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Animal welfare advice for Summer

Writer: Hannah Mainds
Hannah Mainds
Jul 1
3 min read


We receive many enquiries and reports about the welfare of animals over the summer months, particularly when it's very hot. Find out how to help animals enjoy summer as much as you do!

Who to contact

  • Please call us on 0300 1234 999 if an animal is in danger of harm due to suffering cruelty or neglect or is sick, injured or trapped and needs our help

  • Take injured wildlife to local wildlife rescue centre or vet

  • If you see a dog in a hot car we urge you to ring 999 for help as we may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, we'd need police assistance


Tips for keeping your dog cool in summer

Provide shade and water

  • provide constant access to shaded areas inside and out

  • make sure there is always clean, cold water available

Walkies

  • go out in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler

  • don’t run or cycle with your dog when it’s hot

  • if you're planning a day out with your dog, check before leaving home whether dogs are allowed. If they're not, arrange a pet-sitter or choose a dog-friendly attraction to avoid leaving them in the car or tied up in the heat

  • pavements can get very hot! You know the saying, "it's hot enough to fry an egg!" Imagine what that does to your poor dogs' feet! If the ground is too hot to touch with your hand for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws! Also look out for:

    • limping or refusing to walk

    • licking or chewing at their feet

    • pads darker in colour

    • missing part of pad

    • blisters or redness


Keeping your dog cool and safe

  • prevent sunburn by using pet-safe sunscreen on exposed parts of your pet's skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose. This is especially important if your dog has white or light-coloured fur, as they can be very vulnerable to getting burned. If you're not sure which is the right product to use, please ask your vet

  • groom your dog regularly. Regular grooming in warmer weather can help brush away any dead or excess hair, and matts and knots, leaving your dog with a less dense coat

  • put ice cubes into your dog's water bowl or make some tasty ice cube treats. You could also freeze a Kong toy full of treats and water!

  • give your pet damp towels to lie on or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Never place a damp towel over your dog as this can trap in heat

  • use frozen toys, paddling pools, or water sprinklers to entertain and cool your dog down. But remember not all dogs like water, so don’t force them if they don't want to!


Hot weather can be dangerous for dogs


Dogs can die in hot environments

Never leave dogs in cars or other vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in warm weather, even if only for a short while. When it's 22°C (76°F) outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in these environments, which can be fatal.

Heatstroke

Know the signs of heatstroke and contact a vet immediately if you spot them. Look for: 

  • heavy panting

  • excessive drooling

  • lethargy

  • drowsiness

  • uncoordinated movements

  • collapsing 

  • vomiting

Flystrike

Flystrike is a painful and sometimes fatal condition caused by flies laying their eggs on another animal. These hatch into maggots, which eat the flesh of their 'hosts'. In warm weather, check your pet all over their body, especially around their rear end and tail area, at least twice a day.

Flat-faced dogs

Brachycephalic (flat-faced, or ‘brachy’) animals are at a greater risk of health problems in hot weather, including being very vulnerable to heatstroke'. If you have a flat-faced dog – such as a pug, French bulldog, shih tzu or boxer – take extra care to keep them cool. 

Find out more about caring for dogs.  

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