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Summer heat safety for dogs and cats

Practical steps and tasty ideas for keeping pets comfortable when the temperature rises

Welcome to the warm season

British summers are no longer mild. Every year brings at least one hot spell that can catch owners off guard. A dog’s main cooling tool is panting, while a cat relies on shade and a quick lick of fur. When the air turns hot or humid those tactics struggle. Body temperature climbs, organs work overtime and heatstroke can follow. Paw pads burn on pavements that feel fine under shoes, pale noses and ear tips can even sunburn.

Cars are the hidden danger. When it is only 22 °C outside a parked car can rocket to 47 °C in one hour and rise by 20 °C in the first ten minutes. Cracked windows or a water bowl will not keep it safe. If you must travel, run the air-conditioning, plan rest breaks and take your dog with you whenever you leave the vehicle rspca.org.uk.

Water and shade – the first line of defence


  • Offer at least two bowls of fresh water in different spots.

  • Tempt fussy drinkers with goat-milk cubes: pour Nurturing by Nature goat milk into an ice-cube tray, freeze, then drop a cube into the water bowl.

  • Outside, give access to shade under a tree or parasol. Inside, shut curtains on the sunny side and run a fan near your pet’s resting place.

Pavements, paws and walk times

Place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it feels hot, delay the walk or stick to grass. Walk early morning or after sunset and carry water on longer trips.

Cool treats you can make at home


  • Frozen Kong – Pack a Kong with raw mince or paté, drop in a few crunchy treats, top with water and freeze upright. The result is a long-lasting chew that cools from the inside and keeps the brain busy.

  • Bucket popsicle – Layer raw chunks, small bits of veg and a favourite toy in a plastic tub, cover with water and freeze. Once solid, tip it out on the lawn. Licking thin layers keeps a dog engaged and hydrated.

  • Goat-milk lick mat – Pour goat milk over a silicone mat and freeze overnight. Slow licking releases calming hormones while adding a gentle fluid boost.

  • Billy & Margot iced treat – Ready-made dairy-free tubs sold in every Nurturing by Nature shop. A quick, wholesome choice when time is short.

Need more ideas? The Blue Cross lists ten dog-friendly Kong fillings – from “Peanut, yo!” to “Banana split” – that freeze neatly in toys: bluecross.org.uk. They also explain how to make an ice-lick bowl packed with water, toys and treats for garden play: bluecross.org.uk.

Cooling kit in store (subject to availability)


  • Cooling coats – Soak, wring and fit snugly; evaporation draws heat away for up to an hour. All stores carry various sizes.

  • Cooling bandanas – A lighter option for dogs that dislike full coats. Available in every store.

  • Cooling mats – A gel layer offers steady relief under a bed or crate. Listed online and in selected shops.

"When it is only 22 °C outside a parked car can rocket to 47 °C in one hour and rise by 20 °C in the first ten minutes."

Grooming helps – shaving does not

Brush loose undercoat so air can reach the skin. Never shave a double-coated breed; the top layer also blocks harmful rays. A tidy trim round the belly and feet may help but leave length along the back.

Extra care for high-risk pets

Flat-faced breeds, seniors, overweight animals, kittens and puppies overheat fastest. Keep play short, offer indoor rest and watch for heavy panting.

Spot trouble early

Warning signs include rapid panting, glazed eyes, drool, vomiting or wobbling. The RSPCA recommends:


  1. Move the dog to shade.

  2. Pour cool tap water (15–16 °C) over the coat – avoid ice-cold water rspca.org.uk.

  3. Offer a small drink.

  4. Phone the vet and drive with ventilation on high.

  5. See a dog in a hot car? Dial 999 and stay with the animal until help arrives rspca.org.uk.

Quick recap

Water topped up ✔ Shade in place ✔ Pavement tested ✔ Cool treat prepped ✔ Never leave pets in parked cars ✔

Summing Up

Summer adventures remain possible with a little planning. Stock up on frozen raw meals, goat-milk cubes, cooling coats, bandanas and iced treats online or in store. Share your own cooling tricks with #ifeedraw on the socials!

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