Hot Tips for Keeping Pets Cool

Exercising dogs in hot weather can be particularly dangerous and even fatal.

Older, flat-faced and overweight pets especially at risk of heatstroke on hot days.

Pet Tips for Hot Weather

• Ensure your pet has plenty of access to shade – both indoors and outdoors
• Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available for your pet
• Take your pet for a walk very early morning or very late evening when the temperature is cooler
• If your pet is older, overweight or brachycephalic (flat faced), take extra care on very hot days it may still be too warm early morning or late evening to take them out without risking heatstroke
• It doesn’t need to be a very hot day for a brachycephalic pet to get heat stroke if out in the sun
• Make sure the surface you’re walking your dog on is not too hot for them – they don’t wear shoes!
• Do engage with your pet indoors and use interactive toys to keep them mentally stimulated
• Consider one of the frozen recipes here
• Never leave your pet in a car in hot weather in any situation

Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and in worst case situations can be life threatening!

Cats can be fussy about their water source, so you can freeze some spring water from a tin of tuna for example, to help keep them hydrated. As cats are well known for hiding in small spaces, it might be advisable to keep them inside on very hot days, so they don’t mistakenly get trapped in a shed or greenhouse.

We also advise that people with small furry pets, ensure they are well groomed, their accommodation is kept out of direct sunlight, and they have access to plenty of fresh, cool water.