In Arizona, summer does not knock politely. It kicks the door in.
One week you’re enjoying perfect patio mornings. The next, your car feels like a sauna and the pavement could fry an egg. While we adjust with iced drinks and earlier schedules, our pets face something much more serious: heatstroke and dehydration.
And here’s the truth. In the desert, overheating can happen fast.
Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting. When the air temperature climbs into the triple digits, panting becomes far less effective. Their internal temperature can rise quickly, especially during:
Midday walks
Backyard play sessions
Time on hot pavement
Waiting in a parked car, even briefly
Cats are not immune either. Garages, enclosed patios, and rooms with poor airflow can trap heat quickly.
The Problem Is It Starts Subtle
Heatstroke rarely begins with drama. It begins with small shifts.
You might notice:
Heavy, nonstop panting
Thick drool
Bright red gums
Slowing down mid-walk
Seeming unusually tired
Those are early warning signs. If heat stress continues, symptoms can escalate to:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Stumbling
Confusion
Collapse
At that point, it becomes an emergency.
Dehydration often travels alongside heat stress. Arizona’s dry air pulls moisture from the body quickly. Signs include:
Dry or sticky gums
Sunken eyes
Low energy
Skin that does not snap back quickly when gently lifted
A dog who normally sprints to the door may suddenly lie down halfway through a walk. That matters.
Some Pets Have Less Margin for Error
Heat is especially dangerous for:
Senior pets
Overweight animals
Short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs
Pets with heart or breathing conditions
Thick-coated breeds
For these pets, what feels “warm” to us can already be too much.
Prevention Is Simple. Consistency Is Key.
Living in Arizona means adjusting habits.
Walk early morning or after sunset
Test pavement with the back of your hand for five seconds
Provide constant access to fresh water
Refill bowls often
Limit play during peak heat
Never leave pets in parked cars
Even a few minutes in a vehicle can become life-threatening.
If you suspect overheating:
Move your pet into air conditioning or shade immediately
Offer small amounts of cool water
Apply cool, not ice-cold, water to the belly and paws
Contact your veterinarian right away
Even if they seem better, internal damage can still occur. It is always safer to have them checked.
The Part Most People Forget
Summer in Arizona also means travel. Long weekends. Flights. Late workdays. And when routines change, risk increases.
Most sitters understand that Arizona is hot. They know not to walk a dog at noon. But recognizing heatstroke is more than knowing it is warm outside. It is understanding when panting shifts from normal to dangerous. It is noticing subtle gum color changes. It is recognizing early dehydration before a pet collapses. Those distinctions often come from hands-on veterinary experience.
That is where medically informed care makes a real difference.
When you use VetterCare for pet sitting or boarding, your pet is cared for by experienced veterinary-trained professionals who understand hydration, recognize early warning signs, and know when something is not right. For senior pets, chronic conditions, or simply added peace of mind during the hottest months, that extra level of awareness matters.
Arizona heat is predictable. It will arrive every year, right on schedule. The good news is that heatstroke and dehydration are largely preventable with attention and smart planning.
In the desert, loving your pet means thinking ahead. It means adjusting routines. It means recognizing that safety here requires a little more vigilance.
Because in triple-digit temperatures, prevention is not overreacting.
It is responsible.