High temperatures, heatwaves and hosepipe bans become more frequent during our summers, so pet owners must understand how to keep their animals safe. While pets may appear to enjoy the sun—cats can often be found lounging in sunny spots—extreme heat can quickly put them at risk of dehydration, heatstroke and even sunburn. The RSPCA, Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have outlined several strategies to help prevent these issues.
Keeping pets indoors during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 10am and 3pm, is the first step in protecting them from the sun. Shade is equally important, so owners should ensure there are shaded areas available both inside and outside the home. Fresh drinking water must be accessible at all times, and adding one or two ice cubes to the bowl can encourage hydration. Ventilation is also key; a fan can help circulate air, though owners should be careful not to leave windows open where pets might escape or fall. To cool floors, placing a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel near a pet’s sleeping area provides relief.
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Exercise presents a specific challenge during hot weather. A missed walk is better than burnt paws, according to the Dogs Trust. If the ground feels too hot for the back of your hand after holding it there for several seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Walks should be limited to early morning or the evening when temperatures are cooler, and owners should stick to grassy, shaded areas. During heatwaves or exceptionally hot weather, it may be best to skip the walk altogether. To keep dogs stimulated indoors, try using puzzle feeders and snuffle mats, or play calm training games. If you don’t have a garden, take your dogs to the nearest grassy area for them to go to the toilet and then head straight back home.
Heatstroke can be life-threatening for pets, so it is important to know the symptoms. Skin that doesn’t spring back when gently pinched is a sign of dehydration. Cats are generally good at keeping themselves cool, but extreme heat can be just as dangerous for them as it is for us, according to Izzy Hocking, senior veterinary engagement manager at Cats Protection. Dogs are much more vulnerable to heat than people, says Emily Mills, veterinary projects manager at Dogs Trust. Certain types of dogs are at a higher risk of heatstroke too, such as brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds like English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs; older dogs; overweight dogs; and those with medical conditions.
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Owners need to remain vigilant, especially when dealing with breeds that struggle to regulate their body temperature. The physical toll of the heat is immediate, but the underlying risk of permanent damage can escalate quickly. For a pet owner, seeing a beloved companion struggle to breathe or stand can be terrifying, yet the most critical moments often happen in the home where the owner feels safest. It is easy to assume that because the pet isn’t panting heavily, they are fine, but the internal temperature rise can happen much faster than the visible symptoms suggest. This gap between appearance and reality is why the advice to act immediately upon spotting any signs is so vital.
If you spot any of these symptoms, contact a vet immediately. The advice from Dogs Trust is “cool first, transport second.” Steps include stopping any exercise or activity, moving the pet to a cool, shady area, and providing fresh drinking water. Cool the dog with water that is cooler than their body temperature; young, healthy dogs can be immersed in cold water, while older dogs or pets with health conditions should be sprayed with cold water and cooled with ventilation or a fan. Never put wet towels over a pet, as they can trap heat, and contact a vet while keeping the pet cool during transport.
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Sunburn can also be a hidden danger. Some pets can get sunburnt, particularly around the ears and nose, and if they have white or thin fur. As with humans, repeated exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, so it’s important to limit your pet’s time in direct sunlight, make sure they always have access to shade, and ask your vet about pet-safe sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) on vulnerable areas. Get any red, sore, blistering or peeling skin checked by a vet as soon as possible.
When water restrictions are in place, pet owners might be tempted to turn on the hosepipe to fill a paddling pool or give their pet a quick spritz of cool water. The RSPCA suggests four ways to keep pets cool without using the hose. First, put water bowls in every room for pets to sniff and discover, with ice cubes. Second, make a DIY cooling mat using a small, wet towel chilled in the freezer and leave it on the floor for your pet to lie on, rather than draping it over them. Third, make homemade frozen treats—for dogs, this could be frozen puzzle toys or Kongs for mental stimulation, or homemade snacks like frozen mashed banana on a shallow lid, mixed with a few scattered treats. Always supervise pets when eating. Finally, build a breezy shade fort by hanging sheets in the garden or living room, with a fan to create a breeze.
