🐾 A Summer to Remember: Keeping Pets Safe When Temperatures Soared
By: Dr. Amélie Laurent, DVM, Paris, France
As a veterinarian practicing in Paris, I’ve seen too many cases of heat exhaustion in pets—cases that often could have been prevented with just a little preparation. But even professionals can learn important lessons firsthand.
Last August, during one of the hottest summers we’d ever experienced, I was reminded how quickly the heat can turn dangerous—even for my own dog, Daisy.
I still remember that Saturday afternoon. The city was shimmering with heat, and the sidewalks were almost too hot to touch. Daisy, my Labrador retriever, was playing in our small courtyard, chasing her favorite blue ball with her usual boundless enthusiasm. She looked so happy. I watched her with a smile—until I noticed her slowing down.
At first, I assumed she was simply tired. But when she came over to me, her panting was deep and rapid, and she almost collapsed at my feet. My training took over immediately: I carried her inside, placed cool, damp towels along her belly and paws, and checked her gums and heart rate. She was showing clear signs of heat exhaustion.
Fortunately, she recovered fully. But that day reinforced something I teach my clients every summer—never underestimate the heat.
This year, I made sure we were prepared. I purchased a high-quality cooling mat, which starts to lower body temperature as soon as the dog lies on it—no refrigeration or gel required. I refreshed her water bowl several times a day with cold, clean water. I also kept a collapsible dish in my bag whenever we went out together, so she could stay hydrated wherever we were.
I scheduled our walks only early in the morning or late in the evening, when the pavement was cool to the touch. I also learned to read Daisy’s body language even more closely: when her panting became shallow and faster, or she seemed less responsive, it was time to stop and cool down.
One thing I emphasize to every pet owner is how quickly a parked car becomes deadly. Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can rise by 20 degrees Celsius in just 10 minutes. I never take Daisy in the car if I’m not absolutely certain she can stay with me the entire time.
Summer is a beautiful season, but it requires vigilance. Here are a few of the tips I share with my clients—and follow myself:
✅ Always provide fresh, cool water and shade.
✅ Avoid walks during the hottest hours of the day.
✅ Test pavement with your hand before letting your dog walk on it.
✅ Use cooling mats or damp towels to help regulate body temperature.
✅ Never leave a pet alone in a parked car—even for a moment.
✅ Know the signs of heat exhaustion and act quickly.
Today, Daisy and I still enjoy long afternoons outside, but we do so with a plan. She has her cooling mat, her shaded spot beneath the trees, and plenty of water. And I have peace of mind knowing I’m giving her the safest summer possible.
As a veterinarian and as a pet parent, I can tell you—these precautions save lives.
Stay watchful, stay prepared, and savor every moment with your loyal friend. They count on us to protect them.
— Dr. Amélie Lauren