Hot weather can be uncomfortable for all of us — but for pets, extreme heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening. On days over 35–40°C, dogs and cats can overheat very quickly, especially if they are exercised, left outdoors, or unable to cool themselves effectively.Keeping your pets cool

Below are some simple but important tips to help keep your pets safe during heatwaves, and what to do if you’re concerned your pet has been affected by the heat.

‼️Why Heat Is So Dangerous for Pets

Unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t sweat to cool themselves. Dogs rely mostly on panting, which becomes much less effective in extreme heat. Certain pets are at higher risk, including:

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats)
Puppies and kittens
Senior pets
Overweight pets
Pets with heart or respiratory disease
However, any pet can suffer heat stress if conditions are hot enough.

???? How to Keep Your Pet Cool

On hot days, prevention is key:

Keep pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day
Ensure constant access to fresh, cool water (top up regularly)
Use air-conditioning, fans, or cool tiled floors where possible
Provide shade at all times if pets must be outside
Offer cooling aids such as damp towels or cooling mats (if tolerated)
????Exercise & Hot Pavement

Avoid walks during the heat of the day — early morning is always safest
Remember that pavement and concrete retain heat, and can remain hot well into the afternoon and evening, even after air temperatures drop
A good rule of thumb: if you can’t comfortably hold your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for paws
???? Never Leave Pets in Cars

Even on milder days, cars can heat up within minutes. On hot days, temperatures inside a vehicle can become fatal very quickly — even with windows cracked. Never leave pets unattended in cars.

????Signs of Heat Stress or Heatstroke

Contact your vet urgently if your pet shows any of the following signs:

Heavy or excessive panting
Drooling or thick saliva
Lethargy or weakness
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Wobbliness, disorientation or collapse
Seizures or unresponsiveness
✅ What to Do If You’re Worried

If you think your pet is overheating:

Move them to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area immediately
Offer small amounts of cool water (do not force drinking)
Use cool (not ice-cold) water on paws, belly and ears if needed
Contact your vet as soon as possible — heatstroke is an emergency and early treatment saves lives
☎️ When in Doubt, Call Us

If you’re unsure whether your pet is coping with the heat, it’s always better to be cautious. Our team is here to help and provide advice or urgent care if needed.

Stay cool, stay safe, and please look out for your pets during extreme