For the Clinic:
Help Your Clients Recognize Pet Emergencies Before They Happen
Summer brings sun, fun, and, unfortunately, a spike in pet emergencies. From heat exhaustion and burned paw pads, to worried clients unsure whether their pet’s symptoms require urgent care, the season can be stressful for veterinary teams and pet parents alike.
To help ease that load, we’ve created this guide for pet owners to reference while they’re out enjoying the season. Plus, you can share the downloadable infographic with your clients to help them recognize when it’s time to go to the emergency room or when they might be able to monitor at home.
We cover topics like:
- What’s “normal” for pets when it comes to vitals like temperature and heart rate
- How to recognize heat-related dangers before they escalate
- Simple first-aid tips and when it’s time to call the vet
Feel free to use the content below on your website, in an email newsletter, or as part of your clinic’s summer safety campaign. We’re here to help you empower clients with knowledge so they feel more confident during the warmer months so your team can stay focused on providing excellent care.
For the clients:
Summer Pet Safety: Vital Signs and Seasonal Hazards to Know
Summertime means more adventures, backyard gatherings, and quality time outdoors. Naturally, we want our pets to be part of the fun—whether it’s boating, hiking, or joining the neighborhood barbecue. But more sunshine also brings a set of critical summer safety questions that pet parents should consider, like:
- Do you know how to recognize if your dog is overheating?
- When is it too warm for indoor cats?
- What if my dog indulges itself at a barbecue? Should I be worried?
At DaySmart Vet, we’re both pet lovers and summer enthusiasts. Our summer pet safety series is dedicated to the hidden hazards that come with warm-weather activities and how to handle them.
We’re starting with the absolute essentials: helping you understand your pet’s basic vital signs and how to assess their health in a pinch. Knowing what is “normal” can be a lifesaver in uncertain moments.
Understanding Your Pet’s Vital Signs
Before heading outdoors, it’s helpful to know your pet’s baseline health indicators. These empower you to recognize when something’s off—and whether it’s time to call the vet.
Heart Rate (HR)*
Measured in beats per minute or BPM
- Dogs: 60–120 BPM
- Cats: 100–140 BPM
Note: Rates can vary based on age, size, and breed. Check out this chart from CVET for detailed information.
Respiration Rate (RR)*
Measured in beats per minute.
- Dogs: 10–30 breaths per minute
- Cats: 20–30 breaths per minute
Watch for signs of distress like labored breathing, heaving sides, or gums that look pale or blue.
Temperature
- Dogs: 100.0–102.8°F
- Cats: 100.0–102.5°F
Need help? Here’s how to take your pet’s temperature safely.
Capillary Refill Time (CRT)
- Normal: 1–2 seconds
- Gums should appear healthy pink.
- To check: Gently lift your pet’s lip and press a finger against their gums. The color should return within 1–2 seconds.
Hydration Check
- Skin Tent Test: Gently pinch the skin at the neck or between the shoulder blades. It should snap back in 1–2 seconds.
- Gum Test: Gums should feel moist, not sticky or tacky.
Anything outside this window may indicate dehydration.
Bonus Tip:
Familiarize your pet with having their vitals taken when they’re calm and healthy. This not only helps in emergencies but can reduce vet visit stress, too. Explore ways to desensitize your pet’s trip to the vet.
*For the most accurate measure, count each breath or heartbeat for a full 60 seconds. If you don’t have the ability to count for that long, you can either: count for 30 seconds and multiply that number by 2, or count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.
Common Summer Hazards for Pets
As temperatures rise, pets face an increased risk from heat, sun, and outdoor surfaces. Here are some dangers to look out for:
1. Heat Stroke and Exhaustion
- What It Is: A dangerous rise in internal body temperature.
- Symptoms: Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and sticky or discolored gums.
- Note: Especially risky for brachycephalic breeds (like bulldogs or pugs). Move affected pets to shade, use room-temperature water on towels, placing them on the neck/groin/armpits, and call your vet ASAP.
2. Hot Pavement and Surfaces
- What It Is: Burns from walking on hot pavement, sand, or metal.
- Symptoms: Redness, limping, blistered or raw paw pads.
- Check: Place your hand palm-down on the surface for 7 seconds—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.
3. Hot Cars
- What It Is: Vehicles can act as insulators for heat, causing internal temperatures to rise higher compared to external temperatures. Even 70°F outside can become deadly inside a vehicle, and quickly.
- Symptoms: Same as heat stroke—look for heavy panting, disorientation, or collapse.
- Reminder: Cracked windows and shade do not make it safe for a pet to be inside of a vehicle when it’s hot out. Never leave pets unattended in the car, especially during the warmer months.
4. Sunburn
- Who’s At Risk: Light-skinned, hairless, or recently shaved pets.
- Symptoms: Redness, warmth, or blistering on exposed skin.
- Prevention: Limit sun exposure during peak hours. Consider sun-protective clothing, but ensure it’s breathable and doesn’t cause overheating.
First Aid Kit Must-Haves for Pet Parents
As a next step, be prepared before an emergency happens by having a fully stocked first aid kit for your pet. The AVMA recommends these essentials:
Ask your veterinarian if there are any specific additions they recommend for your pet’s age, breed, or health history.
Keep Your Pet Safe in the Sun
Understanding what is “normal” for your pet, and knowing how to spot the warning signs, will give you a head start when something goes wrong. But what happens when you can recognize the signs that your pet might be experiencing, but aren’t sure if it’s an emergency? Check out our free guide on how to recognize when it’s time to go to the ER.
One “golden” rule to follow when spending time outside with your pet: always ensure your pet has unlimited access to fresh water and shade, no matter how long or short their time outside may be.
We’ve got your back. Take this guide with you as summer heats up, and stay tuned for more blogs in our summer hazard series!
Until then, enjoy the sun safely with your best friend by your side.
Download our free infographic: “When Should I Take My Pet to the Emergency Vet?”