When temperatures climb, our pets are far more vulnerable than we are. Dogs and cats can't sweat to cool down the way humans do — they rely mostly on panting and on releasing heat through their paws. That makes them dangerously prone to overheating, and heatstroke in animals can become life-threatening within minutes. This guide covers how to keep your pet safe through summer, and crucially, how to recognise when heat has become an emergency.
Why pets overheat so easily
A dog's normal body temperature sits around 38–39°C, higher than ours, with much less ability to shed excess heat. Flat-faced breeds (pugs, French bulldogs, Persian cats), overweight pets, very young or old animals, and those with thick coats are at especially high risk. A car in summer is the classic killer: even at 22°C outside, a parked car can exceed 45°C in under an hour. Never leave a pet in a parked car, not even for a few minutes, not even with windows cracked.
Everyday ways to keep your pet cool
Shift the routine. Walk dogs early morning and late evening, never in midday heat. Before you set off, press the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds — if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws and can cause burns.
Water, everywhere. Provide constant access to fresh, cool water in several spots. Adding a few ice cubes encourages drinking. On the move, carry a collapsible bowl.
Shade and airflow. Make sure your pet can always retreat somewhere cooler. Indoors, a fan or a tiled floor helps; cats often seek out bathrooms and shaded corners on their own.
A cooling surface. A cooling mat gives pets a consistently cool spot to lie on without you having to manage ice packs or wet towels. Pressure-activated gel mats work without electricity or refrigeration and self-recharge once the pet steps off — a low-effort way to give them relief on the hottest days.
Grooming. Regular brushing removes excess undercoat, but don't shave double-coated breeds down to the skin — that coat actually insulates against heat and protects from sunburn.
The warning signs of heatstroke — learn these
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Watch for: heavy, frantic panting; thick drool; bright red or very pale gums; lethargy or stumbling, disorientation; vomiting or diarrhoea; rapid heartbeat; and in severe cases collapse, tremors or seizures. Cats are subtler — open-mouth panting in a cat is already a serious red flag, as cats rarely pant.
What to do if you suspect heatstroke
Act immediately. Move your pet to shade or a cool room. Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water. Begin cooling by wetting their body with cool water — especially the belly, armpits and paws — and increase airflow with a fan. Do not use freezing water or ice baths, which can cause shock and constrict blood vessels, trapping heat inside.
Then get to a vet straight away, even if your pet seems to recover. Heatstroke can cause internal damage that isn't visible from the outside, and a professional assessment is essential. Call ahead so the clinic is ready for you.
The bottom line
Most heat emergencies are completely preventable with a few simple habits: avoid midday heat, never leave pets in cars, keep water and a cool resting spot available, and know the warning signs. A little planning lets your pet enjoy summer safely alongside you.
HavenPaw's Pet Ice Mat is a pressure-activated cooling mat that gives your dog or cat a cool place to rest on hot days — no water, no electricity, no freezing required.