To keep pets safe in hot weather, provide constant access to fresh water and shade, and limit exercise to cooler parts of the day. Never leave a pet in a car or other enclosed space, and be vigilant for signs of heatstroke like excessive panting. Groom pets to prevent overheating, and for those with pale skin, use a pet-safe sunscreen on their nose and ears.
How to keep your pets safe in the summer heat
General care and precautions
• Hydration: Always provide fresh, cool water. Consider adding ice cubes to their bowl.
• Shade and shelter: Ensure pets have access to shaded areas indoors and outdoors. Bring indoor cages or fish tanks out of direct sunlight.
• Ventilation: Keep indoor spaces well-ventilated with fans or open windows.
• Never leave in a car: Temperatures inside a car can rise to fatal levels in minutes, even with windows cracked.
• Watch for signs of heatstroke: Look for heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, or a bright red tongue. If you suspect heatstroke, seek immediate veterinary care.
Specific activities and grooming
• Exercise: Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Walk dogs in the early morning or late evening.
• Hot pavement: Be aware that asphalt can burn your pet's paws. Walk them on grass or skip walks altogether if the surface is hot.
• Grooming: Regularly groom pets to prevent matted fur, but avoid shaving them down suddenly, as this can expose their skin to sunburn.
• Sunscreen: Apply a pet-safe sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to areas with thin fur, like the nose and ear tips, especially on lighter-colored pets.
Cooling methods
• Cooling mats: Provide pet-specific
cooling mats or place a damp towel on the floor for them to lie on.
• Paddling pool: A small paddling pool can be a great way for some pets to cool off, but always supervise them around water.
• Frozen treats: Offer frozen treats or toys to help your pet cool down.
To ensure pet safety in hot weather, provide constant access to fresh water and shade, avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave a pet in a parked car.
General Safety Tips
Hydration: Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water, indoors and outdoors. Add ice cubes to their bowl or make pet-friendly ice treats.
Shade and Shelter: Ensure pets have constant access to shaded areas. If they are indoors, use fans or air conditioning to keep the space well-ventilated.
Avoid Hot Surfaces: Pavement, sand, and artificial turf can cause painful burns to paw pads. Use the "five-second test": if you can't comfortably hold your hand on the surface for five to seven seconds, it's too hot for your pet's paws.
Adjust Exercise: Walk dogs during the cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
Avoid strenuous activity and consider alternative brain games or puzzle toys indoors.
Sun Protection: Pale-coloured pets or those with thin fur are susceptible to sunburn. Use a pet-safe sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed areas like the ears and nose. Do not use human sunscreen, as some ingredients can be toxic.
Grooming: Regular grooming helps remove excess or matted fur, which can
make it harder for pets to stay cool. Consult a vet or groomer about appropriate grooming for your pet's coat type.
Supervision: Always supervise pets around water, such as paddling pools, rivers, or the sea. Rinse off any chlorine or salt water after swimming.
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NEVER Leave Pets in Vehicles
Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly to fatal levels, even with windows cracked, when it's only 22°C (76°F) outside. This is a leading cause of heatstroke and can be deadly in minutes.
Signs of Heatstroke
Watch for signs of overheating, which can progress quickly and require
immediate veterinary attention:
Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
Excessive drooling (saliva may be thicker)
Lethargy, weakness, or uncoordinated movements (staggering)
Confusion or restlessness
Bright red or very pale gums and tongue
Vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes bloody in severe cases)
Collapse, seizures, or loss of consciousness
If You Suspect Heatstroke
Move the pet to a shaded, cool, well-ventilated area immediately.
Offer them small amounts of cool water to drink, but do not force them.
Begin cooling them down with cool (not ice-cold) water. Pour it over their body, avoiding their head if they are struggling to breathe. For young, healthy dogs, immersion in a paddling pool can be effective, while for older dogs, room temperature water combined with a fan is recommended.
Do not cover them with wet towels, as this can trap heat.
Contact a vet immediately, even if your pet seems to be improving, as internal damage may not be immediately apparent.
