Summer is a fabulous time for outdoor adventures, longer walks, and lazy afternoons in the garden, but when the temperature and humidity soars, our pets rely on us to help them stay safe and cool. Dogs and cats don't sweat like we do, and extreme heat can quickly lead to dehydration, or even life-threatening heatstroke. 

Here are 10 essential summer safety tips to help you protect their furry family members during a heatwave.

1. Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car — Not Even for a Minute. It might seem harmless to leave your dog in the car while you “just pop into the shop,” but temperatures inside vehicles can rise dramatically in a matter of minutes, even with the windows left open. This means your pet could quickly become overheated, distressed and could suffer fatal heat stroke. If your pet cannot come with you, it’s safer to leave them at home.
2. Keep Cool, Clean Water Available at All Times. Hydration is absolutely vital in hot weather. Make sure your pets have access to multiple bowls of fresh, cool water both inside and outside. Refresh their water regularly throughout the day and consider tossing in a few ice cubes for extra cooling.
3. Avoid Outdoor Time During the Hottest Part of the Day. Pets should be kept indoors during peak heat hours (usually between 11am and 4pm). Take dogs for walks early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler, walk in shaded areas and limit outdoor bathroom breaks to just a few minutes.
4. Provide Plenty of Shade and Ventilated Shelter. If your pet must spend time outside, ensure there is ample shade that shifts with the sun. A tree, canopy, or umbrella is better than a shed or doghouse, which can trap heat. Make sure your pet can always find a cool, shaded place to rest.
5. Protect Paws from Hot Surfaces. Pavement, sand and artificial turf can become dangerously hot — and can burn your pet’s paws. Try this quick test: place the back of your hand on the surface. If you cannot hold it there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s feet. Stick to grass or walk during cooler times of the day.
6. Adjust Exercise and Play Time. High-energy activities should be avoided during extreme heat. Plan walks during the coolest part of the day, try to walk in shaded areas, take frequent breaks and always carry water and a collapsible bowl for hydration. Let your dog set the pace and watch for signs they need to rest.
7. Groom Regularly — But Don’t Shave. Brushing your pet regularly helps remove excess fur and keeps them cooler. However, don’t shave your dog or cat, especially if they have a double coat. Their fur actually protects them from sunburn and helps regulate body temperature. If in doubt, check with your vet or groomer before giving your pet a summer trim.
8. Use Pet-Safe Sunscreen on Vulnerable Areas. Yes, pets can get sunburn too, particularly those with light-coloured or thin coats. Apply pet-friendly sunscreen to exposed and pink areas like the nose, ears, and belly, especially before outdoor time. Never use sunscreen meant for humans, as it can contain harmful ingredients.
9. Provide Cooling Comforts at Home. Help your pet chill out with cooling mats, frozen treats, or give them cold damp towels to lie on. Don’t put damp towels on your pet as they can quickly heat up and trap hot air which will make your pet hotter. Fans and air conditioning are also great for circulating air.
10. Know the Signs of Heatstroke. If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to a shaded area, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water and gently cool their ears, belly, and paws with a damp cloth. Then seek veterinary help immediately. Heatstroke is a serious emergency. Symptoms include: excessive panting, drooling, red gums or tongue, vomiting or diarrhoea, weakness or collapse.

Stay alert and change your routine as needed

When it comes to protecting our pets in hot weather, a little common sense goes a long way. By staying alert, adjusting routines and prioritising hydration and shade, you’ll help your cat or dog enjoy the summer safely, without risking heat-related health issues. Our pets cannot tell us when they are overheating but with a bit of awareness, we can make sure they stay happy, healthy and cool all summer long.

If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health in hot weather, it’s always best to speak to your vet. And for added peace of mind, having reliable pet insurance for your dog or cat can help cover the cost of emergency treatment if the unexpected happens.