How to Keep Your Dog and Cat Cool in Hot Weather
When the sun finally comes out in Cheshire, we all want to make the most of it. But while we’re reaching for the suncream and shorts, our dogs and cats are still wearing their winter coats.
Because pets can’t sweat the way we do, they are far more sensitive to rising temperatures. To help you keep your furry family members happy and comfortable, we’ve put together a practical guide on how to keep your dogs and cats cool this summer.
Top Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool
Dogs primarily cool down by panting, which relies on them breathing in air that is cooler than their body temperature. When the air around them is hot, panting becomes much less effective.
Walk early, walk late: Avoid the midday sun entirely. Aim for early morning or late evening walks when the air and pavements are cool. If it feels too hot for you to comfortably hold the back of your hand on the tarmac for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for their paws.
Ditch the heavy exercise: On hot days, trade intense games of fetch for mental stimulation at home, like puzzle feeders or sniffing games in a shaded garden.
Create cool zones: Set up fans, open windows to keep air circulating, and look into pet cooling mats. A damp towel placed on the floor for them to lie on can also work wonders.
Hydration stations: Keep multiple water bowls around the house and garden, and add a few ice cubes to keep the water refreshing.
Never leave a dog in a car: Not even for a minute, not even with the windows cracked, and not even in the shade. A car can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.
Clever Ways to Keep Your Cat Cool
Cats are masters at conserving energy when it’s hot—you’ll likely notice them sleeping much more during a heatwave. They also groom themselves more frequently because the evaporating saliva helps mimic the cooling effect of human sweat.
Keep them indoors during peak heat: Keep your cat inside during the hottest hours of the day (usually 11 am to 3 pm) to stop them from getting trapped in hot greenhouses, sheds, or sunrooms.
The damp towel trick: Many cats dislike being sprayed with water, but you can gently stroke them with a damp cloth or kitchen towel to help cool down their fur.
Provide shady retreats: Ensure they have access to the coolest, tile-floored rooms in the house (like bathrooms or kitchens).
Encourage drinking: Cats can be fussy about standing water. Try using a pet water fountain, or place water bowls well away from their food bowls to encourage them to drink more.
High-Risk Pets:
Who Needs Extra Care?
While hot weather can affect any animal, some pets find it much harder to regulate their temperature than others. Keep a particularly close eye on:
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds: Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Persian cats have shorter airways, making panting far less effective.
Older pets or those with medical conditions: Especially those with heart or lung issues.
Overweight or heavily coated pets: Extra insulation makes it much harder for heat to escape their bodies.
What if my pet gets too hot?
While prevention is key, hot days can escalate quickly. It is vital that every pet owner knows how to spot the early warning signs of overheating before it becomes a medical emergency. Our guide on heatstroke in pets covers signs and treatments in more detail.
If you have concerns of any level then don’t hesitate to contact the Knutsford Vets team.
Need Advice?
If the weather warms up and you are worried your pet is acting strangely, lethargic, or struggling with the heat, please contact the surgery.
You can call us on 01565 337 999 — we are always here to help keep your pets safe and well.
