Pets can't tell you they're overheating, and they cool themselves less effectively than we do — so a heatwave needs you to plan for them. Here's how to keep dogs, cats, and smaller pets safe and comfortable when it's hot.
Water, always
The single most important thing is constant access to fresh, cool water. Refill bowls often, place several around the home so it's never far, and add a few ice cubes to keep it cool. A well-hydrated pet copes far better with heat. For pets that drink little, wet food or a pet water fountain can encourage more intake.
A cool, shaded retreat
Give pets a cool room to escape to — shaded, on a lower floor or the coolest part of the home, with a tiled or cool floor they can stretch out on. Keep that room shaded and sealed against the day's heat just as you would for yourself (see our daytime cooling guide). Cooling mats and a damp towel to lie on can help, and let the pet choose whether to use them.
Gentle airflow
A fan providing gentle airflow can help, but with two caveats: always let the pet move away from it if they want, and don't aim a strong constant draught at them. Remember pets cool differently — dogs pant rather than sweat much — so airflow helps them less than it helps us, which makes shade and water even more important. An air cooler or mobile AC keeping a room cool benefits pets as much as people.
Smart timing for walks and activity
For dogs, shift walks to the cooler dawn and dusk hours, and keep them short during a heatwave. Test the pavement with your hand — if it's too hot for your palm, it's too hot for paws. Avoid strenuous play in the heat of the day, and stick to shaded routes. Let pets set the pace; don't push them in high heat.
Never leave pets in hot, closed spaces
This is critical: never leave a pet in a hot car, even briefly, or in a sealed, unventilated room that can become dangerously hot. Temperatures in enclosed spaces climb fast and can be fatal. If you're going somewhere a pet can't be kept cool and safe, leave them at home in their cool retreat with water.
Know the warning signs
Act fast if you see signs of overheating:
- Heavy or frantic panting, excessive drooling
- Bright red or pale gums, lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting, stumbling, or collapse
Move the pet to a cool place, offer water, cool them gradually (not ice-cold), and contact a vet — urgently if symptoms are severe.
The takeaway
Keep pets cool with constant water, a shaded cool retreat, gentle optional airflow, and cooler-hour walks — and never leave them in hot, closed spaces. Watch for overheating signs and act early. To keep their space cool, check what's in stock near you.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. For a pet showing serious heat symptoms, contact a vet immediately.