How to Keep Cats, Dogs and Other Pets Cool During Hot Weather: Your Complete Summer Safety Guide

We’ve answered some of our most common customer questions about keeping pets cool during the summer heatwave below.

Can dogs and cats get heatstroke?

Dogs and cats can both suffer from heatstroke when their body temperature rises too high and they can no longer cool themselves down. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. Dogs are particularly at risk because they mainly cool themselves by panting rather than sweating.

Signs your pet may be overheating

Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs, outlined by Battersea, include heavy panting, glazed eyes or vomiting and diarrhoea. You must cool your dog down with water, wet towels and call your vet immediately. You should keep an eye on big dogs and those with a squashed face or snout, as they are more susceptible to feeling the heat than most. Cats can experience similar symptoms, but can be a little more subtle, such as dribbling and panting. Keep your cat cool with water and contact your vet. Don’t use ice-cold water to cool your pet, as this may send them into shock.

Protect your dog’s paws from hot pavements

Pets’ paws can burn easily during the summer heat due to pavement temperatures. If you’re keen to take your dog out for a walk, go for a stroll early in the morning or later in the evening when the pavement is cooler. This will help to prevent burning paws and minimise the risk of sunburn and dehydration in dogs during warmer weather.

A simple way to check is the seven-second test. Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Keep your pet hydrated

Make sure you put down plenty of cool and fresh water out for your pet and ensure their water bowl is kept in a cool and shaded area. Also ensure you take a collapsible water bowl on walks with you and your four-legged friend and prevent them from getting dehydrated.

If your pet eats wet food, this can also help contribute to their daily water intake.

Try a paddling pool to keep them cool

Keep your dog cool by encouraging them to go in the shade on hot days. Placing a paddling pool in the shade is another way to keep your dog cool. If your dog isn’t playing ball, an alternative is to wet their paws and faces, as a lot of internal heats comes from their paws. If you’re still worried your dog is too hot, keep your dog indoors and ensure they have fresh, clean water. Strict rules by the RSPCA and other regulatory bodies state you must not leave your pet in a car during warm weather.

Make sure your pet has plenty of shade

It can be more challenging to try and keep pets out of the sun due to their love of exploring, but you should try to keep your dog or cat in the shade where possible. If this a little tricky, let your pet go outside early in the morning or late in the evening when the air and pavement is cooler. If possible, keep your pet indoors in a well-ventilated cool room with fresh water. If you have an outdoor cat, take a bowl of fresh, cool water to your cat and keep it in a shaded spot.

If your dog enjoys spending time in the garden, make sure there’s plenty of natural or artificial shade throughout the day.

A top tip by the PDSAis to hang up a bedsheet or use cardboard to create shade.

Should pets wear sunscreen?

Pets with light-coloured skin, pink noses or thin coats can be prone to sunburn, especially on their ears, nose and around the lips. If you notice any red patches of skin or hair loss on your cat, dog or pets, they may have sunburn.

It’s important to ensure the sun cream used is designed specifically for pets. You should take your pet to the vet if you are concerned.

Early morning and evening walks are best

The weather will be at its hottest midday, so it is best to take your pooch on a walk earlier in the day and later on in the evening to prevent them from overheating or burning their paws. If it’s simply too hot, swap your usual walk for scent games, puzzle toys or gentle training sessions indoors.

Freeze Webbox Lick-e-Lix for a tasty cooling treat for cats

For cat owners, a simple and delicious top tip to help your feline cool down is by freezing Webbox Lick-e-Lix. These creamy treats can be popped in the freezer and served chilled for a soothing, hydrating snack your cat will love.

Grooming helps keep pets comfortable

A simple and easy way to keep your cat, dog or other furry pets cool in the summer heat is to ensure they are well groomed. You can do this by combing their coat and removing any loose hair to keep your pet cool. Not only does this reduce heatstroke in the fluffiest of pets, but helps to keep their coat healthy.

However, don’t assume shaving your pet is the best solution. Many coats actually help regulate body temperature and protect against sunburn. 

Which pets are most at risk in hot weather?

Some pets are more vulnerable to heat than others, including:

• Puppies and kittens
• Senior pets
• Flat-faced breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Persian cats
• Overweight pets
• Long-haired breeds
• Pets with heart or breathing conditions

These pets may need extra monitoring during warm weather.

Frequently Asked Questions