Pets can be sensitive to hotter weather, with extreme temperatures putting them at risk of overheating.

To help you care for your pet in hot weather, we’ve put together some tips for ensuring they stay cool and healthy this summer.

 

Water

Ensure your pet has access to water whenever needed. Pets can dehydrate easily in warmer weather, so it’s important to keep their bowl topped up.

If you’re out and about, take some water with you, or look for places you can fill up. Many shops and cafés have pet water bowls outside as well – just make sure your pet drinks regularly, especially during long days out.

 

Spend time in the shade

Ensure your pet has access to shaded areas during the day. Pets should not be in direct sunlight for long periods, as this can cause sunburn and potentially lead to heatstroke. If in doubt, take your pet somewhere cool.

 

Use pet-safe suncream

Apply pet-safe sunscreen to areas with thin or exposed skin, such as the nose, ears and tummy. If your pet finds it difficult to have sunscreen applied, try using a small amount then rewarding with a treat to create positive associations.

 

Walk at cooler times

During heatwaves, you should make sure to walk your pet early in the morning, as pavements are cooler and less likely to damage your pet’s paws. If the ground feels hot to touch, then it’s definitely too hot for sensitive paws.

 

Regular grooming

Keep up to your pet’s grooming schedule to remove excess fur so they can stay cool throughout summer. Thick or matted fur can make it hard for your pet to cool down, so it’s important to take them for regular trims.

 

Keep them cool

To keep your pet cool, give them damp towels to lie on or invest in a cool mat. Never wrap these around your pet, as this can trap in heat.

You can also use frozen toys, paddling pools or fans to cool your pet down, as well as making frozen treats for them to enjoy. Freeze dog-friendly fruits in ice cube trays or silicone moulds in preparation for heatwaves, or fill a treat stuffing toy for something more interactive.

 

Don’t leave your pet in the car

In hot weather, cars can increase in temperature significantly, which can be dangerous for unaccompanied pets. If you’re leaving your vehicle, even for a short time, it’s best to take your pet with you. Opening a window is not enough to keep your pet safe.

If you see a pet struggling in a hot car, call 999 and report them to the police.

 

Monitor your pet for signs of heat-related illness

It’s crucial to be aware of signs of heatstroke, to get your pet the help they need as soon as possible.

Signs of heatstroke include:

  • Excessive drooling
  • Red or dark-coloured gums and tongue
  • Rapid heartbeat or increased pulse
  • Noisy or laboured breathing
  • Muscle spasms or shivering

If you notice any of these signs, contact a vet immediately.

 

Flat-faced dog breeds

Flat-faced breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, find it harder to breathe, which puts them at higher risk in hot weather. Because of their breathing, it’s difficult for them to cool down through panting, which is the best way for a dog to reduce body temperature.

It’s important to be especially careful with flat-faced breeds in summer, particularly when walking or going outside.

 

Planning a summer holiday with your pet? We can make sure all your necessary documentation is in place whether you’re travelling to the EU, Australia, the Americas or Africa. Head to our Pet Travel page to find out more.