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Summer is normally a time for sunny walks, backyard lounging, and weekend adventures with your furry companions. But as Denver faces hotter and hotter days—thanks to climate change and rising global temperatures—pet owners need to be more vigilant than ever.
As global temperatures continue to climb, Denver has seen record-breaking summer highs in recent years. For pet parents across the Front Range, this shift doesn’t just mean more sunscreen and iced drinks for humans—it means taking extra precautions to ensure our furry friends stay safe, hydrated, and cool during extreme heat. Just like humans, dogs and cats can overheat, get dehydrated, and suffer from heat-related illnesses. The stakes are high, and knowing how to keep your pets cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s about keeping them safe.
Whether you’re adventuring in the great outdoors with your pup or making sure your indoor kitty stays comfortable, understanding the risks of summer heat and how to combat them is key to a safe, happy season.
Here’s your go-to guide for summer pet safety, complete with heatstroke prevention tips, pet hydration advice, and cooling strategies for both dogs and cats. Plus, we’ll share how Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral keeps pets comfortable all summer long at our trusted Denver-area boarding facility.
Summer Heat Is More Dangerous Than Ever for Pets
Global warming has made hot days hotter, longer, and more frequent in Colorado. Denver’s summer days often surge above 90°F, and asphalt, sidewalks, and enclosed areas can become dangerously hot for pets in minutes.
Dogs and cats don’t sweat the same way humans do—they rely mostly on panting and, in cats’ case, grooming to regulate their temperature. On extremely hot days, these natural cooling methods aren’t enough. This makes them more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially during extended outdoor activities, confined indoor environments, or travel.
Recognizing the Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It happens when your pet’s body temperature rises too high (generally over 104°F for dogs or cats). If untreated, it can lead to organ failure or death.
Look out for these warning signs:
Dogs:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Red or pale gums
- Rapid heartbeat
- Lethargy or confusion
Uncoordinated movement - Vomiting or diarrhea
- Collapse or unresponsiveness
Cats:
- Panting or open-mouth breathing (a red flag for cats)
- Restlessness or pacing
- Drooling
- Weakness or staggering
- Vomiting
Red gums
Rapid pulse
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, move them to a cool area, offer water, and call your vet immediately.
Essential Summer Safety Tips for Dogs
1. Limit Outdoor Time During Peak Heat
The hottest part of the day—typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.—can be dangerous for dogs. Asphalt and concrete surfaces can become scorching, causing painful paw burns or even heatstroke if your pup is outside too long. Instead, plan walks and outdoor activities for early mornings or after the sun goes down. Use your hand to test the pavement before heading out: if it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for paws. And remember, even high-energy dogs benefit from more rest and shorter outings in the summer heat.
2. Never Leave a Dog in a Parked Car
This one cannot be overstated. On a 70°F day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise to over 100°F in just 20 minutes—even with the windows cracked. Leaving a dog in a car, even for a “quick errand,” can be fatal. Dogs don’t sweat like humans; they rely on panting to cool down, and that’s not enough to protect them from the heat-trapping effects of a parked vehicle. If you can’t bring your dog with you into your destination, it’s best to leave them at home in a cool, safe space.
3. Provide Shade and Airflow Outdoors
If your dog enjoys spending time in the yard or at the park, be sure they have access to a shaded area and good air circulation. Trees, shade sails, and dog houses with proper ventilation offer relief from direct sunlight. Be cautious with metal crates or small kennels in the sun, as they can trap heat. A shaded spot combined with a gentle breeze or fan can make a major difference in keeping your pup’s body temperature in a safe range. Dogs should never be tethered in full sun without the ability to move into shade.
4. Keep Them Hydrated
Hydration is key to your dog’s ability to regulate body temperature. Provide fresh, cool water both inside and outside the house, especially if your dog has been playing or walking. Consider placing multiple water bowls throughout your home and yard. You can drop a few ice cubes into the bowl to keep it cool and make hydration a little more fun. Some dogs also enjoy licking frozen broth cubes or snacking on watermelon slices (seedless and in moderation!) for an extra hydration boost.
5. Try Cooling Gear
There are many pet-friendly products designed to help dogs beat the heat. Cooling vests absorb water and use evaporation to lower body temperature during walks or play. Gel-filled cooling mats provide a comfy place to lie down on hot days and can be used indoors or on shady patios. Bandanas soaked in cool water and placed around your dog’s neck can also help during walks. These tools are especially helpful for dogs with thick coats or breeds prone to overheating, such as pugs or bulldogs. Just make sure your dog is supervised when wearing or using any cooling gear.
6. Water Play = Happy Pup
Swimming is one of the best ways for dogs to stay cool and burn energy safely in hot weather. At Doggie Dude Ranch, we offer supervised daily water play in our full-sized, in-ground dog pool! Whether your dog is a confident swimmer or prefers splashing around in the shallow end, our pool is a safe, enriching way for pups to cool off and socialize. It’s just one of the many ways we keep our boarding and daycare guests happy, active, and comfortable during Colorado’s warmest months. Learn more about our dog pool here.
