Keeping your Pet Cool in the Summer Heat

Heat and humidity can make some summer days very uncomfortable, not just for us but also for our pets. Most pets are susceptible to similar dangers that we face in the heat- including heatstroke and sunburn.

For older, small or otherwise fragile pets, at times heat can prove fatal. The RSPCA states that “It is vital that animals have constant access to both water and shade, as heat stress can develop extremely quickly in hot weather during summer.

Read on for our top tips on keeping your pet/s healthy and cool this summer.

Basic Pet Heat Safety Guidelines

Never leave any pet/s confined to a car- (this is dangerous even if the windows are open and the car is parked in the shade).

Never leave your pets in a situation where they do not have access to shade, ventilation and fresh drinking water.

Take it easy – On a hot day, do not encourage your pet to run around or play, instead encourage rest and moderate activity only.

Keep your pet cool with a frozen water bottle.

Keeping Your Pet Cool – Our Top Tips

Provide plenty of shade, all day long – install shade cloth/ shade sails or use shade umbrellas to provide shelter from the heat. Consider using pet sunscreen to protect from sunburn.
Consider allowing outdoor animals inside access to a room cooled by electric fans or air conditioning.
Ensure your pet has access to water all day long- keep an eye on their water bowl/s, top it up as needed and try to keep it in the shade. Consider adding extra water bowl/s on a hot day.
Add ice cubes to water bowls (Keep an eye on your pet to make sure they are not scared by this and will continue to drink their water)
Some pets often tip over their water bowl, consider using one made of heavy material to prevent it tipping (e.g. ceramic).
Provide access to water for cooling off in the shade, e.g. a wading pool, or a wet towel. Always supervise your animals around a wading pool.
Fill a small plastic bottle with water and leave it in the freezer overnight. The next morning, wrap it in a tool and place it in your pets favorite lounging spot.
For indoor pets- keep your curtains closed on a hot day to keep the room cooler.
Fill a water bottle or or empty milk bottle with water and freeze. Add it to a rabbit/guinea pig hutch or Chicken coop. Your pets will lay next to the bottle to keep cool.
Do NOT use freezer packs/ice bricks as rabbits and other animals can chew them and they may contain hazardous contents.

Keeping Your Dog or Cat Cool

A paddling pool is great (for supervised play).

Elevate your pets bed to allow air to circulate underneath, which will help keep them cool.
For cats/dogs with long fur- a haircut may be beneficial, provided they have shelter from the sun so as not to get sunburn. Even just shaving a cats stomach can help.
Cats cool themselves down by licking their fur. You can help by using a damp cloth or paper towel to stroke your cat.
Always walk your dog in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat of the day.
Consider making iceblocks for your kitty. Place wet cat food and water in the bottom of a plastic bowl or cup and leave overnight to freeze. Place in your cats bowl the next day for a cool tasty treat.

Keeping your Chickens Cool

Provide small bags of ice, wrap them in wet towels and place them in the coop.
Spray chooks with a mist pump spray bottle ( if they like it!) or install a bird bath for supervised use.
Drape their coop with cool wet towels
Consider using ice to cool down the coop, by placing an ice pack underneath the coop.

Keeping Your Rabbit/Guinea Pigs Cool

Provide small bags of ice, wrap them in wet towels and place them in the hutch.
Drape their enclosure with cool wet towels
Place a ceramic tile or marble square in your pets favorite rest area, provided it is out of the sun. Lying on it will help them cool down.
Mist your bunnies ears. Rabbits lose heat through their ears and misting them will help keep the rabbit cool.
Consider using ice to cool down the coop, by placing an ice brick underneath their hutch.
Fill a water bottle or or empty milk bottle with water and freeze. Add it to a rabbit/guinea pig hutch or Chicken coop. Your pets will lay next to the bottle to keep cool.
Do NOT use freezer packs/ice bricks as rabbits and other animals can chew them and they may contain hazardous contents.

FAQ

What are the best cooling products for pets?

The best cooling products for pets include cooling mats, which are designed to dissipate heat and provide a cool surface for your pet to lie on. Additionally, cooling vests can be soaked in water and provide extended relief from the heat when worn. Fans or air conditioning units are also recommended to maintain a consistently cool environment, particularly for pets that spend more time indoors.

What are some DIY cooling solutions for pets?

DIY cooling solutions for pets include filling plastic bottles with water and freezing them overnight to create makeshift ice packs. These can be placed near your pet’s resting area to help them cool down. You can also provide shaded areas with damp towels for pets to lie on, and use misting sprays to gently cool their fur or skin.

What are the best ways to hydrate pets in summer?

Ensuring ample access to clean, fresh water at all times is crucial in hydrating pets during summer. You can add ice cubes to their water bowls to keep the water cooler for longer, encouraging more frequent drinking. It’s also advisable to monitor and refill their water supply multiple times a day during extreme heat to keep it fresh and inviting.

Are there specific breeds more susceptible to heat?

Breeds with thick fur, such as Huskies or Saint Bernards, and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, are more susceptible to heat due to their physiology. These breeds may experience greater difficulty in regulating their body temperature, making it essential to provide them with extra care and cooling options during summer.

How can I train my pet to stay calm in hot weather?

To help your pet stay calm in hot weather, establish a consistent routine that includes cool-down periods and minimize strenuous activities during peak heat hours. Providing a comfortable, shaded space where your pet can retreat can help alleviate stress. Incorporating gentle play and calming activities, such as puzzle toys or slow-paced walks during cooler times of the day, can also assist in keeping them relaxed.