Keep Your Pets Safe During the Dangerous New York Summer Heat

The first heatwave of the 2025 season is upon us. Here's how you can keep your family pets safe during the intense heat.

Heatwave Heading Towards the Hudson Valley

The first day of summer is upon us and mother nature is making sure we know it.

According to the NBC 4 New York, the first full week of summer, June 23rd through the 27th, is going to be a summer scorcher. We will be dealt a string of 90-degree days and NBC adds "Humidity will be ramping up along with the temperature next week, too, so the “feels like” temperature is going to be wilting."

They also explain that a high pressure ridge over the eastern seaboard will keep the rain away.

Heat like this is especially dangers as NBC notes because it comes "on so quickly before our bodies have any chance to acclimate to it."

As always in weather like this, its best to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and check in on the elderly who may not have access to air conditioning.

But what about our pets? How can we keep them safe during this intense heat?

Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Dangerous New York Summer Heat

The American Red Cross has published a list of tips for pet owners to follow as the warmer weather strikes.

Grooming is an important first step to take, they recommend trimming longer  haired dogs, but never shave them. They also suggest to brush cats more often to "help prevent problems caused by excessive heat."

If you're taking your pet outdoors, avoid hot surfaces like asphalt. The asphalt could potentially burn your pets paws.

On hotter days avoid, walking, running or hiking with your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Wait until the sun starts going down to go out for your longer walks.

Dangers Of Leaving Your Dog in a Hot Car

The most important reminder, which should come as common sense, never leave your pet in a hot vehicle.

The American Red Cross writes "The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open."

Locally the Chelsea Fire Department in Dutchess County shared this graphic that could be helpful to put the danger of the situation into perspective:

The Chelsea Fire Department adds "it's important to check & double check your vehicle before leaving it unattended. Cars turn into ovens in a short amount of time."