Helping pets in the heat: vet approved ways to stop your pet from overheating

22 May 2026

With warmer weather forecast across the country this week, it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the dangers of the heat.  

Leading vet charity PDSA is warning pet owners to act with caution this summer, and has outlined what to do to keep pets cool in rising temperatures. 

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh said: “Hot temperatures can lead to fatal consequences for our pets, so preventing your pets from overheating and getting heatstroke is key to keeping them safe and happy this summer. 

“Dogs don’t sweat in the same way that we do, so to regulate their body temperature and cool themselves down, they pant instead. Panting is part of a dog’s normal cooling process. When dogs pant, air flows quickly over their wet tongue and mouth which speeds up evaporation of moisture. This helps cool their blood and, in turn, their whole body.

“Too much sun or heat can be extremely dangerous for our canine companions, especially for flat-faced breeds and overweight dogs, who find it much more difficult to cool themselves down. Older dogs and those with ongoing health problems may also find it more difficult to manage their body temperature. 

What to do when it’s hot out

“Dogs love to run around, but that’s also when heatstroke can sneak up on them, especially during hot weather. If you do head out for a dog walk, try to go early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower and temperatures are cooler. During a heatwave, skipping a walk altogether may be the safest option, especially for short-faced dogs.  

“It’s also important to bear in mind that playing outside during hot weather can cause your dog to overheat. Check the ‘feels like’ temperature, so you can completely avoid your pets being outside when it’s too warm.      

“Cats can also struggle in high temperatures, even though they may appear more independent. Make sure cats always have access to cool, shaded areas indoors or outdoors, and provide plenty of fresh water in multiple locations around the home. During very hot weather, encourage them to rest indoors during the hottest part of the day, particularly older cats, kittens, overweight cats and flat-faced breeds, which can be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.  

“The same rule of staying out of the heat during the hottest hours applies to all pets. Create a cool room for your pet – provide shade, good airflow and a cool spot for them to lie down on. Choose a room away from direct sunlight and close the curtains or blinds to block out the sun. Use fans or air conditioning to keep the air moving and fresh and always make sure your pet has access to plenty of clean and fresh water. For pets living outside, provide shade by placing their enclosure under tree cover or covering it with a tarp, always ensuring good air flow. Never leave them unattended in hot conditions without a way to cool down. If your pet lives in a cage or enclosure indoors, make sure it’s placed well away from windows to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. 

Travelling with pets

“On hot days, never leave pets in a hot car, caravan, tent or areas of the house that might heat up quickly, such as porches or conservatories. Even if your car is parked in the shade the temperature can reach a dangerously high level within minutes.   

“Also travelling in the car with your pet in the heat is not worth the risk. Even a quick trip to the shop with your dog left in the car can become extremely dangerous if you're caught in traffic or face delays. Air conditioning might be keeping you cool in the front, but it can mask the heat your pet feels if they’re in the back or boot of the car.   

“Cars can quickly heat up to dangerously high temperatures, even when it’s not particularly hot outside. It’s always best to leave your pet at home, whether you’re heading out for a short errand or a longer trip, or find alternative care for them if you need to be out for longer periods. 

Tips for keeping cool

“There are a lot of fun and inventive things that you can do to help keep your dog comfortable on a hot day. Filling a shallow paddling pool or washing up bowl with cold water can give your dog a much-needed chance to cool their paws. Gently wetting their body with cool water also really helps to cool them down. 

“Advice circulates on social media every summer claiming that the cold temperature of ice cubes can trigger a pet’s heat-regulating system, which results in their body warming up – however, this is untrue. While ice itself can help keep pets cool, it’s best to avoid giving them solid ice cubes, as these can fracture teeth, especially in enthusiastic chewers! Instead, try offering ice shavings or crushed ice, which are safer and easier to lick. Another good option is to freeze a bowl of water, creating a large block of ice your pet can lick to stay cool without risking dental injury.    

“You could also freeze fruit and vegetables for your dog(cut them into small pieces if your pet is just little!) – apples, carrots and pears can help keep them hydrated. For cats, you can provide ice cubes to bat around the floor, give frozen treats, or even pop a few ice cubes in their water bowl. While the cooling effect is mild and short-lived, it can help them feel refreshed. Remember, though, frozen treats alone won’t prevent overheating - they work best alongside plenty of shade, fresh water, and cool resting spots.  

“On warmer days, place an ice pack wrapped in a towel in your pet’s bed to help keep them cool. You could also consider laying down a cooling mat. Always supervise your dog to ensure they don’t chew the ice pack or cooling mat, as the contents can be harmful. Be careful with small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs because they’re sensitive to temperature extremes in either direction – make sure any cooling items are covered to prevent direct contact, and place them where your pet can choose to move away if they don’t want to use them. 

“Grooming will also help your pet to regulate their temperature, especially if they have long or thick hair. Although dogs don’t sweat through their skin like humans, a tangle-free coat will allow your dog’s skin to breathe better. Regular grooming is important for cats too, particularly long-haired breeds, as matted or excess fur can trap heat and make it harder for them to stay cool. And keep your pet at a healthy weight – overweight pets are more prone to overheating.” 

For more advice on keeping your pets safe over the summer, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/summer-hazards-for-pets