Protect Pets During Heatwaves to Avoid Heatstroke

As high temperatures, heatwaves and hosepipe bans become more frequent during our summers, pet owners must take steps to keep their animals safe in hot weather. While pets may seem to be enjoying the sun, high temperatures can quickly put them at risk of dehydration, heatstroke and even sunburn.

Keeping pets cool and hydrated

According to the RSPCA, Cats Protection and Dogs Trust, there are six main steps owners should take to protect their animals. The most basic is to keep pets indoors during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 10am and 3pm. This reduces the risk of overheating significantly. Even inside the home, shade must be available, and fresh drinking water needs to be accessible at all times. Owners are advised to add one or two ice cubes to bowls to encourage drinking.

Water bowls should be placed in wide areas away from food and litter trays to prevent contamination. Ventilation helps as well; a fan can circulate air, though windows must be secured so pets cannot escape or fall out. Owners can also provide physical cooling items, such as a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel near a pet’s sleeping area, or simply make cool floors available for them to lie on.

Exercising dogs in the heat

A missed walk is better than burnt paws, according to the Dogs Trust. If the ground feels too hot for the back of your hand after holding it there for several seconds, it is too hot for a dog’s paws. During hot weather, walking dogs in the early morning or the evening when temperatures are cooler is safer. Walks should stick to grassy, shaded areas.

During heatwaves or exceptionally hot weather, it may be best to skip the walk altogether. To keep dogs stimulated indoors, puzzle feeders and snuffle mats can be used, along with calm training games. Owners must keep an eye on their body language and give them space to cool down if they become irritable or frustrated. If a garden is unavailable, dogs should be taken to the nearest grassy area to toilet and then returned home immediately.

Recognizing heatstroke symptoms

Heatstroke can be life-threatening for pets, so it is vital to know the signs. Cats are generally good at keeping themselves cool, but pet owners should always be vigilant. “Cats may love lounging in the sun but extreme heat can be just as dangerous for them as it is for us,” said Izzy Hocking, senior veterinary engagement manager at Cats Protection.

Dogs are much more vulnerable to heat than people, according to Emily Mills, veterinary projects manager at Dogs Trust. Certain types of dogs are at a higher risk, such as brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds like English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs; older dogs; overweight dogs; and those with medical conditions.

Owners should look out for skin that doesn’t spring back when gently pinched. If you spot these symptoms, contact a vet immediately. The RSPCA continues to remind dog owners that dogs die in hot cars, so if you see a dog in a hot car, call 999 immediately.

Preventing wildfires and avoiding hosepipe bans

With droughts and hosepipe bans becoming common, using a garden hose to cool pets might not be an option. The RSPCA has four tips for keeping animals cool without a hose. Owners can put water bowls in every room for pets to discover, using ice cubes to encourage drinking. A DIY cooling mat can be made by chilling a small, wet towel in the freezer and leaving it on the floor for the pet to lie on.

Owners can also build a breezy shade fort by hanging sheets in the garden or living room and using a fan to create a breeze. For dogs, homemade frozen treats like mashed banana on a shallow lid with scattered treats offer mental stimulation. These snacks should always be supervised to prevent choking. Pet-safe sunscreen with SPF30 or higher is available for vulnerable areas on pets with white or thin fur, particularly around the ears and nose, to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.

What to do if a pet has heatstroke

When a pet shows signs of heatstroke, “cool first, transport second” is the advice from Dogs Trust. Owners should stop any exercise or activity and move the pet to a cool, shady area. Fresh drinking water should be provided. Dogs should be cooled with water that is cooler than their body temperature. Young, healthy dogs can be immersed in cold water, while older dogs or those with health conditions should be sprayed with cold water and cooled with ventilation or a fan. Owners should never put wet towels over a pet, as they can trap heat. After initial cooling, contact a vet and keep the pet cool while transporting them.