Summer is almost here at long last and, while we all love a bit of sun, it is no secret that there are times when we can have too much of it.
During the hot summer months pets can suffer from the same problems as humans including overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. Please read on to find out how you can keep your pet safe in hot weather.
Keeping our dogs cool
Exercising and walking
As important as physical exercise is for dogs, every summer day dogs are taken to veterinary centres suffering from heatstroke after a walk. This can be fatal and is avoidable for the most part.
As a general rule, walking your dog when the temperature is below 20C is ideal. Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures between 15-25°C, but this is very much dependent on their age, breed, size, coat length, amount of exercise they’re engaging in, individual health and fitness.
If and when our dog stops on the lead during walks, and wants to lie down to rest, we must listen to their need and allow them to do so.
Smaller dogs, long haired dogs and dogs which are brachycephalic (French bulldogs, pugs, English bulldogs etc) are also more prone to heat stroke. When going on walks, regularly provide fresh clean water for your dog. Don’t allow time off lead if your dog is likely to zoom around as this can cause them to overheat, heightening the risk of them developing heatstroke.
In hot weather, dogs can still overheat and get sunburnt, even on short walks in the shade or early/late in the day. Apply pet-safe sun cream to exposed areas like the nose, ears, and pads, especially for lighter or thinner-coated breeds and dogs with pink noses.
Only take dogs to the beach if you can provide shade and plenty of fresh water. Rinse them thoroughly afterward to remove sand and salt, which can cause skin irritation. Wash under their collar or harness and clean these items at home.
To avoid long walks in the sun, try mental enrichment games like snuffle mats to keep dogs engaged and relaxed indoors. Find our how-to video on making a snuffle mat HERE.
Keeping cool indoors
There are many ways to keep dogs cool indoors. Shaving them for summer may seem helpful, but fur provides insulation and sun protection, increasing the risk of sunburn and heatstroke. Regular grooming is essential year-round—our onsite groomers, Short Bark and Sides, are here to help.
Cooling bandanas, coats, and frozen treats like a frozen Kong, pig ears, or kibble in ice water can help. Placing damp towels on the floor and adding ice cubes to water bowls also keeps dogs cool.
Warm dogs may become restless searching for a cooler spot—let them. To manage excess energy, offer cooling boredom busters like frozen cabbage for destructive chewers or frozen apple for relaxed chewers.
Overheating signs to watch out for
- Excessive panting and being short of breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in gum colour or tongue (bright or dark red)
- Elevated body temperature
- Increased pulse and heartbeat
- Excessive thirst
- Disorientation, stumbling or weakness
- Vomiting
If you begin to recognise signs of overheating in your dog, you should take immediate action to cool them down.
Move them somewhere cool with a draught and out of direct sunlight. Wet their coat with cool (not cold) tap water, offer them a small amount of water to drink and cool them with a fan or cold towels. Take them to a vet and use the air-conditioning on the journey.
Never give your pet ice if they are showing signs of heat stroke and NEVER encourage to swim. The shock of ice or being in cold water could prove fatal.
If your dog is unconscious, do not delay and take them to a vet right away.
Keeping rabbits and small animals cool
Keeping cool indoors
Studies show heatstroke is a leading cause of death in pet rabbits, so it’s vital to know how to keep them cool. Always provide plenty of fresh water, adding ice to help maintain a lower temperature. Offering safe frozen or soaked vegetables can also help (ensure they are suitable for your pet).
At the Shelter, we use ceramic tiles or dampened towels with cold water for rabbits to lie on. Regular grooming is essential, especially in summer, to remove old winter fur and prevent overheating. Using a cold compress on their ears can also help, as rabbits lose heat through their ears, and dampening them speeds up the cooling process.
Outside in a hutch or run
Hutches can heat up quickly, so provide plenty of shade by moving them as needed—morning shade may vanish by afternoon. Add ceramic tiles and damp towels inside for cooling.
Topsoil helps rabbits stay cool as they dig and burrow. Ensure it’s pesticide-free and place it in a litter tray for cooling playtime.
If exposed to sunlight, apply pet-safe sun cream to sensitive areas like the nose and ears, especially for light-coloured or thin-furred pets. Breeds like mini lops, with shorter noses, struggle to cool down.
Older or unwell pets should stay indoors on hot days, and fresh water must always be available.
Overheating signs to watch out for
- weakness and lethargy
- panting
- warm, red ears
- salivating
- confusion
- convulsions
If you recognise signs of overheating in your small animal, take immediate action to cool them down.
Put them on top of a cold, wet towel and create a breeze. Then gradually dampen their ears with cool water.
If you suspect your rabbit is suffering from heatstroke, contact your vet immediately.
Keeping our Cats cool
Keeping cool indoors
Many things can help cats stay cool indoors. Cat’s often love playing with an ice cube as they can bat it around and chase it. Using cooling mats to lie on and wearing cooling bandanas can be ideal. If possible, place a fan near them to create a cooling breeze.
Some cats might also like ice cubes in their water bowl or a wet towel to lie on.
Keeping on top of grooming can also prove beneficial as when dead hair is removed, they will feel more comfortable, and a breeze is more easily felt.
You may notice your cat grooming themselves more often than normal. This is nothing to worry about and is a way that they can cool themselves down with their saliva.
Remember, it is especially important to keep older or unwell cats inside on hot days as they will be more sensitive to the heat.
Overheating signs to watch out for
- collapsing
- excessive panting
- dribbling
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
If you begin to recognise signs of overheating in your cat, take immediate action to cool them down.
If you think your cat is suffering from heatstroke, contact your vet immediately while cooling them down. Move them to a cool place with a draught, and gently wet their coat with cool (but not freezing) water.
Car Journeys with your dog, cat or small pet
It is important not to conduct any unnecessary car journeys. When it is 22 degrees outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47 degrees in cars, outbuildings, sheds and caravans and this can be deadly for your pet. Even if your car has air conditioning, keep journeys to a minimum and limit to important events such as vet visits.
Small pets and cats should be securely restrained in a pet carrier while travelling. Water bowl attachments are available to keep them hydrated on the move.
Never leave a pet in the car unattended in hot weather, especially if they are prone to separation anxiety because they will get even hotter due to stress and adrenaline. All pets can die in hot cars and as it can happen very quickly.
