Summer tips to keep pets safe

Introducing The Weather Furcast! Our interactive weather forecast for dog owners allows you to select your dog type and location, and you’ll see the Furmometer’s sliding scale change to reflect your local temperature, advising whether it’s safe to go out for walkies or not.

Some dog breeds are more vulnerable to the heat than others. Brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds such as 

Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, and King Charles Spaniels often struggle more with breathing, which makes it harder for them to regulate their body temperature.

Thick-coated breeds – including Huskies, St Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Chow Chows – also cope less well with higher temperatures, having been bred to be at home in colder climates. Heat risks can also be heightened if your dog has a black coat (which absorbs more light and heat), is overweight, or is young or elderly.

Whilst we won’t be walking our cats this summer, it’s important to ensure they’re not spending time in hazardous heat too.

Generally cats are better at knowing when the temperature is a little too hot for them and will bring themselves indoors or find shade, but do keep an eye out, and avoid leaving them shut outside on days when the weather is particularly hot.

Long-haired cat breeds such as Persian, Ragdoll, Siberian, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Ragamuffin are more at risk of heatstroke due to their thick coats adapted for cold climates.

Just like humans, most pets need to drink more in hotter weather – sometimes as much as double or even triple their normal intake. The most common reason for pets becoming dehydrated is that they simply don’t have enough access to water, perhaps because they’ve finished off their bowl too quickly.

• Make sure you top up water bowls regularly, and if you’re leaving your pet alone, then provide an extra bowl or two, in case one gets tipped over.
• For dogs, if you’re going on a long walk or car journey when the weather forecast is looking hot, invest in a travel bowl and take a bottle of water along.
• If your cat prefers running water, offer drinks from the tap, or splash out on a cat water fountain. Providing wet cat food, not just dry kibbles, can also increase their fluid intake.
• Whilst ice cubes can be added to your pet’s water, it’s recommended to give bigger ice cubes or small shavings to prevent any choking hazards.

• During hot weather, limit exercise to early morning and evening, and avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Regularly groom your cat or dog
• Never leave your dog unattended in your car on a warm day – temperatures can rapidly reach dangerous levels
• Cats can find their way into uncomfortably warm places they shouldn’t, such as non-ventilated greenhouses, sheds or cars, and then get trapped. On a hot day, this can cause heatstroke, and may even prove fatal so make sure to check on their whereabouts.
• Giving your pet a cool shower can help keep your pet feel more comfortable, but make sure you never put them in an ice bath or freezing cold water to prevent them going into shock
• Frozen summer treats can help keep your dog and cat hydrated and cool
• Cooling mats can help keep pets cool to prevent overheating

Petplan’s veterinary expert, Dr. Brian Faulkner shares his advice on protecting your pets in the summer months: 

"Hot weather poses a number of health hazards for our pets, and Petplan paid out more than £600,000 in claims for heat-related conditions in 2025.

"June saw the highest level of claims, accounting for £398,246 of that total, highlighting the significant impact that periods of hot weather can have on pet health.

"The most commonly claimed-for conditions were heatstroke (£111,058) and dehydration (£101,063).

“Therefore, it's important to look out for the key indicators of heatstroke in pets. This includes heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, bright red or pale gums, loud breathing, confusion, weakness, stiffness, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapsing, and seizures.

"As temperatures rise, it's important that pet owners recognise the signs of heat-related illness and take steps to keep their pets safe. Avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day, keep pets out of hot cars, and check pavements before heading out, as surfaces can become hot enough to cause painful burns. By taking simple precautions, owners can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and keep their pets safe throughout the summer."

• If your pet is susceptible, it’s easy to prevent: apply a layer of pet-friendly sunscreen, 30 minutes before going outside.
• If you’re out all day, reapply sunscreen every four to six hours, or after your dog has gone swimming.
• Make sure your pet has plenty of shade, rather than lying in direct sunlight – it may be safest to avoid sun exposure between 10am and 4pm.
• As in humans, sun damage can cause skin cancer in cats. If you notice black crusty patches, non-healing sores or unexplained scabs on your cat’s ears, nose or eyelids, get them checked out by a vet – these could be signs of a cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SSC).

Dr Brian Faulkner shares, “With the warmer weather, pets will be spending more time outdoors. However, this will increase their chances of coming into contact with insects such as bees. According to Petplan’s 2025 claims data, Petplan recorded £129,308 in claims for insect stings for dogs and £25,512 in claims for cats. 

“Look out for your pet suddenly pawing, licking or nibbling at a particular part of their body, yowling or vocalising more than usual, or showing signs of localised swelling or reddening.    

“For many cats and dogs, there is a natural instinct to explore small fast-moving insects, but this can increase their chances of being stung. Cats and dogs are very good at hiding symptoms of pain, so if you weren’t around when your pet got stung, it may not be immediately obvious.    

“Stings to the mouth and throat, (including if your pet was stung after swallowing a bee), are potentially the most dangerous because any swelling to the upper respiratory tract can make it more difficult for your pet to breathe, while multiple stings anywhere on your pet’s body could lead to an anaphylactic reaction which in rare cases can be life-threatening. Like humans, some cats and dogs can be allergic to stings. If this is the case, you may notice swelling, distress and breathing difficulties in your pet, and you should see a vet immediately.  

“Making sure you have pet insurance – and taking your pet to the vet promptly – will help ensure you’re covered in the event of any unexpected, urgent health problems”.

Snake bites are also more likely to occur in summer and are probably more common than you think. Adventurous canines and active cats who love bounding through the undergrowth risk encountering Britain’s only venomous snake, the adder – and can sometimes provoke an attack by trying to play.

• Whilst flea and tick bites aren’t venemous, their saliva can cause significant irritation and distress, so dogs and cats need protection against these parasites - make sure you’re up to speed on dealing with these and other pests.
• Treat stings swiftly and seek veterinary attention if your dog or cat has received numerous stings or is showing signs of a reaction, such as breathing difficulties or a swollen throat.
• Symptoms of adder bites include pain and swelling around the affected area, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea, pale gums, panting or drooling, seizures and breathing difficulties. Seek veterinary attention immediately if you’re worried, as adder venom can occasionally be fatal.