How to Beat the Heatwave
How to Beat the Heatwave: Keeping Your Pets Safe in Hot Weather
When the sunshine finally arrives in the UK, most of us are ready to enjoy it! For our pets, hot weather can quickly become dangerous if we’re not careful.
Every summer veterinary practices see cases of heatstroke and overheating (hyperthermia), many of which are preventable.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they can’t cool themselves down as effectively as humans, but cats and small pets can struggle too.
As a former vet, one of the biggest things I always encourage owners to remember is this: If you feel hot, your pet probably feels even hotter.
Here are my top tips for keeping your pets safe, cool and comfortable during a heatwave!
What is Hyperthermia (Overheating)?
Hyperthermia simply means an abnormally high body temperature.
In severe cases this can progress to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening emergency. Heatstroke can affect the brain, organs, gut and blood clotting system very quickly, sometimes within minutes.
Dogs mainly cool themselves through:
Panting
Small amounts of sweating through paw pads
Seeking cooler surfaces/environment
Unlike humans, they can’t efficiently sweat all over their bodies, which means they can overheat surprisingly fast.
Signs Your Pet May Be Overheating
Early signs can include:
Heavy or excessive panting
Drooling
Restlessness
Bright red gums or tongue
Lethargy
Seeking shade or lying on cool floors
More severe signs:
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Collapse
Weakness or wobbliness
Confusion
Seizures
Unconsciousness
If your pet is showing severe signs, contact your vet immediately.
Dogs Most at Risk 🐶
Some pets are more vulnerable to overheating than others, including:
Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs etc)
Elderly dogs
Puppies
Overweight pets
Dogs with heart or breathing conditions
Thick-coated breeds
Very anxious or excitable dogs
Small furries such as rabbits and guinea pigs can also struggle massively in hot weather, especially if hutches are in direct sunlight.
My Top Tips for Keeping Pets Cool:
Walk Early or Late
During hot weather, aim for walks:
Early morning
Later evening
Avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day, especially on humid days.
Even if the air temperature doesn’t feel too bad, pavements and artificial grass can become dangerously hot.
Quick pavement test:
Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds.
If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws!
Always Carry Water
Fresh water should always be available.
For walks, portable dog water bottles or collapsible bowls are brilliant and make it easy to offer regular drink breaks.
Some dogs also enjoy:
Frozen treats
Ice cubes
Frozen enrichment toys
Damp cooling towels
Keep the House Cool
Simple things can make a huge difference:
Close curtains during the hottest part of the day
Use fans safely
Allow access to shaded areas
Open windows securely for airflow
Cool mats can help some pets, although many dogs honestly prefer:
Tiles
Shaded grass
Cool damp towels
Never Leave Pets in Cars
Even for “just five minutes.”
Cars can become dangerously hot incredibly quickly, even on mild days or with windows cracked open.
Adjust Exercise Expectations
This is a big one.
Many dogs will keep running, playing or chasing balls even when they’re too hot because they’re excited and having fun.
Sometimes we need to be the ones to say: “enough for today!”
On hotter days:
Choose shorter walks
Focus on sniffing/enrichment rather than intense exercise
Take more breaks
Slow the pace down
What About Cats? 🐈
Cats are often better at finding cool places than dogs, but they can still overheat.
Make sure cats have:
Plenty of water sources
Shade
Ventilated spaces
Access indoors if possible
Older cats and flat-faced breeds can struggle more in hot weather.
Keeping Small Furries Safe 🐹🐰
Rabbits and guinea pigs are extremely vulnerable to heat.
Some helpful tips:
Move hutches out of direct sunlight
Ensure constant shade
Freeze water bottles and wrap in towels for cooling spots
Provide cool ceramic tiles to lie on
Increase airflow safely
Heatstroke in rabbits can happen very quickly.
What To Do If You Think Your Pet Is Overheating
Move them somewhere cool immediately
Offer small amounts of water
Pour cool (not ice cold) water over them
Use wet towels around paws/body
Contact your vet immediately
Avoid using ice baths or extremely cold water, as this can sometimes worsen things.
Final Thoughts
Hot weather can be really fun for us, but it’s important to remember that our pets experience it very differently!
A slightly shorter walk, extra sniff time, frozen enrichment or a relaxed day indoors is absolutely okay during a heatwave.
At Harris Hounds, your dog’s welfare always comes first, which means walks and activities may be adapted during very warm weather to keep everyone safe and comfortable.