Heat and our pets
Cats and Dogs
Keeping your pet cool during hot weather is essential to prevent heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
Always make sure your pet has constant access to fresh, cool water and plenty of shade, especially if they are outside.
Avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day—early morning or late evening is safest—and be aware that pavements can become dangerously hot on their paws.
At home, keep curtains or blinds closed during peak sun hours and use fans or cooling mats to help regulate temperature.
Never leave pets in cars, even for a short time, as temperatures can rise rapidly.
You can also offer frozen treats or ice cubes for dogs, and gently dampen their coat with cool (not ice-cold) water if they are overheating.
Always monitor your pet closely, and if you notice signs such as heavy panting, drooling, weakness, or collapse, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Birds
Small Animals
Small rodents such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats are very sensitive to heat and can overheat quickly, so extra care is needed during warmer weather. Keep their housing in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight and avoid placing hutches or cages in conservatories or near windows where temperatures can rise rapidly. Ensure there is plenty of fresh, cool water available at all times and check it frequently throughout the day.
You can help keep them cool by providing ceramic tiles or cool packs wrapped in a towel for them to lie on, and by offering fresh vegetables with high water content where appropriate for their species. Always ensure good ventilation, and avoid overcrowding in enclosures. Watch closely for signs of heat stress such as lethargy, panting, drooling, or weakness, and seek veterinary advice immediately if you are concerned.
Birds are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, so it’s important to take extra precautions during warm weather. Keep your bird’s cage or aviary in a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and hot draughts. Make sure fresh, cool water is available at all times and changed regularly throughout the day.
Many birds enjoy misting or shallow baths to help them cool down, but always ensure they can choose whether to participate. You can also help by providing good airflow with a fan placed nearby (never pointing directly at the bird) and by offering cool perches or shaded areas within the cage.
Watch carefully for signs of heat stress such as open-mouth breathing, wing spreading, lethargy, or sitting low on the perch. If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary advice immediately as birds can deteriorate quickly in hot conditions.
