How to Keep Your Pets Cool and Safe in Hot Weather

We might enjoy seeing the sunshine appear, but hot weather can be much harder for our pets.

Dogs, cats, rabbits and smaller animals cannot regulate their body temperature in quite the same way we do. When temperatures rise, they can quickly become uncomfortable and, in serious cases, develop life-threatening heatstroke.

Here are some simple ways to keep your pets comfortable, happy and safe during warmer weather.

Always provide plenty of fresh water

Make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water throughout the day.

Place additional water bowls around your home and garden so there is always one nearby. Remember to check outdoor bowls regularly, as water can warm up or evaporate surprisingly quickly.

You can add a few ice cubes to their bowl or provide chilled, pet-safe treats. However, never force your pet to drink if they do not want to.

When travelling or going on a walk, take a bottle of water and a portable drinking bowl with you.

Create plenty of shady spaces

Pets should always have somewhere cool and shaded where they can rest.

Close curtains or blinds in rooms that receive strong sunlight and consider using a fan to keep air moving. Make sure your pet can move away from the fan if they choose to.

Outside, provide a covered area that stays shaded throughout the day. Remember that the sun moves, so a shady spot in the morning may be in full sunlight a few hours later.

Never leave a pet inside a conservatory, greenhouse, shed, caravan or other enclosed space during warm weather. These areas can become dangerously hot very quickly.

Change your dog’s walking routine

During warm weather, walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

On particularly hot days, it may be safer to skip the walk altogether. Missing one walk will not harm your dog, but exercising in excessive heat could.

You can keep them occupied indoors with:

• Snuffle mats

• Puzzle feeders

• Scent games

• Short training sessions

• Frozen, pet-safe treats

• A favourite toy

Be especially cautious with puppies, older dogs, overweight dogs, larger breeds, dogs with thick coats and flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs. These dogs may struggle to cool themselves effectively.

Check the pavement before walking

Tarmac, paving stones, artificial grass and sand can become extremely hot in direct sunlight and may burn your dog’s paws.

Place the back or palm of your hand against the surface for several seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.

Stick to shaded paths and grassy areas where possible, but remember that walking itself can still cause a dog to overheat, even when the ground feels safe.

Never leave a pet in a car

Never leave your pet alone in a parked car during warm weather, even for a few minutes.

Opening the windows or parking in the shade does not make it safe. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise extremely quickly.

If you see a dog trapped inside a hot car and showing signs of distress, the RSPCA advises calling 999 immediately.

Try some safe cooling activities

There are several ways to help your pet cool down at home.

Dogs may enjoy:

• A shallow paddling pool placed in the shade

• A cooling mat

• A gentle mist of cool water

• Frozen pet-safe treats

• Lying on a cool, damp towel

• Resting near a fan

Never force a nervous pet into water. Some pets may become stressed, which can make overheating worse.

You should also avoid placing a wet towel over your pet. Although it may initially feel cooling, the towel can trap heat as it warms up. Let your pet lie on a cool towel instead.

Remember cats need help too

Cats are often very good at finding the coolest place in the house, but they can still struggle during periods of hot weather.

Keep water bowls in several locations and make sure your cat cannot accidentally become trapped inside a hot shed, greenhouse, garage or conservatory.

You can also gently stroke them with a cool, damp cloth if they tolerate it.

Cats with white or pale fur may be more vulnerable to sunburn, particularly around their ears and nose. Speak to your vet about an appropriate pet-safe sun cream. Never use human sun cream unless your vet has confirmed that the ingredients are safe for your pet.

Keep rabbits and smaller pets comfortable

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small animals can be especially vulnerable to high temperatures.

Move hutches and runs into a shaded, well-ventilated area and continue checking them as the sun moves. Provide fresh water throughout the day and consider placing a frozen bottle of water inside the enclosure, wrapped in a towel, so they can lie beside it.

A cool ceramic tile can also provide a comfortable place for them to rest.

Rabbits and guinea pigs should be checked at least twice a day during warm weather for signs of flystrike. Keep their bedding and toilet areas particularly clean and contact your vet immediately if you notice eggs, maggots, wounds or unusual behaviour.

Know the signs of heatstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can affect any animal.

Possible warning signs include:

• Heavy or excessive panting

• Difficulty breathing

• Excessive drooling

• Bright red gums

• Weakness or wobbling

• Confusion or unusual behaviour

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Extreme tiredness

• Collapse

• Seizures or unconsciousness

Signs may look different between species. Cats and smaller pets may appear unusually sleepy, breathe rapidly, drool, stop eating or lie stretched out.

What should you do if your pet overheats?

Act immediately.

Move your pet into the shade or a cool, well-ventilated room. Begin cooling them with water that is cooler than their body, avoiding their nose and mouth. Create airflow using a fan, open windows or air conditioning and offer drinking water without forcing them.

Do not cover them with a wet towel, as this can trap heat.

Contact your vet as soon as possible, even if your pet appears to be recovering. Heatstroke can cause serious internal problems that may not be immediately visible. The current advice from UK animal welfare organisations is to begin cooling first and then transport your pet to the vet.

Enjoy the summer safely

Summer can still be a lovely time to enjoy with your pets. A few small changes to their daily routine can help keep them comfortable and reduce the risk of overheating.

Choose cooler times for walks, keep fresh water readily available, provide plenty of shade and never assume your pet will stop playing when they have had enough.

Sometimes the kindest thing you can do on a hot afternoon is let them stretch out somewhere cool and enjoy a well-earned snooze.

At Pawtraits by Kelly, your pet’s comfort and wellbeing always come first. Whether they are energetic, nervous, elderly or simply happiest taking things slowly, every photography session is adapted around the individual pet.