How to keep pets cool in summer
Keeping cool in the height of summer can be a real struggle. Now imagine trying to stay cool when you’re wearing a fur coat – that’s what it can be like for our pets! Our animal friends can also feel the heat, so it’s up to us to help them out. Here’s how!
How to keep pets cool
There are a few ways you can keep your furry friends cool when the temperature rises:
Raised dog beds
Don’t let the name fool you – our raised dog beds can be used for dogs and cats. By having their sleeping mat off the floor, you’re allowing cooler air to circulate around their whole body so they can sleep soundly. Many raised dog beds also have a canopy over the top to keep direct sunlight off, so they’re sheltered and comfortable.
Cooling mats
During the heat of the day, a cooling mat can be just what your pets need to cool off. You can use these on their own, or on top of a pet bed to lower the temperature. The gel filling automatically cools down to help your pet relax – no electricity or water needed! You could also use ice packs wrapped in a tea towel while you’re waiting for your cooling mat to arrive.
Paddling pools
Your pets can stay cool and have a great time with a paddling pool! Your dogs will love splashing around in our dedicated pet paddling pools, but we wouldn’t recommend trying to put your cat in there – they famously hate getting wet!
Fans
Try and keep your pets out of direct sunlight during the day. Grab a couple of fans and use one for your pet’s bed or area they like to hang out in. An air conditioner is also very effective as it dehumidifies as it cools, perfect for when the dog has been splashing around in their paddling pool.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a serious condition that can happen if your pet gets too warm and can’t cool themselves down. Most pets will pant to cool themselves down (even cats sometimes), but this won’t be enough if their temperature is too high. Here are the warning signs to look out for:
Signs of heatstroke
- Heavy panting
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting/diarrhoea
- Collapsing
- Dribbling
What to do
If your pet is suffering from any of these symptoms, you should call your vet and move your pet somewhere cool. That’s easier said than done in the height of summer, so lay them in front of a fan and stroke them with a towel soaked in cool water to help bring their temperature down. Encourage them to drink small amounts of water.
How to prevent overheating
If you have a dog, walk them early in the morning and evening, avoiding the hottest time of day between 11am and 3pm. Roads and pavements can get very hot in summer and can hurt their paws: if its 25°C/77°F outside, tarmac and asphalt can be a whopping 52°C/125°F! If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws, so give the ground a poke first to make sure.
Your pet should always have access to clean drinking water – you could even pop a couple of ice cubes in to keep it cool.
With cats, try and limit their time outside so they’re not out when the temperature is at its peak. A damp towel or ice pack will help keep them cool, but don’t be tempted to spray them with water or they’ll probably run a mile!
Although cats are usually quite good at regulating their own temperature and don’t mind being warm, you should keep an eye on young cats and kittens: they don’t know any better and are full of energy, so they’re more at risk of heatstroke.
Give them a good groom!
It may sound a bit backwards, but your pet’s fur can actually help them in warm weather! Studies have shown that it protects their skin from harmful UV rays and can keep them cool, so don’t be tempted to give them a buzz cut – they’ll be prone to sunburn and will look really silly.
However, giving them a brush is never a bad thing, as it gets rid of tangled or loose fur which can build up. Regularly grooming your pet is also a great bonding exercise for cats and dogs.
Keep checking your pets for pesky ticks and fleas in summer, as they thrive in hot weather. Stock up on flea & worm treatments just in case.
Tips for small animals
Let’s not forget about the little guys! Small pets like hamsters are sensitive to heat and sunlight, so always keep their enclosure in a cool shady spot. Just like the cat and dog, you should keep them well hydrated in the summer months especially.
We hope you and your pets can enjoy a fantastic and safe summer together. Don’t forget to share your summery snaps with us on Facebook and X