Another View: When the heat rises, so should our compassion

As the days stretch longer and the sun warms our skin, many of us are drawn to the joys of summer — backyard barbecues, beach outings and long-awaited vacations. But as we embrace the season’s pleasures, let’s remember that we’re not the only ones stepping into the sunshine. Other animals, too, are venturing out after the long winter — and many of our favorite pastimes can impact them in ways we may not realize.

Litter-strewn parks, deafening fireworks and crowded recreation areas don’t exactly spell fun for other animals. Summer doesn’t have to be this way. It can be even more rewarding when we make an effort to include consideration for animals in our summer plans.

Let’s start in our own backyards. Gardening is a favorite summer activity for many, so why not make outdoor spaces a haven for local wildlife?

Plant native flowers and trees to provide food, shelter and safe nesting spots for insects and animals. Never use pesticides or herbicides, which may poison not only insects but also birds, fish and other animals including squirrels and deer.

Who doesn’t love a backyard BBQ? Vegan burgers, hot dogs and sausages are every bit as delicious as their cruel counterparts. End your feast with toasted vegan marshmallows and scoops of dairy-free ice cream. It’s a simple switch that spares animals from a lifetime of suffering and a terrifying, painful slaughter.

If you prefer cooking on — or sitting around — a campfire, please extinguish it completely before leaving the area. Unchecked embers can quickly reignite and lead to devastating wildfires, which burn over seven million acres annually and kill countless animals. As the climate catastrophe drives drought and extreme heat, it is safest to skip campfires altogether.

Beach days are the best days in the heat. Make yours animal-friendly by cleaning up after yourself. Discarded food wrappers, straws and bottle caps can be deadly for animals who get stuck in or ingest the debris. You can even spend time “trash fishing” — removing garbage from the water and sand to protect fish and other animals from harm.

Speaking of fish, never visit places that exploit fish and other animals, such as marine parks or roadside zoos. Instead, support reputable sanctuaries, go birdwatching or spend the day kayaking and quietly observing animals in nature. The real magic happens when you see animals enjoying their best lives.

If your dog’s best life involves car rides, never leave them unattended. Parked cars are death traps for dogs in the summertime: On a 70-degree day, the temperature inside one can soar to 99 degrees in 20 minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in just 10 minutes.

Daily dog walks aren’t just for summer fun; they’re essential to keep dogs physically and mentally healthy no matter the season. Leave lots of time for “sniff walks,” letting dogs stop and sniff to learn the latest neighborhood gossip. But in the summer, be extra careful — offer plenty of water, and check the pavement. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet.

If you notice a dog left outside, try to make friends with the owners. That way, you can make sure they always have fresh, clean water and shade. You could even offer to take them for sniff walks.

If there will be fireworks nearby, sniff walks can tire dogs out before the blasts start. Fireworks can be terrifying or even deadly for other animals. Birds abandon their nests. Small mammals run into roads or become trapped in fences. Many dogs and cats panic and flee. Forgo fireworks displays, never light fireworks yourself and plan to stay at home safely indoors with your animal companions on known noisy days.

This summer, let’s consider all animals under the sun. After all, a season steeped in kindness — where fun and compassion go hand in hand — is the kind of summer worth celebrating.

Melissa Rae Sanger is a licensed veterinary technician and a staff writer for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation. ©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.