Unlike humans, pets only have a few sweat glands — mostly located on their paw pads! This means they have to rely on less efficient ways to cool themselves, like panting or lying on a cool surface. They also can’t tell us when they are too hot, so it’s important that we pay close attention to the signs they might be overheating.

When temperatures are expected to exceed 70 degrees, it’s best to walk your dog early in the morning or late in the day. Before going for a walk, test the temperature of the ground by placing the back of your hand on it. If you can comfortably hold it there for 7 seconds, it’s safe for a walk. If your pet begins to show down or pant excessively during the walk, it’s time to give them a break.

There are many alternative ways to keep our pets busy and enriched during the hot weather! If you’re not able to get out for an early morning or evening walk, try out some indoor activities. These can include puzzle toys, snuffle mats, training games, hide-and-seek and more. Explore our pet enrichment resources for ideas that will support your pet’s mental and physical health while keeping them safe from the heat.

Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises above normal levels (100-103.8 degrees). This causes an inflammatory response throughout the pet’s body that — depending on how long their temperature remains elevated — can damage their internal organs. Risks include damaged brain cells, cardiovascular shock, respiratory distress, kidney failure and blood coagulation. Heatstroke can lead to death if untreated.

Signs of heatstroke in pets include heavy panting, confusion, acting sluggish and very red gums and tongue. As the severity increases, heatstroke can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, collapse and seizures.

It’s important to take action quickly to help cool your pet down! Steps include moving them to a cool, well-ventilated area, placing wet towels on their body or spraying water on them (never ice, which can cause shock) and offering them water. If they are showing more severe signs of heatstroke or are unconscious, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Yes! Puppies, kittens and senior pets are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as adult pets. Pets that are overweight or have dark coats are also more at risk. Brachycephalic pets (flat-faced, like bulldogs and pugs) cannot pant as effectively, which also puts them at higher risk. Lastly, pets with health conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes are more heat sensitive.

If you see an animal in distress inside a car, act quickly but safely — there are legal steps you should follow. California's "Right to Rescue" Act, provides legal protection to individuals who rescue animals from vehicles when they are in immediate danger due to conditions like extreme heat or cold, inadequate ventilation or lack of water. The law grants civil and criminal immunity to Good Samaritans who break into vehicles to save these animals, as long as they follow specific steps. Here’s what to do:

• Assess the situation: Look for signs of distress such as heavy panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, collapse or unresponsiveness. Note the car’s make, model, color and license plate.
• Try to locate the owner: Alert nearby businesses, stores or venues. Ask them to page the owner.
• Call for help immediately: Dial 911 or your local Humane Law Enforcement. If you live in San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction, can call dispatch at 619-299-7012 (press 1).
• Understand your rights: California law allows a person to take reasonable steps to remove an animal from a vehicle if the animal appears to be in immediate danger — but you must first call law enforcement. You must wait for them to arrive unless it's clear the animal’s life is in immediate danger and help isn’t coming quickly.
• If you break in: Stay with the animal in a safe location until law enforcement or animal control arrives.