Summer Pet Care - June 2025

Long summer days, ice creams and perhaps a barbecue or two are some of my favourite things about summer. Lego would add sunbathing to that list; he will often seek out the sunniest spots in the house to relax and soak up the rays. Not all our pets cope so well in the heat though, so here are a few things we can do to help them. 

Dogs

• Cool water: If your dog likes water, a splash pad or paddling pool can help keep your dog cool. Remember to always supervise all pets around water. If, like Lego, your dog is not keen on water, wiping them down with a cold damp towel or flannel can help. Never leave a damp towel on top of your dog, as this can cause them to overheat. 

• Frozen treats: Lego really enjoys frozen treats; his favourite is doggy ice cream. Chasing frozen peas, crunching frozen carrots and a cold Kong are some of his other top summertime treats. The summer is a great way to get creative with different frozen treats for your dog, but always ensure that any foods are safe for dogs before feeding.

• Keeping cool: Staying on top of regular brushing and grooming can help keep all pets cool. Ensure that your dog always has somewhere shaded and cool to retreat to if the sun gets a bit too hot. You can offer a cooling mat for them to lie on too, remembering to check it regularly for wear and tear. Make sure that fresh, clean drinking water is always available. To keep the water cooler for longer, add some ice cubes. 

• Time your walks: Daily walks may need to be earlier or later depending on the weather, or maybe even skipped. Walking dogs when it is too hot for them can be dangerous and lead to heatstroke, and paws can burn on hot paths/roads. To test the temperature of any floor, place the back of your hand onto the floor and hold it there for a few seconds. When you cannot walk your dog, try some enrichment instead - check out our enrichment blog for some ideas!

• Limit travel: You may wish to limit travelling in the car with your dog, and remember to never leave your dog in a car when it is warm. If you see another dog in a car that is showing any signs of heatstroke, call 999 immediately. If you think that your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, contact your vet right away. Signs of heatstroke include: collapsing, vomiting, excessive drooling, heavy panting or difficulty breathing, being sleepy/lethargic or being uncoordinated. 

Cats

• Cool cats: Our feline friends are not usually keen on water, so a nice paddling pool or splash pad is probably not their idea of a good time. Instead grab a cold damp flannel or towel and dab your cat with it. You can also try this using wet hands if your cat is not keen on the flannel. Twinkle enjoys cat safe yoghurt treats and during the summer months I pop these in the fridge for a nice cool treat.

• Somewhere shady: Provide your cat with a safe shaded place to cool down in and ensure plenty of fresh clean water. Some cats enjoy cooling mats, but always check these regularly for wear and tear, as my cat pierced hers! During the very hot weather you may wish to keep your cat inside. A few ways to keep your cat entertained can be found in our enrichment ideas blog.

• Regular brushing and grooming: This will help cats keep cooler during the summer. They will often groom themselves more during warmer weather too, as it helps them keep on top of their coat plus it can help keep them cool.

• Watch out for heatstroke: If you suspect that your cat is showing signs of heatstroke, contact your vet immediately. Signs of heatstroke include collapsing, vomiting, dribbling, panting or difficulty breathing, confusion/wobbliness, an unusual gum colour, muscle tremors/seizures and diarrhoea.

  
  

  

  
  

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

• Lots of shade: Rabbits and guinea pigs can struggle and be at risk of heatstroke if temperatures reach around 25 degrees Celsius. During the summer, moving their hutches into the shade will help keep them cooler. If there is no shade available, you can use an umbrella to create a shady spot, but remember to move it as the sun moves through the day.

• Consider bringing them indoors: You may wish to bring your guinea pigs and rabbits inside during any very hot weather and locate them in a cool room. It is best to avoid conservatories as these can get very hot. Closing any curtains or blinds in the room they are in can help keep the room cooler for them. Providing a fan also helps keep the room cool, but ensure that it is not blowing directly onto your pets and keep cables/wires out of reach. 

• Adapt their home environment: You can add an ice pack or a frozen bottle of water into their home. Ensure that it is wrapped fully and securely in a towel to ensure they do not get ice burns, and check on them regularly. Tiles made from marble or slate can be a cool place for your pet to sit, especially if popped in the fridge to cool beforehand. Always make sure tiles are not in the sun as they can heat up quickly. Remove any plastic homes and replace them with a hay home instead. Plastic houses will get very warm in the summer months and can be even hotter inside.

• Water and fresh food: Provide clean fresh drinking water and check on the water level throughout the day to ensure that they always have enough and the spout is not blocked. Add extra fruits or veg that have a higher water content such as cucumber or watermelon if suitable for your pet. You can also serve any leafy greens straight from the fridge to ensure they are as cooling as possible for your pet.

• Cool them down: Using a damp cloth, you can stroke your pet to keep them cool. You can also use a misting spray to keep them cool if your rabbit or guinea pig is comfortable with this. Remember to use this at a distance and watch them closely to see if they are happy with this or not. Increase grooming and be on the lookout for signs of fly strike, as there’s a higher risk in the summer months. Check your pets daily for any early signs and contact your vet if you see any maggots on your pets.

• Look for any signs of heatstroke and contact your vet immediately if you see any signs. Signs of heatstroke include tiredness/lethargy, rapid breathing or trouble breathing, restlessness, drooling, confusion and convulsion. In rabbits, their ears may appear red and warm. Never encourage rabbits or guinea pigs to swim or put them in cold water, as the shock can be fatal. 

  
  

Wildlife

It’s not just our pets who can use a little help during the summer - our wildlife needs it too. If you can, leaving water out for wildlife can really help them cope in the heat. By placing small rocks and stones into a shallow water dish, bees and other insects can drink safely too. Just remember to clean out any water dishes and replace the water regularly.