The UK isn’t built for the kind of heat we have recently been experiencing , and right now we’re feeling it. With temperatures climbing into the high thirties and the Met Office issuing rare extreme heat warnings, this has been one of the hottest spells on record. With more high temperatures forecast in the coming weeks. For most of us it means sun cream and a cold drink. For our pets, who can’t sweat the way we do and can’t tell us when they’re struggling, hot weather can become genuinely dangerous, fast.
At Just For Friends, our four-legged friends come first, it’s in our name. So here’s everything you need to know to keep your dog and cat cool, hydrated and safe when the temperature soars.
Why hot weather is so risky for pets
Dogs and cats don’t cool down like we do. They have very few sweat glands, so they rely mostly on panting to regulate their temperature. When the air is hot and humid, panting becomes far less effective, and their body temperature can rise to dangerous levels in minutes.
Some pets are especially vulnerable in the heat, including:
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Persian cats, who already find breathing harder
- Older pets, puppies and kittens
- Overweight pets, or those with heart or breathing conditions
- Dogs with thick or dark coats
If your pet falls into one of these groups, take extra care during a heatwave, their margin for error is much smaller.
How to keep your dog cool in a heatwave
Walk early or late, never in the midday heat
The single most important rule: avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. Stick to early mornings and late evenings when it’s cooler. A gentle stroll in the shade beats a long walk in full sun every time — and on the very hottest days, it’s perfectly fine to skip the walk altogether and let your dog rest indoors.
Do the five-second pavement test
Tarmac and paving can get hot enough to burn paw pads. Before you head out, press the back of your hand firmly to the ground for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Stick to grass and shade where you can.
Create cool spots at home
Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day to block out direct sun, and make sure your dog always has a shady, well-ventilated place to lie down. A damp towel to lie on, a cooling mat, or a fan they can sit near can all make a big difference. Paddling pools are a brilliant way for water-loving dogs to cool off in the garden.
Never, ever leave a dog in a hot car
It bears repeating because it still happens every summer. Even with the windows open, a car can become an oven within minutes — “just nipping into the shop” is long enough to be fatal. Not long. Not ever. If you spot a dog in distress in a parked car, call 999.
How to keep your cat cool in hot weather
Cats are often quietly stoical, so it’s easy to miss when they’re overheating. Help them out by:
- Placing water bowls in several rooms, away from their food, and topping them up with fresh, cool water often
- Keeping a cool, shaded room available so they can retreat from the sun
- Gently stroking them with a damp cloth — most cats groom to cool down, and a little extra moisture on the coat helps
- Keeping them indoors during the hottest hours to reduce the risk of sunburn, particularly on white ears and noses
Keeping pets hydrated: the heatwave essential
Hydration is your pet’s best defence against the heat. Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water, refresh it regularly, and put out more bowls than usual so there’s never a reason to go thirsty. Adding a couple of ice cubes can tempt fussy drinkers.
Food can help with hydration too. Wet food has a naturally high moisture content, so feeding more of it during hot spells is an easy way to top up your pet’s water intake — our wet recipes are packed with natural, high-meat goodness and tend to go down well even when the heat has dulled a fussy appetite. You can also add a splash of water or a little low-salt broth to meals to boost moisture without changing what your pet eats.
Our food is also a great base for homemade frozen treats. Try freezing small portions of wet food or broth in an ice cube tray or a rubber toy for a cooling “popsicle” that keeps your dog happily occupied on a hot afternoon. (Always check any treat is suitable for your individual pet and keep portions sensible.)
Know the warning signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Catching it early can save your pet’s life, so learn the signs and act fast. Watch for:
- Heavy, frantic panting or difficulty breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy, drowsiness or sudden collapse
- Bright red or very pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Wobbliness, confusion or unsteadiness on their feet
If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet somewhere cool and shaded straight away, offer small sips of cool (not ice-cold) water, and dampen their coat with cool water while fanning them. Then call your vet immediately — even if they seem to recover, they still need to be checked over.
Fuel your friend with food that loves them back
A hot summer is the perfect time to make sure your pet is eating food that supports them from the inside out. Our natural, high-meat, gluten-free recipes enriched with skin- and coat-loving Aloe Vera are made by pet parents, for pet parents.
New to Just For Friends? We have a new £10 trial box offer.
A simple, low-cost way to let your dog or cat try our food and see the difference for themselves.
Browse our full dog food and cat food ranges, and keep your best friend happy, healthy and well-fed all summer long