When temperatures soar above 40°C, pets face the risk of life-threatening heatstroke. Here’s how to protect your furry companions from the summer heat.
Summertime brings intense heat, excessive sweating and other discomforts. While humans struggle with rising temperatures, pets can also suffer, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. When temperatures climb above 40°C, dogs, cats and other animals face an increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated promptly. Pet owners must therefore remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to protect their animals from extreme summer temperatures.
Here are some practical tips to help keep your pets safe, healthy and comfortable throughout the summer.
1. Feed a Nutritious and Balanced Diet
A nutritious, balanced diet helps keep pets healthy and active throughout the year. During summer, you can offer pet-safe fruits and vegetables with high water content, provided they are suitable for your animal and do not replace a balanced diet.
Plain curd may be suitable for some dogs in small quantities, but dairy products can upset the stomachs of pets that are lactose-intolerant. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about appropriate summer foods for your pet.
Avoid feeding pets chocolate, as it is toxic to dogs and cats. Ice cream and other sugary or salty foods should also be avoided. Serve food at a comfortable temperature rather than giving it excessively hot, and follow your veterinarian's advice on portion sizes and dietary requirements.
2. Make Fresh Water Available at All Times
Dehydration can develop quickly in hot weather. Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh, clean drinking water, both indoors and outdoors.
Keep water bowls in shaded areas and refill them regularly. You can add a few ice cubes to the water if your pet enjoys it. Another option is to freeze small quantities of pet-safe, low-sodium chicken broth into ice cubes as an occasional treat, provided the ingredients are safe for your animal.
Dogs generally need around 50–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily, although their requirements vary with temperature, activity, diet and health. Some dogs may need considerably more during hot weather. Cats and other animals have different hydration requirements, so monitor your pet's drinking habits and consult a veterinarian if you notice a sudden change.
3. Maintain Your Pet's Hygiene and Grooming
Like humans, pets benefit from regular grooming and hygiene. Brushing their coats, cleaning them when necessary and trimming their nails can help maintain their comfort and overall health.
However, avoid shaving your pet's coat completely without professional advice. A dog's coat can provide insulation and protection from direct sunlight, and shaving certain breeds may interfere with their natural temperature regulation or expose their skin to sunburn.
Choose grooming practices suited to your pet's breed, coat type and individual needs. Regular grooming can help you identify skin irritation, ticks, fleas and other problems before they become serious.
4. Protect Pets from Mosquitoes, Ticks and Fleas
Warm weather can increase the activity of several parasites, including fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. These pests can cause irritation and transmit diseases.
Use veterinarian-approved preventive treatments appropriate for your pet's species, age and weight. Never use a product intended for dogs on cats unless a veterinarian specifically confirms that it is safe, as some ingredients in dog treatments can be highly toxic to cats.
Small animals, including guinea pigs and rabbits, also need protection from insects and parasites. Seek veterinary advice if you notice unusual scratching, skin irritation or other signs of infestation.
5. Avoid Walks During Peak Heat
Walking on hot roads, pavements or asphalt can burn your dog's paws. High temperatures can also make even short walks dangerous.
Take your dog outside during the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are generally lower. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon, particularly when humidity is high.
Remember that air temperature alone does not determine the risk. Hot pavement, humidity, direct sunlight and poor ventilation can all increase the danger. If the ground feels too hot for your hand, it may also be too hot for your dog's paws.
6. Limit Exercise During Hot Weather
Exercise is important for your pet's physical and mental well-being, but its duration and intensity should be adjusted during summer.
Choose shorter, gentler walks and play sessions during cooler hours. Allow your pet to rest frequently, and carry fresh water and a portable bowl when going outdoors.
Swimming may be suitable for some dogs, provided the location is safe and the animal is comfortable in the water. Never force a pet to swim or leave it unattended near a pool, river or other body of water.
Avoid taking pets to unfamiliar water bodies where strong currents, pollution or other hazards may put them at risk. A cool, shaded environment and gentle indoor activities are often safer alternatives during extreme heat.
7. Help Your Pet Stay Cool
If your pet appears uncomfortable in hot weather, move it to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned space. Ensure adequate ventilation and provide access to fresh drinking water.
You can gently wet your dog's body with cool or lukewarm water, particularly around the body and paws, to help it cool down. Avoid using ice-cold water or covering the animal with wet towels that may trap heat.
Cats, ferrets, chickens and birds also need suitable protection from excessive heat, although their cooling needs differ. Make sure cages and enclosures are well ventilated, shaded and supplied with fresh water.
