Summer Pet Care: Helping Your Pets Stay Safe in Warm Weather
Summer can be a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with our pets, but warmer weather can also bring additional risks. A few simple precautions can help keep your pets comfortable and safe throughout the season.
💧 Keep Them Cool and Hydrated
Always make sure your pet has access to fresh, cool drinking water and plenty of shaded areas, whether they're indoors or outside. Remember that shaded spots move throughout the day, so check they remain protected from direct sunlight.
🐕 Walk During Cooler Parts of the Day
Plan walks for the early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.
Avoid running or cycling with your dog during hot weather, and if you're heading out for the day, make sure your destination is dog-friendly. If dogs aren't allowed, it's always kinder to arrange a pet sitter or leave them safely at home rather than risk leaving them in a hot car or tied up in the heat.
🐾 Protect Those Paws
Pavements can become extremely hot during warm weather and may burn your dog's paw pads.
A simple way to check is the five-second test—if you can't comfortably keep the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
After walks, keep an eye out for signs of sore paws, including:
Limping or refusing to walk
Licking or chewing at their feet
Paw pads becoming darker in colour
Missing pieces of paw pad
Redness or blisters
❄️ Simple Ways to Help Your Dog Stay Cool
There are plenty of safe ways to help your dog stay comfortable during warmer weather:
Add a few ice cubes to their water bowl.
Freeze a favourite treat or a stuffed Kong® toy.
Offer a damp towel to lie on, or an ice pack wrapped in a towel.
Provide paddling pools, sprinklers or frozen toys if your dog enjoys them—but never force a dog into water if they don't want to.
Groom your dog regularly to help remove excess hair and prevent mats and knots.
If your dog has white or light-coloured fur, they may be more vulnerable to sunburn. Pet-safe sunscreen can help protect exposed areas such as the nose and ear tips. If you're unsure which product is suitable for your pet, speak to your vet.
Never place a damp towel over your dog, as this can trap heat rather than helping them cool down.
🚗 Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Vehicle
Even on what feels like a mild day, temperatures inside cars, caravans, conservatories and outbuildings can rise incredibly quickly.
Leaving a dog in a parked vehicle, even for a short time or with windows open, can become life-threatening.
❤️ Flat-Faced Dogs Need Extra Care
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, including Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus and Boxers, are more vulnerable to heat-related illness because of the way their airways are shaped.
If you own a flat-faced dog, take extra care during warm weather by avoiding the hottest parts of the day and helping them stay cool and comfortable.
⚠️ Know the Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency and can become serious very quickly.
Signs to look out for include:
Heavy panting
Excessive drooling
Lethargy or drowsiness
Uncoordinated movements
Vomiting
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If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinary practice immediately.
🪰 Don't Forget About Flystrike
Flystrike is a painful and potentially fatal condition caused by flies laying eggs on an animal.
During warm weather, check your pet regularly, paying particular attention to the area around their rear end and tail. Early detection is important.
🐰 Caring for Rabbits and Small Animals
Rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable during hot weather.
Ensure hutches and runs are kept in shaded, well-ventilated areas.
Provide plenty of fresh, cool drinking water.
Never cover hutches completely with blankets or towels, as this can reduce airflow and trap heat.
Frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel can provide a cool place for pets to rest beside.
Check rabbits at least twice a day for signs of flystrike, paying particular attention to their rear end and tail area.
🐱 What About Cats?
Cats often seek out cool places themselves, but they still need access to fresh water and shade during hot weather. Encourage them to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day if possible, particularly older cats or those with underlying health conditions.
When to Contact Your Vet
Every pet is different, and age, breed and existing health conditions can all affect how well they cope with warmer weather.
This article is intended as general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your pet's health or wellbeing, or if they become unwell during hot weather, please contact your veterinary practice as soon as possible.
