28/05/2026
HEAT ALERT FOR OUR PETS!!!!!!!
Our pets can get very hot in a heatwave, and keeping them cool and comfy is important. We've got some simple tips and tricks you can use to help your pet out on the warmest summer days.
Cooling tips for dogs
Is it too hot to walk your dog?
Some temperatures are simply too dangerous for pets to exercise. Remember, in summer it’s always safer to walk your pet early in the morning or later in the evening.
Health conditions: especially those that affect their respiratory system, which dogs rely on to keep cool.
Thick coats: dogs lose heat through their bodies, but thick fur can trap the heat in.
Age: puppies and senior dogs aren’t as able to regulate their temperature.
Breed: certain brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds are unable to pant as effectively, due to their shorter snouts.
Know the signs of heatstroke, and what to do next
It's helpful to know how spot the signs of heat-related illness early.
Collapse: heat exhaustion, when severe, could cause the dog to collapse.
Confusion or disorientation: dehydration might make the dog lightheaded or dizzy, affecting their movements.
Dehydration: this can present as a dry nose, sunken eyes, heavy panting, infrequent urination, and tiredness.
Drooling: if the dog is drooling more often, and it’s thicker and stickier, this could be a symptom of heatstroke.
Increased heart rate: check a dog’s heartbeat by placing your hand on their chest, just behind their front leg’s elbow. A fast pulse could signal overheating (remember that the dog’s size affects their resting heart rate: big dogs have slower pulses, whereas small dogs have quicker pulses).
Muscle spasms: these heat cramps are often associated with dehydration, and might appear as shivering and shaking despite the high temperatures.
Noisy breathing: breathing noisily or faster than normal, especially if the dog is a flat-faced breed, is a sign of overheating.
Panting: dogs cool down by panting, so the more they pant, the hotter they are.
Red gums and tongue: whilst this is often a symptom of a dental problem, when coupled with panting and heavy breathing, red gums can occur when a dog is overheating.
Seizures: heatstroke, especially in dogs with epilepsy, can trigger seizures and loss of consciousness.
Vomiting and diarrhoea: stool that’s softer than normal can be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Stool and diarrhoea that contains blood is a sign that the heatstroke has become more severe.
Weakness and lethargy: the dog might sleep more, have trouble standing or walking, or generally seem more sluggish with their movements.
Tips to help your pet stay cool
These simple changes can make all the difference in hot weather.
bottle of water
Keep water topped up
Fresh water helps your pet stay hydrated and regulate their body temperature.
bowl of water with ice
Try frozen treats
From frozen toys to ice cubes in their bowl, frozen treats can help cool them down, and even entertain them.
Fan
Create shady rest spots
Create a shady spot indoors or outdoors with a cooling mat, fan, or damp towel.
Don’t use damp towels on top of your dog
Don’t place damp towels directly over the dog’s body, as this can trap heat and worsen their condition. You can place wet or damp towels beneath the dog – remembering to re-wet the towel frequently – but never over their body.
If we you would like any further information please do not hesitate to call us
