Keeping pets cool isn’t always easy, keeping yourself isn’t easy also at times! As the temperatures rise, it’s more important than ever to keep an eye on your pets. Hot weather can quickly become uncomfortable or even dangerous for your furry companion unless you take steps to keep them cool, hydrated, and safe in the heat.
Beyond the immediate risks, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also impact your pet’s long-term health and well-being. No matter the age or breed of your pet, knowing what to do is crucial, so below you’ll find some handy tips to use that will help your pet stay cool when the weather turns hot.
But remember, if you’re concerned that your pet is suffering from overheating or heatstroke, you should always seek medical advice from your vet, and they can advise you on the next steps.
Why Is Summer Heat So Dangerous for Pets?
Just like us, pets are vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat exposure. However, they aren’t as well-equipped as humans to handle it. Dogs, cats, and other animals cannot sweat the way we do to help cool them down, meaning they rely on panting or heat release in areas such as their paw pads and noses.
When the temperature climbs, your pet can quickly become overheated, which can lead to serious health issues such as heatstroke, dehydration and respiratory distress (especially in flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Persians). Your furry companion might even burn their paw pads on hot surfaces such as tarmac if they are not careful.
If left for too long, overheating can have long-term effects on your pet’s health. Repeated or severe heat stress can even cause lasting damage to vital organs. Pets who have suffered prolonged heat stress can develop brain damage due to the lack of oxygen or kidney failure from prolonged dehydration and toxin build-up. Heart strain from overheating can also lead to chronic cardiovascular issues.
Signs Your Pet May Be Overheating
Watching your pet’s behaviour can help you quickly spot signs that they are struggling in the hot weather. Signs to look out for include:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Weakness and lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- A rapid heartbeat
- Glassy eyes or confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. As any pet owner will know, the cost of treatment and medication can quickly add up when the unexpected happens, so it’s a good idea to have pet insurance in place to act as a financial safety net.
You can get pet insurance from a trusted provider that also offers protection for pre-existing conditions, so look around for policies that cover everything you need. It’s better to have comprehensive coverage than to find out you don’t have enough. Having insurance in place can help ease the stress of your cat or dog being unwell and let you focus on their well-being should they need medical attention.
Creating a Cool Retreat at Home
Your pet needs a cool space where they can escape the sun, rest comfortably, and stay cool throughout the day. It’s a good idea to set up a designated cooling zone in a shady, well-ventilated room, ideally with tiled or wooden flooring. You can help stop the room from heating up by drawing the curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day.
If you have them, a fan or an air conditioning unit can help circulate air and keep temperatures stable. If you don’t have them, a pet-safe cooling mat or damp towels for them to lie on can also be effective.
While you should always have fresh, clean water available for your pet, consider placing more water bowls around your home and in any outside areas like your garden. Offering your pet frozen treats and ice cubes can also help your pet to stay hydrated, especially if they don’t tend to drink enough water.
What’s the Best Time of Day for Walks?
While exercise is still important for your dog, you’ll need to adjust their walk times to avoid exposing them to high temperatures. As temperatures are typically lowest early in the morning and late at night, you might want to plan walks before 9 AM or after 6 PM.
Before you set out on your walk, do a quick temperature check of the pavement by placing the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 to 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it will be too hot for your pet’s paws.
Also, look to adjust your regular walking routes, so you primarily walk on grassy areas and shaded paths, rather than hot concrete or tarmac. No matter where you take your dog, try to keep the walks short and gentle and avoid encouraging your pet to dash around and play. Make sure to take plenty of fresh water for you and your pet, and keep an eye out for any signs that your pet is overheating.
DIY Cool-Down Treats for Dogs & Cats
Homemade frozen treats are a fantastic way to help your pets stay refreshed and hydrated during hot weather. Pet-safe ingredients such as mashed bananas and chopped berries can be mixed with water and frozen in ice cube trays to create cool treats for your dogs. You can also mix tuna, chicken, or your cat’s normal wet food with water and freeze it in ice cube trays for any feline friends in your life.
Make sure to check that the ingredients you use are safe for your pet before you make the treats. You should also give any frozen treats in moderation, just like you would with their normal treats, to avoid over-feeding them or upsetting their stomach.
Why Leaving Pets in Cars During Summer Is Dangerous
Even on a mildly warm day, the inside of a parked car can heat up rapidly, sometimes reaching temperatures over 60°C within minutes. This extreme heat creates a life-threatening environment if you leave your pet trapped inside, even if the windows are cracked open slightly.
Although dogs pant to release heat, in the confined space of a hot car, this isn’t enough to prevent rapid overheating. It can quickly lead to heatstroke, which can cause organ failure, brain damage and even death, so it’s best not to even consider leaving them.
The safest choice is to bring them inside with you or leave them at home in a cool, safe place rather than leave them unattended in a hot car. It doesn’t matter if you’re just ‘nipping inside’, leaving your pet trapped in a car during hot weather can have devastating consequences, so don’t risk it.
Stay Cool, Stay Safe, Stay Happy!
While summer can be a wonderful time of year to enjoy the outdoors with your pets, you need to pay extra attention and care to the well-being of your beloved companions when the heat rises.
There are many dangers during the hot weather for a pet, including heatstroke and burned paws, so if you notice any signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, weakness or vomiting, seek medical advice from your vet quickly.
Remember, prevention is key. Simple steps like adjusting walk times, providing plenty of fresh water, and offering cooling treats can make a big difference in your pet’s health during the hotter months.
