Everything Florida pet owners need to know before temperatures — and humidity — hit their peak.

  • EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care
  • Board-Certified Specialists
  • Open 24/7 · Tampa & St. Petersburg

Florida summers are no joke — and for pets, the risks go well beyond feeling uncomfortable. Between scorching pavement, parked cars that turn into ovens, daily thunderstorms, and year-round parasite season, summer in Florida requires a little extra awareness from every pet owner.

The team at EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care sees heatstroke, paw burns, and other warm-weather emergencies every summer. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pet safe — and what to watch for if something goes wrong.

Tip 01 · High Risk

Pavement Burns & Hot SurfacesIf it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws. Sidewalks, sandy beaches, and asphalt in Florida can reach 150°F on a sunny day — hot enough to cause painful burns within seconds.Walk dogs in the early morning or after sunset when surface temperatures have dropped. If midday walks are unavoidable, stick to grass and check your dog’s paws for redness, blistering, or limping afterward.

Tip 02 · High Risk

Never Leave Pets in Parked CarsFlorida car interiors can hit 120°F or more within minutes — not even with the windows cracked, not even for a quick errand. What feels like a short stop can become a life-threatening emergency faster than most people realize.If your pet can’t come with you, leave them home!

Tip 03 · Know the Signs

Heatstroke Warning SignsHeatstroke is one of the most common — and most dangerous — warm-weather emergencies we treat. It can turn fatal within minutes.

  • Excessive panting
  • Heavy drooling
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Collapse
  • Glazed eyes

If you see any of these signs, get to an emergency vet immediately. Move your pet to a cool, shaded area, apply cool (not ice cold) water to their body, and call ahead so the team is ready when you arrive.

Tip 04 · Daily Habit

Hydration is EverythingPets dehydrate fast in Florida’s heat and humidity. Always carry fresh water on walks, and refresh their bowl throughout the day. Add ice cubes to keep it cool longer — most dogs love it, and it encourages them to drink more.Signs of dehydration include dry gums, sunken eyes, and skin that doesn’t snap back quickly when gently pinched.
A small brown and white dog rests its head on a person's legs, looking up while the person reads a book. The person is wearing blue jeans, and the focus is on the dog's face and the open book.

Tip 05 · Year-Round in Florida

Heartworm & Parasite PreventionFlorida’s warm, wet summers mean mosquito and flea season never really ends. Unlike northern states where pet owners get a winter break from parasites, Florida pets need year-round heartworm prevention and flea and tick treatments — no exceptions.If your pet is overdue, now is the time to get current. Talk to your primary vet to make sure you’re covered heading into peak season.

Tip 06 · Storm Season

Thunder, Lightning & Storm AnxietyDaily afternoon thunderstorms are practically a Florida tradition from June through September. For anxious pets, that’s a lot of stress. Create a safe, quiet space indoors — a crate with a blanket, a closet, or a bathroom — where your pet can decompress.If your pet has severe storm anxiety, talk to your vet about calming options before the season peaks. There are safe, effective solutions available that can make a big difference.

Tip 07 · Florida-Specific

Watch for WildlifeThis one is unique to Florida: lakes, ponds, canals, and retention ponds can all harbor alligators — including ones in suburban neighborhoods. Keep pets on a leash near any body of water and never let them swim unsupervised.Alligators are most active at dusk and dawn, and they can move surprisingly fast on land. When in doubt, keep your distance and keep your pet close.

Tip 08 · Beach & Pool Safety

Rinse Off After Every SwimFlorida beach and pool days are one of the best parts of summer — for pets and people alike. But saltwater and sand can irritate your pet’s skin, and both can cause stomach upset if ingested in large amounts.Always rinse your pet off thoroughly after beach trips, check between their toes for sand and debris, and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh drinking water so they’re not tempted to drink from the ocean or pool.

Tampa Location

Emergency Services Open 24/7 · (813) 343-2118

St. Petersburg Location

Emergency Services Open 24/7 · (727) 473-3845

Board-Certified SpecialistsInternal Medicine · Surgery · Oncology · Cardiology · Critical Care · Emergency

If You Think It’s an Emergency, It Probably Is

EPIC is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — locally owned, non-corporate, and always here when your primary vet isn’t. No referral needed for emergency care.