27/06/2025
With temperatures set to rise again today and remain hot over the weekend, it is absolutely vital that we remember just how easily our pets can overheat in this weather.
Pets are much more susceptible to heatstroke and likely to suffer more than their human family members. They can’t regulate their body temperature the same way we do, so it’s important to provide plenty of shade, fresh water and cool resting places.
Some helpful tips for keeping you pet cool this weekend:
✅Water - Always have fresh water available, but in the heatwave it’s especially important to also take a bottle on walks. Cats tend to prefer running water to still sources, so if you’re worried about their hydration, offer them a drink from a tap.
✅Ice - Frozen treats like berry or apple ice blocks are a fun, cooling option.
✅Playtime - Fill a garden paddling pool with water. The PDSA recommends toys that can be frozen. Pull them out of the freezer and add these to the water for play time.
✅Walkies - Use the five-second rule, The Dogs Trust suggests. If you can’t comfortably hold your hand to the tarmac for five seconds, it will be too hot for their paws. Stick to early morning or evenings when the temperatures cool.
✅Sunscreen - We recommend using pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas of their skin, such as the tips of their ears or nose, especially if they have white or light coloured fur, which makes them more vulnerable to sunburn.
✅Cooling blanket - We recommend laying a damp towel or cooling blanket on the floor, for your pet to rest and cool down on. However, do not put a wet towel on top of your pet, as this can have the opposite effect.
✅Recognise the signs - Look out for heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, breathing
difficulties, vomiting, diarrhoea, disorientation and confusion, collapse, and fitting.
If your pet experiences any of these, it is important that they are cooled down and that you give us a call on 020 8368 9788
