How can I keep my pets cool in the hot weather?

Most of us really look forward to the summer months, dreaming about topping up our tans and enjoying barbeques and picnics with friends and family. However, high temperatures can make this time of year very uncomfortable – and even dangerous – for our pets. If you’re wondering “How can I keep my pets cool in the hot weather?”, keep reading. Here are our top tips for helping your furry friend beat the heat this summer. 

Top tips for keeping your pets cool in summerpuppy running around outside

Knowing how to keep your pets cool in summer is essential to prevent them from overheating. Dogs, cats and smaller pets like rabbits and hamsters can really suffer in the summer heat, especially with temperatures climbing every year. If you fail to take steps to cool your pets down, they can quickly become not just uncomfortable but very poorly too. It’s possible they could develop heatstroke, which can be serious and even life-threatening for animals. Read on to find out the answer to the question “How can I keep my pets cool in the hot weather?”

Offer plenty of water

Whilst this might seem like an obvious thing to do in summer, it really is worth pointing out due to its importance. Your pets need a constant supply of fresh water to stay cool and healthy at this time of year. Drinking water helps to cool down their body and maintain a normal body temperature. If your pet has a lack of water in their body, they will likely dehydrate. 

Since cats will sometimes refuse to drink water from a bowl even when they’re thirsty, it may be worth investing in a cat water fountain. With a cat fountain, the water inside it is filtered through a series of tubes, giving your cat the feeling that they are drinking fresh running water.

Flavouring water may also prove useful for encouraging some pets to drink it. A few drops of apple juice can entice rabbits and hamsters whilst a little chicken broth can make cats more inclined to drink.

Avoid walking and playing during peak hours

It’s best to avoid walking and playing with your pet outdoors during the hottest hours of the day. This is usually from around noon to 3pm. Asphalt can get incredibly hot in the summer, reaching the point where it can even burn sensitive paw pads. Take your dog for a walk in the early morning or later in the evening to make the experience more pleasurable and safer for your pet.

It’s not just dogs that benefit from being kept indoors during the hot summer days. Even though cats love to laze about in the sun, they should be brought inside for a few hours when temperatures are at their highest. Animals in cages such as rabbits should also be moved inside if possible, ideally being let out onto shady areas that are tiled to keep them cool. 

Keep your home cool 

Keeping your home cool during the summer months is essential for the health and wellbeing of your pets. One way to do this is to draw the curtains and pull down the blinds during the day. This will help to keep the sunlight out and reduce the temperature in your home, helping to keep it more comfortable. You may want to invest in a portable air conditioner or good electric fan to use on those sweltering hot days of summer. 

Cat Grooming in DinningtonInvest in cooling mats 

Cooling mats are fantastic for keeping dogs and cats cool during the summer months. They provide a place for your pet to sit and cool off whilst being indoors. Pressure-activated, they work by dispersing heat from their body, helping to lower their body temperature and prevent them from overheating. Cooling mats can help a pet cool down after being outside or after enjoying a particularly energetic play session. They are especially useful for pets that have thick fur as they are most at risk of overheating in summer. 

Never leave pets in a parked car 

Never make the mistake of leaving your pet in a parked car, even with the air conditioning on. On a hot day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels of up to 78 degrees Celsius. Your pet can quickly fall ill, potentially becoming dehydrated, developing heatstroke or even dying. A dog left in a hot car can suffer from potentially fatal heat stroke in just 15 minutes. If you know that you’ll need to go somewhere that you can’t take your dog whilst out in the car, it’s best to leave them at home. 

Choose reputable dog kennels in Rotherham 

Take care when choosing boarding facilities for your pet. You need to be sure that the place you choose can be trusted to keep your pet cool and comfortable when temperatures are at their highest. At Jaycliffe Pets, we’re the first choice dog kennels in Rotherham, offering boarding facilities of the highest calibre. Our team lives on-site, which means we’re on hand 24/7 to care for your pets. Whether you need us to look after your dog for a few days, a few weeks or even longer, you can rest assured that they will ensure a happy and enjoyable stay.  

Contact us 

Now that you know the answer to “How can I keep my pets cool in the hot weather?”, you may be looking for reputable dog kennels in Rotherham. Call us on 01709 645 046 to talk to one of our friendly team. Alternatively, send us a message via the contact form on our website and we will get back to you as soon as we can.