Heat Safety for Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits

Authors: Sara Tomis, Priya Bongu, and Mary Ellen Welch
sara.tomis@uconn.edu

Reviewers: Julia Burkett and Danielle Fisher, UConn

Publication EXT226 | August 2026

DOI # pending

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Introduction

Hot weather can be dangerous for pets of all kinds. Pets can’t sweat as humans do. Dogs may pant to cool themselves, but this isn't always effective in extreme heat. Pets who are overheated may suffer from heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, which can be fatal if left untreated. Due to a limited ability to cool themselves, puppies, kittens, elderly pets, overweight animals, pets with health issues, and flat-faced breeds like Persian cats, pugs, and bulldogs are at a much higher risk for heat illness. This fact sheet can be used by pet owners to determine ways to keep dogs, cats, and rabbits healthy during hot weather.

Simple steps to help keep pets safe during hot weather

Monitor your pet’s health during times of extreme heat. Understand the symptoms of heatstroke, which is considered a medical emergency in pets. Heatstroke is indicated by a body temperature higher than 104°F.

Symptoms can include excessive panting and difficulty breathing, hot ears, vomiting (dogs and cats), diarrhea, confusion, red gums (cats), collapse, and seizures. Cool water and air (fan or air conditioning) can be used to help a pet experiencing heatstroke, while you seek medical attention from your veterinary professional.

  • Do not use ice water to cool a pet with suspected heat stroke, as this causes shock to the body. Some pets, like dogs, may tolerate being wet down with water. For other pets, such as rabbits and cats, areas where the skin is exposed can be wiped down with damp towels.
  • Rabbits can be placed on damp towels, however wrapping them can cause increased temperatures. Be careful and gentle when cooling an overheated rabbit to avoid adding to their stress.
  • Keep phone numbers handy to call your veterinarian, pet emergency center or pet hospital. Ask, what is the safest way to transport your pet? (Some pets experiencing heat illness may be very weak).
  • Never leave your pet in a parked car. Pets are at risk for heat-related illnesses since temperatures inside a car can rise by over 20°F in the first 10 minutes.
  • Don’t count on air conditioning to keep your pet cool inside a hot car, as there is a chance for this equipment to fail or for your car to shut off.
  • Ensure that pets have sufficient access to clean, cool water. On an average day, pets need about a fluid ounce of water per pound of body weight. This increases during extreme heat.
  • Pets should have free access to as much water as they need. If providing water outside, keep the bowl in a shaded spot so it doesn’t heat up in the sun. Don’t force a pet to drink water, even if they seem hot.
  • Consider placing a frozen water bottle in the rabbit cage to help them cool down.
  • Avoid exercising your pet in direct sun and during peak temperatures. Be aware that hot pavement and other surfaces in direct sun can cause damage to your pet’s paws; do your best to avoid those areas when walking your pet.
  • Don’t leave a pet outside in direct sun during hot weather, and don’t place rabbit hutches in direct sun. Check on the way the sun moves throughout the day as well.
  • Make sure hutches have enough ventilation – ammonia from manure can make it harder to breathe in hot temperatures.

Grooming

Keep your pet well-groomed so they don’t have the added insulation of excess fur. Some pets can get sunburn if they are exposed to prolonged direct sun.

Those with sparse fur, pink tipped ears and noses, and hairless breeds are at greater risk. White fur is also more prone to sun damage.

Conclusion

Extreme heat can be associated with thunderstorms. If your pet gets nervous during thunder and lightning, consider using a thundercoat for dogs or other calming strategies. Have extra water and food on hand in case the power goes out.

In the event of an emergency, make a plan and build an emergency kit for your pet, including a pet-safe thermometer, extra water, bowls, towels, and ice packs. For more information about pet emergency kits and how to protect your animals from the cold, read our Cold Weather Safety for Dogs and Cats fact sheet.

Pets can't tell you if they're too hot. Pay attention to the signs of an overheating pet, such as panting, increased water consumption, drooling, and low energy.

Be aware of situations that can increase the risk of heat illness, such as exercising your pet during extreme heat. Responsible animal ownership requires special attention during hot and humid weather.

Resources

Animal Medical Clinic of Gulf Gate. (2026, June 12). How much water does your dog or cat really need in the summer heat? https://www.animalmedicalclinicgg.com/how-much-water-dogs-cats-need-summer/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June 25). Heat and pets. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-pets.html

Cohen, A. (n.d.). Heatstroke: A medical emergency. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Riney Canine Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/heatstroke-medical-emergency

Cohen, A. (n.d.). Summer heat safety tips for dogs. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Riney Canine Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/summer-heat-safety-tips-dogs

Fryer, J. S. (2024, December 17). Heatstroke in cats: Signs, treatment, and prevention. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/systemic/heatstroke-cats

PDSA. (2023, September). Heatstroke in rabbits. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/heatstroke-in-rabbits

Upper Valley Veterinary Clinic. (2023, November 10). Pet heat stroke & exhaustion tips. https://uppervalleyvet.com/pet-heat-stroke-exhaustion-tips/

The information in this document is for educational purposes only. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of publication. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. UConn Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available. The University of Connecticut, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.