Keeping Pets Safe in the Summer Heat: Our Top Tips at Five Star Veterinary Center

At Five Star Veterinary Center, we see a lot of pet emergencies that could have been avoided with just a little summer-specific knowledge. As temperatures rise, we want to make sure you’re prepared to keep your furry family members safe, happy, and healthy all season long.

We’re committed to providing Gold Standard treatment for every pet that comes through our doors—whether it’s for medications after an exam, emergency surgery, or urgent care in the middle of the night. But ideally, we help you avoid those emergencies altogether. That’s what this post is all about.

Here are our top summer safety tips to help you and your pet have a fun and stress-free season:

☀️ 1. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke

Dogs and cats don’t handle heat like we do. They can’t sweat and often don’t realize they’re overheating until it’s too late.

Look for:

• Excessive panting

• Lethargy

• Drooling

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Collapse or disorientation

If you notice any of these, it’s a red-alert situation—call us immediately. We provide emergency and urgent care services and can help stabilize your pet quickly.

🐾 2. Protect Those Paws

Sidewalks, asphalt, and even the back patio can get scorching hot. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for theirs. Try walking your pet in the early morning or late evening, and stick to grass when possible.

💦 3. Hydration is Key

Keep clean water available at all times. And if your pet is on medications (like pain management or palliative care plans), hydration is even more important to help the body regulate properly.

If your pet is acting off—refusing water, not eating, or just “not right”—give us a call. Our diagnostic services, including bloodwork and electrolyte testing, can help us figure out what’s going on.

🚫 4. Never Leave Pets in the Car

Even with the windows cracked, a car can reach dangerous temperatures in just minutes. We’ve seen the devastating effects of heat exposure firsthand—please don’t take the risk, even for a “quick run inside.”

🐝 5. Watch Out for Bites and Stings

Bugs and snakes are active in the summer. We treat allergic reactions, swelling, and even more serious complications from bites and stings. If your pet is suddenly swollen, limping, or having trouble breathing, call us right away—we’re here to help.

🌿 6. Be Aware of Summer Toxins

Certain plants, fertilizers, BBQ scraps, and even citronella products can be toxic to pets. If you suspect your pet got into something they shouldn’t have, don’t wait—bring them in. Our internal medicine and infectious disease team can get to the bottom of it fast.

At Five Star, we’re more than just your emergency vet—we’re a partner in your pet’s care journey. From routine exams and chiropractic appointments with Dr. Eigenbrod to virtual specialist consults and surgical care, we’re here when you need us most.

If you’re unsure whether something is an emergency, just call. We’d rather have you check and be safe than worry alone.

Here’s to a safe, healthy, and fun summer with your best friend by your side