Pet-safety experts Ashley Bard and Kirsten Yakimowich provided guidance on keeping animals safe and comfortable during extreme summer weather conditions.
These precautions are critical because pets cannot regulate their body temperatures as effectively as humans, making them susceptible to heatstroke and other weather-related injuries during peak summer months.
Speaking on July 13, 2026 [1], Bard and Yakimowich of the Paws Up Program said the specific challenges pet owners face in Edmonton, Alberta, are significant. The experts said maintaining a cool environment for animals is important to prevent heat-related distress.
While specific temperature thresholds were not detailed, the experts focused on practical methods to ensure animals remain comfortable. This includes providing constant access to fresh water, and avoiding walking pets on hot pavement, which can burn paw pads.
Owners were encouraged to recognize the signs of overheating in their animals. The Paws Up Program representatives said that vigilance is the primary tool for preventing emergencies when temperatures rise throughout the region.
Providing shade and utilizing cooling mats are also recommended strategies to mitigate the risk of heat exhaustion. The guidance aims to reduce the number of emergency veterinary visits associated with preventable summer heat injuries.
“Pets cannot regulate their body temperatures as effectively as humans.”
The focus on pet safety in Edmonton highlights a growing trend of urban veterinary clinics seeing an increase in heat-related admissions during summer spikes. By promoting preventative measures like paw-pad protection and hydration, organizations like Paws Up Program aim to shift pet care from reactive emergency treatment to proactive environmental management.
