Summer Pet Safety Tips from Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic

The summer months in North Vancouver are a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors—but the heat can pose serious risks to our pets. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we want to help you keep your furry companions safe, cool, and comfortable during the warmer weather.  North Vancouver Vet

1. Hydration Is Essential

Always make sure your dog or cat has access to fresh, cool water—whether they’re indoors, in the backyard, or on a hike. Bring a portable water bowl for outings and keep extra bowls around the house to encourage drinking, especially on hot days.

 North Vancouver Vet

2. Protect Those Paws

Here on the North Shore, sidewalks and pavement can heat up quickly in the sun. Before heading out, test the ground with your hand. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Try to walk your dog during cooler parts of the day, and stick to shady or grassy paths.

 North Vancouver Vet

3. Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car

Even on a mild day, the inside of a vehicle can become dangerously hot in minutes. Leaving a pet in a parked car, even with the windows cracked, can quickly lead to heatstroke—and in B.C., it’s also illegal under certain circumstances. If you're running errands, it’s safest to leave your pet at home.

 North Vancouver Vet

4. Keep Things Cool Indoors

North Vancouver homes don’t always have air conditioning, so it’s important to find ways to keep your pet cool inside. Close the blinds during the day, use fans to circulate air, and make sure pets can rest in cooler areas like tile or basement floors. You can also freeze a water bottle and wrap it in a towel for a homemade cooling pack.

 North Vancouver Vet

5. Mind the Fur: Grooming Tips

Routine brushing can help reduce the insulating effect of thick undercoats and keep pets more comfortable. But don’t shave double-coated breeds—doing so can interfere with their natural temperature regulation. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask one of our vets or technicians for grooming advice tailored to your pet.

 North Vancouver Vet

6. Know the Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Watch for these signs and call us immediately if you notice them:

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Lethargy or collapse

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Red or pale gums

• Disorientation or glassy eyes

Pets with flat faces (like Bulldogs and Persians), seniors, and overweight animals are

especially vulnerable.

 North Vancouver Vet

7. Try These Cooling Hacks

Need a few simple ways to help your pet beat the heat?

• Offer ice cubes or frozen treats (low-sodium broth works great!)

• Set up a kiddie pool or sprinkler in the yard for supervised play

• Use cooling mats or damp towels for them to lie on

• Fill a Kong toy with wet food and freeze it for a longer-lasting snack

 North Vancouver Vet

We’re Here for You This Summer

Whether you're heading out on a summer adventure or keeping it local here in North Van, Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic is here to help you keep your pets safe and healthy. If you’re ever unsure whether your pet is handling the heat well—or if you need advice tailored to their breed, age, or health conditions—give us a call or book an appointment.

Let’s make this a happy and safe summer for all our four-legged family members!