ Every Pet Is Different
We believe in personalized care because no two pets (or pet parents!) are the same.
Some dogs struggle at 60°F, while others might handle 80°F just fine with shade and breaks. If you’re unsure, call us. The difference between a Chihuahua, Husky, and Bulldog is big in these heat wave. Let’s build a warm-weather plan that fits your pet’s breed, lifestyle, and health.
🐾 Your Friends at Creekside Are Here for You
We know how much you love your pets. We’re right there with you.
Whether it’s questions about summer safety, scheduling a wellness check, getting a summer hair cut, or just needing a quick "Is this normal?" chat—we’re always happy to help.
📞 Call us at 608-767-1400 (Vet Clinic) 608-767-1404 (Grooming)
🌐 Visit AVMA.org/PetHealth for more summer pet care resources
From our whole team at Creekside Vet Clinic & Pet Grooming—stay cool, stay kind, and give your pets a big ol’ belly rub from us! 🐶🐾🐱
