Quick answer: To keep your dog or cat safe in a Calgary summer, never leave them in a parked car, provide shade and fresh water, and avoid walks during the hottest part of the day. Keep parasite prevention current, protect paws from hot pavement, and learn the signs of overheating. If your pet shows heat distress, contact a veterinarian right away.
Heat and Your Pet
Calgary summers can bring stretches of genuine heat, and pets feel it more than we do. Dogs and cats cool themselves mainly by panting rather than sweating, so they can become dangerously hot quickly, especially young, senior, flat-faced, or overweight pets. Heatstroke is an emergency, and it is far easier to prevent than to treat.
A parked car is one of the greatest dangers. On a warm day the interior heats up within minutes, even in the shade with the windows cracked, so never leave a pet inside. Watch for early warning signs of overheating, which include heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, vomiting, or unsteadiness. If you see these, move your pet to a cool place, offer small sips of water, and call a veterinarian without delay.
Parasites Are Busy in Summer
Warm weather brings out fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, and with them the diseases they can carry. Ticks in particular have become more common across many parts of the province, so a reliable prevention plan matters through the warm months and beyond.
- Keep flea, tick, and worm prevention current, and ask about protection suited to your pet
- Check your dog’s coat and skin after time outdoors, particularly around the ears, neck, and paws
- Remove ticks promptly and safely, or have your veterinary team do it
- Ask whether parasites such as heartworm are a concern for your pet’s travel or lifestyle
A visit for pet care services is a good time to review your prevention plan and make sure it still fits your pet’s age and habits. If you notice signs such as excessive scratching, hair loss, or a tick you cannot remove, your team can help.
Paws, Water, and Outdoor Fun
Pavement and patios can get hot enough to hurt paw pads. A simple test is to place the back of your hand on the surface for a few seconds; if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your pet. Walk during the cooler morning and evening hours, stick to grass and shade where you can, and always carry water.
Water play is a summer favourite, but supervise it carefully. Not every dog is a strong swimmer, and moving water can be unpredictable. Discourage drinking from stagnant ponds, rinse your pet after a swim, and dry the ears well to help prevent irritation. Keeping cats cool indoors, with shade and fresh water, is the safest choice for them during a heat wave.
When to Call the Veterinarian
Some summer troubles can wait for a routine visit, while others need prompt attention. Contact your veterinary team, or seek urgent help, if your pet shows any of the following:
- Signs of overheating, such as collapse, heavy distress, or vomiting
- A wound, a limp, or a burn on the paw pads
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, especially in hot weather when dehydration sets in faster
- A tick bite that looks irritated, or a sudden change in appetite or energy
When a worrying sign appears during clinic hours, urgent and emergency care and pet diagnostics help the team assess your pet quickly. Calling ahead lets them prepare for your arrival and advise you on what to do on the way.
A Simple Summer Checklist
A little routine goes a long way in the warm months. Before heading out with your dog, check the temperature and the pavement, pack water for both of you, and plan a route with shade and places to rest. After any time outdoors, run your hands over your pet to check for ticks, burrs, or sore spots, and offer water once they have had a chance to settle.
At home, make sure your pet always has access to shade and fresh, cool water, and never leave them in a parked vehicle even for a moment. With a few sensible habits, you and your dog or cat can enjoy everything a Calgary summer has to offer while staying safe and comfortable.
Keep your veterinary clinic’s number saved in your phone so you can reach the team quickly if a hot-weather worry comes up. A few moments of preparation now can save precious time later, and give you real peace of mind through the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is too hot for a walk?
If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand after a few seconds, it is too hot for your pet’s paws. On warm days, walk during the cooler morning or evening hours, stay on grass and shade, and bring water.
What are the signs of heatstroke in pets?
Watch for heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, vomiting, or unsteadiness. Heatstroke is an emergency; move your pet somewhere cool, offer small sips of water, and contact a veterinarian right away.
Do indoor cats need parasite prevention in summer?
Many still benefit from it, since fleas and other parasites can come indoors on people and other pets. Your veterinary team can recommend the right level of protection for your cat’s lifestyle.
What are your hours?
Bowness Animal Hospital is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clinic is closed on Sundays and statutory holidays.