For more summer safety tips for your pooch, check out our previous post: Summer Survival Guide: Keeping Your Canine Cool and Happy in the Heat
Essential Summer Safety Tips for Cats
1. Keep the Indoor Climate Comfortable
Indoor cats are at risk of overheating too—especially during Denver’s heat waves. Make sure your home is air-conditioned or well-ventilated. Fans, window screens, and closed blinds can help circulate air and keep rooms cooler. If you don’t have A/C, create a “cool zone” in a lower-level room and keep it shaded and breezy. Never place your cat’s bed or litter box in a sun-drenched area, and keep an eye out for signs of heat stress like panting, lethargy, or drooling.
2. Offer Plenty of Water Options
Cats aren’t always eager drinkers, so it’s important to offer multiple hydration sources around your home. Pet water fountains with running water can entice cats to drink more frequently. Adding a few ice cubes to water bowls can make things a bit more refreshing. You can also offer chilled treats like small spoonfuls of plain yogurt or frozen tuna water (without salt or additives). Staying hydrated is one of the best defenses against heat-related issues.
3. Brush Often
Cats naturally shed their winter coats as the weather warms, but regular brushing helps speed up the process and keeps them comfortable. Removing loose fur allows better airflow across the skin and helps prevent overheating. This is especially important for long-haired breeds like Maine Coons or Persians, but even short-haired cats benefit from frequent grooming. As a bonus, brushing also helps cut down on hairballs and keeps your home cleaner during shedding season.
4. Create Cool Zones
Help your cat escape the heat by creating cozy, shaded spots throughout your home. A cardboard box placed in a cool corner can become a favorite hideout. Cooling mats or ceramic tiles are also great additions to your cat’s favorite nap spots. Some cats even enjoy sleeping on the bathroom floor or next to a fan. Provide options, and let your cat choose where they feel most comfortable during the hottest parts of the day.
5. Watch for Overheating
Cats can be sneaky about hiding discomfort, so it’s important to watch for subtle signs of heat-related illness. Heavy panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, or glassy eyes may indicate overheating. If you notice these signs, move your cat to a cooler space immediately, offer water, and contact your vet if symptoms persist. For more feline-specific summer safety tips, check out our earlier post: How to Keep Your Cat Happy During the Summer.
How Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral Keeps Pets Cool All Summer Long
At Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral, summer safety is a top priority. Our dog boarding facility includes shaded outdoor play yards, a full-size in-ground dog pool for daily swim sessions, and climate-controlled indoor spaces to ensure every pup can escape the heat when needed. You can learn more about our dog facilities here.
For our feline guests, we offer a calm, air-conditioned cat boarding environment complete with cozy nap spots and window perches that let them enjoy filtered sunlight without overheating. We pay close attention to hydration, grooming needs, and behavior to help cats stay comfortable and stress-free throughout their stay. Learn more about our cat boarding amenities here.
Whether you’re dropping your pet off for a single day or heading out of town for a longer adventure, you can trust that your dog or cat will be safe, cool, and well cared for during Colorado’s hottest season.
Summer Safety at Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral
When your pets stay at Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral, we take every precaution to keep them cool, safe, and comfortable—no matter the temperature outside.
Here’s how we prioritize summer pet safety during dog and cat boarding:
1. In-Ground Pool Time
Our large, in-ground dog pool provides the ultimate cool-down zone for our canine guests. Supervised swimming and splash sessions offer a safe and enriching way to beat the heat.
2. Climate-Controlled Buildings
Both our dog and cat boarding facilities are fully climatized with AC and ventilation to ensure a consistent, comfortable temperature inside. No sweaty pups or panting kitties here!
3. Hydration Access at All Times
We maintain clean, fresh water stations throughout the property and monitor all pets to ensure they’re drinking enough, especially on warmer days.
4. Shaded Outdoor Play Yards
Our outdoor dog play areas include ample shade and are supervised at all times. We modify play schedules to avoid midday heat spikes.
5. Low-Stress Environment for Cats
Our cat boarding facility offers multi-level condos in a quiet, climate-controlled building. Cats are treated to soft beds, lofty perches, and plenty of cool lounging spots.
6. Trained Staff Monitoring
Our team is trained to spot the earliest signs of overheating and respond immediately. Whether your pet’s staying for a day or an extended summer vacation, they’re in loving, attentive hands.
Bonus Tips to Keep Pets Cool at Home
- Make frozen dog treats with yogurt, peanut butter, or fruit puree.
- Set up a kiddie pool or sprinkler for backyard fun.
- Freeze a water bottle and place it in your pet’s bed (wrapped in a towel).
- Offer cooling mats or raised mesh beds.
- Let cats explore tile or hardwood floors on hot days.
Denver Pet Parents: Don’t Sweat It This Summer
As the heat intensifies, so does the need to stay vigilant about keeping pets cool. Whether you’re going on vacation, returning to the office, or just need help giving your pup a safe outlet for summer energy, Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral is here to help.
You’ll find:
- A climate-controlled, spacious environment
- Splash-tastic pool time for water-loving pups
- A low-stress, peaceful space for kitties to stay cool
- Staff trained in heatstroke prevention and hydration monitoring
Ready to keep your furry friend safe and smiling this summer? Contact us today to learn more about our boarding, daycare, and summer safety protocols.