Never leave an animal inside a parked car, even with the windows partly open. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and become fatal.
8. Protect Your Pet's Paws from Hot Surfaces
Hot asphalt and concrete can cause painful burns to your pet's paws. Before a walk, place the back of your hand on the pavement for about five to seven seconds. If it feels uncomfortably hot, choose a cooler route or postpone the walk.
Whenever possible, walk your dog on shaded grass or cooler natural trails. Protective pet boots may help when walking on hot surfaces is unavoidable, but they should fit properly and should not be used as a substitute for avoiding dangerous heat.
After every walk, check your pet's paws for redness, blisters, cuts or signs of discomfort.
9. Recognise the Warning Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is one of the most serious dangers pets face during extreme summer weather. Recognising the warning signs early can save a life.
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Heavy drooling and intense thirst
- Weakness, lethargy or unusual restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion, disorientation or loss of coordination
- Bright red or unusually dark-coloured gums or tongue
- Collapse, seizures or unconsciousness
Animals that are very young or old, overweight, unaccustomed to exercise or affected by heart or respiratory conditions may be particularly vulnerable. Flat-faced breeds, including pugs, boxers and Shih Tzus, can also have difficulty regulating their body temperature in hot weather.
If you suspect heatstroke, treat it as an emergency. Move your pet to a cooler place, begin gently cooling its body with cool water and contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not force the animal to drink, and do not delay veterinary care while attempting home treatment.
10. Schedule Regular Veterinary Checkups
Routine veterinary checkups can help identify health conditions that may increase your pet's vulnerability to summer heat.
Your veterinarian can recommend suitable preventive treatments for fleas and ticks, review your pet's diet and hydration needs, and explain how to recognise early signs of heat-related illness.
If your pet has an existing medical condition, ask whether any changes to its exercise routine, medication or daily care are needed during hot weather.
Final Take
Keeping pets safe during summer does not have to be complicated, but it does require attention and consistency. Providing fresh water, maintaining appropriate grooming practices, avoiding walks during peak heat and recognising the warning signs of heatstroke can make a significant difference.
Every pet has different needs, so adjust your care routine according to its species, age, breed and health condition. When temperatures rise above 40°C, extra caution becomes especially important.
Our pets depend on us for their safety. A little extra care during the summer can protect them from serious illness and help them stay healthy, comfortable and happy.
Summertime brings intense heat, excessive sweating and other discomforts. While humans struggle with rising temperatures, pets can also suffer, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. When temperatures climb above 40°C, dogs, cats and other animals face an increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated promptly. Pet owners must therefore remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to protect their animals from extreme summer temperatures.
Here are some practical tips to help keep your pets safe, healthy and comfortable throughout the summer.
1. Feed a Nutritious and Balanced Diet
A nutritious, balanced diet helps keep pets healthy and active throughout the year. During summer, you can offer pet-safe fruits and vegetables with high water content, provided they are suitable for your animal and do not replace a balanced diet.
Plain curd may be suitable for some dogs in small quantities, but dairy products can upset the stomachs of pets that are lactose-intolerant. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about appropriate summer foods for your pet.
Avoid feeding pets chocolate, as it is toxic to dogs and cats. Ice cream and other sugary or salty foods should also be avoided. Serve food at a comfortable temperature rather than giving it excessively hot, and follow your veterinarian's advice on portion sizes and dietary requirements.
2. Make Fresh Water Available at All Times
Dehydration can develop quickly in hot weather. Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh, clean drinking water, both indoors and outdoors.
Keep water bowls in shaded areas and refill them regularly. You can add a few ice cubes to the water if your pet enjoys it. Another option is to freeze small quantities of pet-safe, low-sodium chicken broth into ice cubes as an occasional treat, provided the ingredients are safe for your animal.
Dogs generally need around 50–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily, although their requirements vary with temperature, activity, diet and health. Some dogs may need considerably more during hot weather. Cats and other animals have different hydration requirements, so monitor your pet's drinking habits and consult a veterinarian if you notice a sudden change.
3. Maintain Your Pet's Hygiene and Grooming
Like humans, pets benefit from regular grooming and hygiene. Brushing their coats, cleaning them when necessary and trimming their nails can help maintain their comfort and overall health.
However, avoid shaving your pet's coat completely without professional advice. A dog's coat can provide insulation and protection from direct sunlight, and shaving certain breeds may interfere with their natural temperature regulation or expose their skin to sunburn.
Choose grooming practices suited to your pet's breed, coat type and individual needs. Regular grooming can help you identify skin irritation, ticks, fleas and other problems before they become serious.
