Summer travel season is ramping up, and for many pet parents plans are increasing shaped around one priority: keeping pets safe from seasonal risks.
A new 2026 Summer Safety Survey from Rover found that 88% of pet parents plan summer activities around whether their pets can join them. But alongside more outdoor adventures and travel comes increased concern about seasonal risks, particularly heat-related illness (32%) and exposure to fleas and ticks (38%).
Those concerns are personal for many pet parents. Nearly half of respondents say their dog or cat has experienced heat exhaustion or dehydration, yet 64% admit they are not fully confident they know exactly what warning signs to look for.
Safeguard Against Fleas And Ticks
Heading into the summer months, make sure your pet is up to date on your veterinarian’s recommended flea and tick prevention to alleviate concern. Also keep your yard clear of organic matter, including leaves and clippings, where fleas might hide. If your dog often explores grassy or wooded areas, learn methods for safe tick removal.
How To Keep Pets Safe During Summer Heat
Heat-related illness remains one of the biggest summer risks for pets. Despite widespread concern, many pet parents still struggle to identify the early warning signs of overheating. According to the survey, nearly half of respondents report their pet has experienced heat exhaustion or dehydration at some point.
Early warning signs include:
- Dogs: Excessive panting, lethargy, confusion or drooling. Severe signs are pale gums, foaming at the mouth or seizures.
- Cats: Excessive pacing, panting, grooming, drooling or atypical vocalizations. Severe signs include stumbling, vomiting, loss of consciousness or collapsing.
For early warning signs, give your pet cool (not iced) water to drink, get them in the shade/air conditioning, and apply wet towels or cool water to their head or neck. For concerns about your pet’s symptoms, consult your veterinarian.
Ways Pet Parents Care For Their Dogs And Cats
Almost all respondents (96%) will go to great lengths to keep their dogs and cats safe from heat-related risks. The most common practices include:
- Keeping indoor temperatures as cool as possible (73%)
- Not leaving pets in unattended vehicles, even on cooler days (58%)
- Limiting outdoor time to shady or heat-protected areas only (57%)
Other heat-safety best practices include adjusting outdoor time to cooler parts of the day, avoiding strenuous or excessive activity in general on hot days, and swapping outdoor time for more time indoors.
When out and about, nearly half (46%) of pet parents bring portable pet bowls and water, and 23% use booties or paw wax to protect paws from the hot pavement. In addition, 19% have their pets groomed specifically to prevent sunburn and overheating.
The survey also highlighted the lengths many pets are willing to go financially to keep pets comfortable. Nearly 80% said they would sacrifice personal comforts to prioritize their pet’s safety during summer months, including spending up to $100 extra per month on cooling costs or even cancelling an expensive vacation in favor of their pet’s well-being.
Finding Care For Your Pet When Traveling
Summer is the busiest travel season of the year, requiring many pet parents to seek reliable care when they are away.
Pet care experts recommend to always schedule a meet and greet with potential sitters before booking their services, particularly during busy travel periods. Planning ahead can help pet parents feel more confident that their pet’s routines, comfort and individual care needs will be maintained while they’re away. Whether pets are joining summer adventures or staying home with a sitter, preparation and heat awareness can go a long way towards helping pets stay safe and comfortable throughout the season.
BPT is a team of in-house writers and editors, each with more than 20 years’ experience. We are all humans, no AI, producing high-quality stories that inform, entertain and engage.
Find holistic Animal Services in the Spirit of Change online Alternative Health Directory.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Protect Your Pets From Heat!
5 Alternative Health Treatments For Pets
Recent Comments