Summer pet advice: top tips from the Dick Vet

Enjoy the sunshine without putting your pet at risk

Summer is a wonderful time to be outdoors with family, friends, and pets. 

But as temperatures climb, animals can overheat more easily – and in severe cases, develop heatstroke. Hot weather can also make them more prone to skin and ear infections.

Use our top tips below to help your pet stay comfortable and safe this summer. If you’re worried, contact your local vet.

Water and shade

Pets can dehydrate quickly in the heat, so make sure fresh, clean water is always available.

  • Provide shade: ensure your pet can rest out of direct sun
  • Use pet-safe sunscreen: apply to exposed areas - especially ears and nose - when they’ll be in direct sunlight
  • Keep indoor air cool: if it’s too hot to go out, try to make sure that your home has circulating cool air to prevent overheating.
  • Offer cooling options: damp towels, blankets, or a cool-mat can give your dog a comfortable place to cool down.
small cream terrier dog holding a hose pipe in his month with a jet of water shooting into the air

Signs of heatstroke

Dogs don’t sweat through their skin, but mainly cool themselves by panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose. If panting isn’t enough to control body temperature, heatstroke can develop – which is very serious and can be fatal. 

Know the signs of heatstroke:

  • Excessive panting
  • Heavy drooling
  • Lethargy, drowsiness or uncoordinated movement
  • Distress
  • Collapse.

If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to a cooler place, wet their coat with cool water, and contact your vet immediately.

Pets in cars

A parked car can heat up rapidly—even on a mild day. Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, not even for a short stop with the windows open.

If you see a dog in distress in a car, official guidance is to call the police, who will advise you on what to do.

Avoid walks in the heat

On hot days, plan dog walks for the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening—to reduce the risk of heatstroke.

Also be aware that hot pavements can burn paw pads. A helpful check is if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

Swimming advice

Swimming can be brilliant exercise for your pet and a great way for them to cool off - but keep these safety points in mind:

  • Not every dog enjoys swimming, so never force them or throw them into water
  • Be cautious of strong tides at the beach
  • Bring fresh drinking water and try to prevent your dog from drinking salt water as it can make them feel sick
  • After sea swims or paddling, rinse salt water and sand off your dog to help prevent dry, irritated skin
  • Only allow swimming in clean rivers, ponds, or canals—some algae, including blue-green algae, is toxic to dogs. If your dog may have swum in algae-contaminated water, contact your vet immediately

Keep these tips in mind in warmer weather, and enjoy a safe, happy summer 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 Animal 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. 

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