With souring temperatures...
With temperatures soaring, it's easy to focus on keeping ourselves cool—but our pets rely on us to help protect them from the heat.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable...
...to heatstroke, but they're not the only animals at risk. Indoor cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds and other small pets can all struggle during hot weather, especially if they don't have access to shade, ventilation and fresh drinking water.
One important piece of advice for dog owners may come as a surprise. If your dog is showing signs of overheating, don't place a wet towel over their body. While it seems like it would help, covering them can actually trap heat against the body and slow the cooling process. Instead, use cool (not ice-cold) water to cool them down, create airflow with a fan where possible, and seek veterinary advice immediately.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs include:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Heavy drooling
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Weakness or lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion or collapse
- Tremors or seizures
If you suspect heatstroke, cool first, transport second. Begin cooling your dog immediately before travelling to the nearest vet.
Remember your other pets too
🐱 Cats: Provide cool, quiet places to rest, plenty of fresh water and good airflow. Older cats, kittens and flat-faced breeds may be more susceptible to heat. Wet their paws to with a cool cloth if necessary. Invest in a cooling mat, especially designed for your pets, or leave cold wet towels accessible for them to lie on.
🐰 Rabbits and guinea pigs: Hutches and runs can become dangerously hot in direct sunshine. Keep them in the shade, provide frozen water bottles wrapped in towels for them to lie near (but not directly on) and ensure constant access to fresh water.
🐹 Hamsters and other rodents: Small enclosures can heat up rapidly. Move cages away from sunny windows and keep rooms well ventilated.
🦜 Birds: Ensure cages are out of direct sunlight, provide fresh drinking water, and offer opportunities to bathe or mist lightly if appropriate for the species.
Every pet experiences heat differently, but they all depend on us to recognise the risks before it's too late.
For detailed guidance on recognising and treating heatstroke in dogs, visit the RSPCA's official advice.
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