4. Protect Pets from Mosquitoes, Ticks and Fleas
Warm weather can increase the activity of several parasites, including fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. These pests can cause irritation and transmit diseases.
Use veterinarian-approved preventive treatments appropriate for your pet's species, age and weight. Never use a product intended for dogs on cats unless a veterinarian specifically confirms that it is safe, as some ingredients in dog treatments can be highly toxic to cats.
Small animals, including guinea pigs and rabbits, also need protection from insects and parasites. Seek veterinary advice if you notice unusual scratching, skin irritation or other signs of infestation.
5. Avoid Walks During Peak Heat
Walking on hot roads, pavements or asphalt can burn your dog's paws. High temperatures can also make even short walks dangerous.
Take your dog outside during the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are generally lower. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon, particularly when humidity is high.
Remember that air temperature alone does not determine the risk. Hot pavement, humidity, direct sunlight and poor ventilation can all increase the danger. If the ground feels too hot for your hand, it may also be too hot for your dog's paws.
6. Limit Exercise During Hot Weather
Exercise is important for your pet's physical and mental well-being, but its duration and intensity should be adjusted during summer.
Choose shorter, gentler walks and play sessions during cooler hours. Allow your pet to rest frequently, and carry fresh water and a portable bowl when going outdoors.
Swimming may be suitable for some dogs, provided the location is safe and the animal is comfortable in the water. Never force a pet to swim or leave it unattended near a pool, river or other body of water.
Avoid taking pets to unfamiliar water bodies where strong currents, pollution or other hazards may put them at risk. A cool, shaded environment and gentle indoor activities are often safer alternatives during extreme heat.
7. Help Your Pet Stay Cool
If your pet appears uncomfortable in hot weather, move it to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned space. Ensure adequate ventilation and provide access to fresh drinking water.
You can gently wet your dog's body with cool or lukewarm water, particularly around the body and paws, to help it cool down. Avoid using ice-cold water or covering the animal with wet towels that may trap heat.
Cats, ferrets, chickens and birds also need suitable protection from excessive heat, although their cooling needs differ. Make sure cages and enclosures are well ventilated, shaded and supplied with fresh water.
Never leave an animal inside a parked car, even with the windows partly open. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and become fatal.
8. Protect Your Pet's Paws from Hot Surfaces
Hot asphalt and concrete can cause painful burns to your pet's paws. Before a walk, place the back of your hand on the pavement for about five to seven seconds. If it feels uncomfortably hot, choose a cooler route or postpone the walk.
Whenever possible, walk your dog on shaded grass or cooler natural trails. Protective pet boots may help when walking on hot surfaces is unavoidable, but they should fit properly and should not be used as a substitute for avoiding dangerous heat.
After every walk, check your pet's paws for redness, blisters, cuts or signs of discomfort.
9. Recognise the Warning Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is one of the most serious dangers pets face during extreme summer weather. Recognising the warning signs early can save a life.
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Heavy drooling and intense thirst
- Weakness, lethargy or unusual restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion, disorientation or loss of coordination
- Bright red or unusually dark-coloured gums or tongue
- Collapse, seizures or unconsciousness
Animals that are very young or old, overweight, unaccustomed to exercise or affected by heart or respiratory conditions may be particularly vulnerable. Flat-faced breeds, including pugs, boxers and Shih Tzus, can also have difficulty regulating their body temperature in hot weather.
If you suspect heatstroke, treat it as an emergency. Move your pet to a cooler place, begin gently cooling its body with cool water and contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not force the animal to drink, and do not delay veterinary care while attempting home treatment.
10. Schedule Regular Veterinary Checkups
Routine veterinary checkups can help identify health conditions that may increase your pet's vulnerability to summer heat.
Your veterinarian can recommend suitable preventive treatments for fleas and ticks, review your pet's diet and hydration needs, and explain how to recognise early signs of heat-related illness.
If your pet has an existing medical condition, ask whether any changes to its exercise routine, medication or daily care are needed during hot weather.
Final Take
Keeping pets safe during summer does not have to be complicated, but it does require attention and consistency. Providing fresh water, maintaining appropriate grooming practices, avoiding walks during peak heat and recognising the warning signs of heatstroke can make a significant difference.
Every pet has different needs, so adjust your care routine according to its species, age, breed and health condition. When temperatures rise above 40°C, extra caution becomes especially important.
Our pets depend on us for their safety. A little extra care during the summer can protect them from serious illness and help them stay healthy, comfortable and happy.
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