Here’s our checklist for keeping animals safe in summer:
  • Make sure they have access to fresh drinking water at all times
  • Make sure all your pets have access to shade
  • Never leave them in cars, outbuildings or caravans on warm days (even if only for a short while). When it’s 22*C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47*C in these environments, which can be fatal
  • Time your walks – ideally walk your dog in the morning or evening when it’s cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement
  • Use pet safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet’s skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose, to avoid sunburn. This is especially important for dogs with white or light coloured fur, as they can be more vulnerable to getting burnt. Ask your vet for tips on what products are best for your pet
  • Fill a paddling pool or spray a hose for your dog to play in, but always supervise them around water
  • Put ice cubes in your pet’s water bowl or you could also freeze a kong with treats and water
  • Stay on top of your dog’s grooming during warmer weather – this can help brush away any dead or excess hair and leave them with a less dense coat, which is good for staying cool
  • Buy a cooling mat, wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for your pet to lie on – never wrap them in a damp towel, however, as this can actually trap heat
  • Check your pets every day for flystrike – this is particularly a risk if your pets are ill, have open wounds or are unable to clean themselves properly
Watch out for burned pads

Walking your dogs in hot weather can put them at risk of burned pads, so try to walk them in the mornings and evenings when it’s cooler and do the five second test – if the pavement is too hot for your hands, it’s too hot for paws! The signs your dog might be struggling include:

  • Limping or refusing to walk
  • Licking or chewing at their feet
  • Their pads have turned a darker colour
  • They’re missing a part of their pad
  • Blisters or redness
Dogs get heatstroke too

Just as with humans, too much exposure to heat can affect dogs. Here are some signs to watch for if you suspect heatstroke:

  • Heavy panting and laboured breathing
  • Excessive dribbling
  • They are lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
  • Collapsed or vomiting

If you suspect your dog has the signs of heatstroke, it’s essential to act quickly by moving them to a shaded and cool area and seek veterinary help.

Dr Damian Pacini, Principal Vet at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre said: “During the hot weather you should think twice before taking your dog out with you as they can struggle out and about in the heat – it’s often best to leave them at home and then walk them in the cooler parts of the day. And please, please don’t leave them in the car, even for a few minutes, even if the windows are open – just don’t do it!”

“Keep an eye on pets who may be struggling during this time. It’s much harder for them to communicate how they’re feeling so pet owners will need to be more intuitive and try to offer them ways to keep cool where possible”.