How to Keep Your Pets Cool and Safe During Hot Weather

Caring for your pets in hot weather is essential to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. Special attention should be given to pets with underlying health issues, such as heart or respiratory problems, and those who are overweight. Panting is a keyway for dogs to cool themselves, but brachycephalic breeds, like bulldogs and pugs, face a higher risk of heatstroke due to their difficulty breathing compared to dogs with longer muzzles, such as labradors.

To help keep your pets safe in the heat, here are some important tips to follow:

01

Provide Plenty of Fresh Water

Always have fresh, cool water available for your pets. In hot weather, they can become dehydrated quickly, so make sure to refill their water bowl frequently.
Consider adding ice cubes to the water to keep it cooler for longer periods.

02

Keep Them Cool

Indoors: Make sure they have a cool place to stay inside. Air-conditioned rooms, fans, or well-ventilated spaces are ideal.
Outdoors: If your pet needs to be outside, provide a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight, as pets can easily overheat.
Cooling products: Pet cooling mats or wet towels can help reduce their body temperature. You can also lightly mist their fur with water or use a damp towel to cool them down.

03

Limit Exercise

Avoid walking or exercising your pet during peak heat hours (typically 10 AM – 4 PM). Early mornings and evenings are safer.
Pay attention to the surface temperatures of sidewalks or asphalt; they can become extremely hot and burn your pet’s paws. If it’s too hot for you to touch, it’s too hot for them.

04

Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car

Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a parked car can rise dangerously high within minutes. Always take your pet with you or leave them at home in a cool, safe environment.

05

Watch for Signs of Heatstroke

Pets are at risk of heatstroke in hot weather. Watch out for symptoms like:
- - Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
  - Drooling or foaming at the mouth
  - Weakness, lethargy, or collapse
  - Vomiting or diarrhea
  - Elevated heart rate
If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler place, offer water, and contact a veterinarian immediately.

06

Grooming

Regular grooming can help your pet stay cooler but avoid shaving their fur completely. A pet’s fur acts as insulation, both from heat and sunburn.
Brush your pet often to remove loose hair, which can trap heat.

07

Protect from Sunburn

Pets with thin coats, light-colored fur, or exposed skin (such as the nose or ears) can get sunburned. Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas if they’ll be in the sun for an extended time.

08

Offer Cool Treats

Ice cubes, frozen pet-safe treats, or chilled food can provide a refreshing break for your pet during hot days.

09

Swimming Safety

If your pet enjoys swimming, make sure the water is safe and supervise them. Always rinse your pet after swimming to remove any chlorine or salt from their fur.

10

Create a Comfortable Environment

Place a cooling mat or blanket in their favorite resting spot.
Keep curtains or blinds closed to reduce indoor temperatures.
Make sure your pet has plenty of ventilation, whether indoors or in shaded outdoor areas.

Learn How to Prevent and Treat Heat Stroke in Dogs

Worried about your dog overheating? Discover life-saving tips and in-depth advice on recognising and preventing heat stroke. Keep your pet safe during hot weather—read our full blog on heat stroke in dogs now!

Essential Tips for Caring for Your Pets in Hot Weather