Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!

During the summer months, many of us enjoy spending time in the sunshine. Pets can enjoy warm weather too, but only for short periods. If they are in the sun for too long, there is a risk of heatstroke.

This page explains how to enjoy warm weather safely and shares practical tips to help keep your pets cool.

Heatstroke

All pets can suffer from heatstroke, so it is important to keep them out of direct sunlight in hot weather.

Pets at higher risk include those that are older, unwell, overweight, or have breathing difficulties. Brachycephalic breeds (such as Bulldogs and Pugs) have shorter noses and can struggle to cool themselves by panting, so they may be affected more quickly in warm conditions.

To help reduce risk:

• Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water

• Offer a cool, well-ventilated area to rest (fans and cool mats may help)

• Avoid leaving pets in direct sun, especially during the hottest part of the day

Remember rabbits can also suffer with heatstroke. Keep rabbit accommodation in a well-shaded area and ensure there is plenty of fresh water available at all times. In warm weather, check your rabbit’s bottom twice daily to ensure they have not developed flystrike.

Signs of Heatstroke

Acting quickly can make all the difference. These are the signs you should look out for:

Dogs	Cats	Rabbits
Loud, rapid panting	Loud, rapid panting	Fast, shallow breathing
Extreme thirst	A quick pulse	Hot ears
Frequent vomiting	A very red tongue	Stretching the neck out to breathe
A very red tongue	Pale to bright red gums	Open-mouth breathing
Pale to bright red gums	Staggering or stumbling

⚠️ HEATSTROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY
If your pet shows any signs of heatstroke, act immediately. Move them to a cool, shaded area and contact a vet straight away.

Ways to Keep Cool

Allowing your dog to swim or paddle can be a good way to cool down. A paddling pool can be helpful in the garden, especially for dogs who enjoy paddling rather than swimming. If your dog swims while out walking, always check the water is clean and safe, and supervise them at all times. If your dog does not like water, do not force them. Not all dogs can swim confidently, and they can get into difficulty.

Offering an icy treat can also help. Freezing stuffed Kongs can be a great way to keep your dog entertained while helping them cool down. Always supervise pets with toys and treats.

If you are spending time in the garden in warm weather, make sure your pet has shaded areas to rest. Trees and shrubs can provide shade, and there are also shaded beds and sun shades available for pets.

If you have rabbits or guinea pigs, ensure their accommodation is in shade throughout the day. The sun moves, so a shaded area in the morning may not remain shaded later. If your rabbit or guinea pig has indoor accommodation, access to a safe outdoor run can be helpful. If they are kept in a shed or outbuilding, make sure there is good ventilation and airflow.

If the pavement feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your pet’s paws. Avoid walking dogs in hot weather as pavements can quickly cause burns. Instead, walk early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.

Limit travel in cars whenever possible. Dogs can die in hot cars in a very short space of time, so never leave a dog in a car, even for a few minutes. If you must travel, plan ahead: take regular breaks, offer water, and use practical cooling measures such as cool mats where appropriate.

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