According to the Met Office, 2025 was the warmest and sunniest year on record for the UK. So with potentially warmer summers now upon us, we’ve put a plan in place to keep your furry friends cool and comfortable in the heat.
1. Keep your pet indoors during the hottest hours
This is usually between 10 am and 3 pm. A good way to gauge if the pavement is too hot for their little paws is by holding your hand against it for a few seconds. But if you’re unsure, let your cat out or walk your dog in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower.
2. Keep your cat or dog hydrated
You can encourage your cat or dog to drink more often by placing additional water bowls around the house. On really hot days, a few ice cubes will keep the water cool for longer. This time of year is also perfect for a pet water fountain, which can encourage your pet to drink more often.
3. Give them a cool place to rest
Lay a damp towel on the floor so they have a cool surface to lie on. Or better yet – get your pet their own cooling mat. If you have a garden, a paddling pool placed in a shady spot will be a dream come true for your pooch (who knows, maybe even your cat!).
You can also give wildlife a helping hand by leaving a few water containers outside during hot weather.
4. Keep a stash of treats in the freezer
Try chopped banana, celery, carrots, watermelon, strawberries or blueberries. We can’t guarantee your kitty will love these, but many dogs will surely be interested. Remember, fruit is high in sugar, so like any treat, it shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories.
For our canine friends, you can stuff a KONG Classic dog toy with peanut butter (or their favourite wet food), pop it in the freezer and use it as a cool treat.
5. Check for symptoms of seasonal allergies
Red patches on their skin, runny eyes or excessive scratching are typically a reaction to environmental triggers like pollen, grass or parasites, which are more common in spring and summer. So if you spot these signs, take your pet to the vet for a check-up.
When looking to help relieve itching, YuMOVE Skin and Coat Care Itching can help soothe itchy skin and support the skin’s natural defences.
6. Never leave your dog alone inside a car
Even when the windows are open or you’re parked in the shade, cars can get extremely hot very quickly. Just picture being inside a hot oven while wearing a fur coat. This can become fatal in a very short amount of time.
7. Recognise the signs of overheating
A little panting on a hot day is normal – it’s how your pet releases excess heat. However, if you notice heavy panting, drooling, drowsiness, vomiting or diarrhoea, contact your vet immediately, as this could be a medical emergency.
8. Protect your pet from sunburn
All pets, like us, can get sunburnt from too much sun exposure. Sunburn can be easily prevented; however, white pets in particular are at greater risk of burning.
Apply pet-friendly sunscreen to vulnerable areas such as the ears, nose and tummy, and make sure your pet spends time out of the sun during peak hours. Remember to carry a water bottle for your pooch whenever you’re outdoors together.
Those are our top tips for keeping pets cool and comfortable this summer. For more ways to help your pet stay safe and comfortable in warm weather, check out our cat and dog cooling essentials.
Here’s to basking in the sunshine without anyone getting too hot under the collar.
