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From hydration hacks to mindful exercise, taking small preventive steps now ensures your furry friend stays safe, cool, and stress-free—all season long
With thoughtful planning and simple habits, summer can still be a season of joy for your pets
When the summer sun blazes, keeping our pets cool isn’t just a priority—it’s a responsibility every pet parent must take seriously. While we may reach for a cold drink or retreat indoors, our pets rely entirely on us to regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.
Unlike us, pets can’t sweat through their skin. In fact, they cool off through panting and the limited sweat glands in their paw pads. This makes them especially vulnerable during heatwaves, particularly in urban environments where concrete and asphalt radiate heat well into the night.
According to Dr. Swathi Hareendran, Veterinary Expert, Supertails, ensuring a pet’s emotional and physical comfort is crucial to their well-being, especially during times of environmental stress.
“Most pets dread a visit to the vet, and that fear can have long-term effects on their emotional and physical health,” she notes. “From the moment a pet enters, we focus on making their experience as stress-free as possible, which improves their overall health outcomes.”
This philosophy of care extends beyond clinic visits—it applies equally to how we support pets in our homes, especially during summer. Here are nine vet-informed, practical ways to keep your pets cool, hydrated, and happy this season:
1. Prioritise Hydration in Every Room
Place multiple water bowls around the house, especially in spots where your pet naps, and refresh them often. Some pets drink more when their water is moving, so pet water fountains can be a great investment. You can also try adding vet-approved oral rehydration salts or offering frozen treats like ice cubes with diluted bone broth.
2. Choose the Right Time for Walks
Pavement temperatures can soar to dangerous levels even when the air feels manageable. Early mornings or late evenings are the safest times for walks. Do the “7-second test” by placing your palm on the pavement—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
3. Make a Cooling Retreat at Home
Let your pet gravitate to naturally cooler surfaces like tiled floors. You can set up a cooling zone with a fan, a cooling mat, and shaded bedding. Avoid crating your pet in enclosed, unventilated spaces during peak heat hours. For non-AC homes, wrapping frozen water bottles in a towel and placing them near their bed can be a budget-friendly cooling hack.
4. Keep Their Coats in Check, But Don’t Shave
Many pet parents assume shaving their dog or cat will help in summer. However, a pet’s coat also acts as insulation, protecting them from sunburn and overheating. Instead, regular brushing helps remove loose fur and improves air circulation. Ask your vet about grooming guidelines specific to your pet’s breed.
5. Recognise Early Signs of Overheating
Watch out for excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, vomiting, or bright red gums. These can be early signs of heatstroke, a condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. If in doubt, Supertails offers online vet consultations—help is just a click away, perfect for summer emergencies.
6. Rest Time: Effective Ways to Cool Down and Help Dogs Relax
When it’s warmer, it’s best to take it easy with your dog and ensure they get plenty of rest. Create a cool, cosy spot for your furry friend to chill out, and try to avoid activities that could make them overly excited. Keep them entertained with treat puzzles or brain games that offer mental stimulation without physical exertion.
7. Splash and Cool: Refresh Your Dog with a Paddling Pool
Setting up a small paddling pool in a shaded area can be a fun and effective way to help your dog beat the heat. Fill it with cool water, toss in some floating toys, and let them enjoy supervised splash time. It’s especially great for breeds that love water.
8. Keep Your Dog Cool and Fresh with Cooling Shirts and Collars
Cooling clothes and collars are like a refreshing hug on a hot day! These summer accessories can make outdoor walks safer and more comfortable for your pet. Just soak, wring, and fasten—and your dog is ready to explore without overheating.
9. Cool Treats for Hot Days: Fun & Hydrating Summer Snacks
Summer is the perfect time to get creative with pet-safe frozen treats! Make your own “pupsicles” using diluted, unsalted chicken broth, plain yogurt (if your dog tolerates dairy), or pureed fruits like watermelon or blueberries—all vet-approved in moderation. You can also freeze their favourite toys or treats inside ice cubes for a fun, cooling enrichment activity. Not only do these snacks help beat the heat, but they also keep your pet mentally stimulated.
With thoughtful planning and simple habits, summer can still be a season of joy for your pets. From hydration hacks to mindful exercise, taking small preventive steps now ensures your furry friend stays safe, cool, and stress-free—all season long.
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