To keep a dog or cat cool in hot weather, prioritise fresh water, shade, airflow and access to the coolest safe part of the home. Reduce exercise during the hottest part of the day, never leave a pet in a parked vehicle, and know the signs that overheating has become an emergency.
Set up a cooler environment before the day heats up
Check the forecast and prepare early, especially for a heatwave or several hot days in a row. Bring pets indoors when the house is cooler than outside, close blinds against direct sun, and use fans or air conditioning where available. A shaded outdoor area still needs good airflow; shade alone may not be enough if the space is enclosed or poorly ventilated.
Provide more than one bowl of clean, fresh water so your pet still has access if a bowl is spilled. Place bowls in cool, easy-to-reach locations and refresh them regularly. Pets should always be able to move away from sunny areas and choose a cooler resting place.
Change exercise and travel plans
On hot or humid days, exercise dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when conditions are cooler. Keep walks shorter, avoid strenuous games and stay away from hot asphalt, concrete and sand. Take water with you and allow regular rest breaks in the shade.
It is often safer to leave pets at home in a cool environment than take them on unnecessary car trips. Never leave a dog, cat or other animal unattended in a parked vehicle, even with the windows partly open or the car in the shade. Vehicle interiors can become dangerously hot very quickly.
Which pets need extra care?
Any animal can overheat, but some need closer monitoring. Risk is higher for flat-faced dogs and cats, very young or older animals, overweight pets, animals with thick or long coats, and pets with heart, breathing or other health problems. Ask your veterinarian for a hot-weather plan if your pet has an existing medical condition.
Cats may seek out tiled floors, bathrooms or other cool areas. Make sure they can reach these spaces safely and are not accidentally shut inside a hot room, shed or garage.
Can a cooling mat help?
A cooling mat can offer an optional cooler resting surface, but it does not replace water, ventilation, shade or a suitably cool environment. Place it away from direct sun and let your pet choose whether to use it. Check the mat regularly and remove it if it is damaged or your pet chews it.
One option is the washable, portable pet cooling mat for dogs and cats. Its product listing describes it as foldable and suitable for indoor, outdoor and travel use. Choose a resting surface that suits your pet's size and normal sleeping position, and supervise initial use.
Know the warning signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. Warning signs can include relentless panting or fast breathing, excessive drooling, restlessness, very red or pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, staggering, tremors, confusion, seizures or collapse. Cats do not normally pant like dogs, so panting or open-mouth breathing in a hot cat requires urgent attention.
If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to a cool, shaded and well-ventilated place, wet their fur or skin with cool or tepid water and use a fan if available. Do not use ice-cold water or ice on the animal. Contact a veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions; do not wait to see whether your pet recovers on their own.
A simple hot-day checklist
Check the forecast and prepare the coolest room early.
Set out several bowls of fresh water.
Keep outdoor resting areas shaded and well ventilated.
Move walks and active play to cooler times.
Cancel unnecessary car trips with pets.
Check higher-risk animals frequently.
Keep your veterinarian's contact details handy.
Cooling products can add comfort, but the essentials are planning, water, airflow, shade and prompt action when a pet shows signs of distress. If you are unsure whether your pet is coping with the heat, contact a qualified veterinarian for advice.
