Follow our top tips to make sure your pets don't overheat during the Summer Summer is our hottest season, when lots of people enjoy spending time outdoors with their family, friends and pets. But as temperatures rise, our pets are at higher risk of easily overheating, being more susceptible to skin and ear infections and developing heatstroke.Follow our top tips to beat the heat and keep your pet healthy and happy this summer. If you have any concerns then always speak to your local vet.Water and shadePets can become dehydrated quickly, so make sure they always have access to plenty of fresh, clean water on hot days. Also make sure your pets have access to a shady place, and use pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of their skin, especially their ears and nose, when they are in direct sunlight. If it’s too hot to venture outside, then make sure your home has circulating cool air to stop your pet overheating. Providing damp towels, blankets or cool-mats for your dog to lie on is a great way to help keep them cool. Signs of heatstrokeDogs can’t sweat through their skin and so they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose to regulate their body temperature. If dogs are unable to control their body temperature by panting, they can develop heatstroke – which is very serious and can kill.Know the signs of heatstroke:Excessive pantingExtreme salivationAppearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinatedDistressCollapse.If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool place, wet their coat with cool water and contact your vet immediately.Pets in carsPets left unattended in cars on a warm day can quickly develop heatstroke. Never leave your animal alone in a vehicle, even for a short time with the windows open.If you see a dog in distress inside a car, official advice is to call the police. They will advise you what to do based on the situation.Avoid walks in the heatIn hot weather, walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, in the early morning and late evening, to avoid heatstroke. Be aware that dogs’ paw pads can burn on hot pavements. As a general rule, if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.Swimming adviceSwimming is an excellent exercise for your pet and a great way to keep them cool in the summer. However, there are some tips to be mindful of:Not all dogs like to swim, so never force or throw them into waterBe wary of strong tides at the beachBring fresh water with you to the beach and try to avoid your dog drinking saltwater. It’s likely to make them feel sickIf your dog swims or paddles in the sea to keep cool, rinse saltwater and sand from their coat afterwards to avoid drying and irritating their skinMake sure rivers, ponds and canals are clean before letting your dog dive in. Some types of algae, including blue-green algae, are toxic to dogs. If your dog swims in algae-contaminated water, contact your vet immediately.Be mindful of these tips in the heat and enjoy the summertime with your pet. About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Welfare Centre We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags Small Animals Publication date 03 Jun, 2025
