It’s hot! Here’s how to keep your pets cool in hot weather

Pets don't sweat the same way that humans do, but they can still lose a lot of moisture in hot weather, so keeping them hydrated should be a priority.

Make sure your pets have access to fresh, cool water throughout the day and give them more than just one place to get their water if they're roaming around the home. Keep water in the shade or in a cool area indoors and refresh it regularly.

For fussy pets, pet water fountains have been proven to be an effective way to get both cats and dogs to drink more water.

And if they still struggle to get a healthy intake of water during the day, consider feeding them wet food in the summer or adding some water or broth to their usual dry food to deliver an extra kick of hydration.

Safety tip:

If you keep water bowls for your pet outside, make sure you clean them out properly and change the water regularly to prevent harmful bacteria from collecting in them.

Be wary of any dangerous items or pests around the garden that might get into their water bowl, like snails, fertilisers, or toxic plant trimmings.

Inside the home is the best place to be at the height of summer. Free-roaming pets like cats and dogs may go looking on their own place to cool off, but you can help them by setting up a hang-out area for them.

Inside the home, look for spots that are:

• in rooms with tile, stone, or wooden floors

• on the ground floor (these rooms tend to be the coolest)

• away from direct sunlight

• well ventilated

Once you've found a good area, you can make it even cooler by placing down a cooling bed or mat and some fresh water.

For rabbits and other small animals, a ceramic tile can work as a nice cool surface to lie on as well as soil for them to dig in.

If your pet spends time outside, make sure they have shaded areas they can hang out in. A raised bed in a shaded area is a great way for both cats and dogs to keep cool.

If you have an outdoor enclosure or run for your pet, move it to the shade if you can, but if not you can create shade with a parasol or a white sheet.

One trick shared by pet owners is to wrap a frozen water bottle in a towel for pets to rest against, however this should only be done with supervision as some pets may be tempted to chew on it.

Overexercising your pet in hot weather can be dangerous and lead to overheating. Even if the sun isn't out or you're playing in the shade, high temperatures and humidity can still lead to heatstroke.

To ensure your dog gets the exercise and enrichment they need in the summer, change up your routine and take them on walks in the early morning and evening when temperatures are usually at their lowest. Take it slow, stay in the shade, and take shorter walks if it's too hot.

You should also avoid letting your pets outside during the hottest times of day - usually between 10am and 3pm.

Safety tip:

Before you go on a walk or let your pet outside, check that the ground isn't too hot for them to walk on. To test this, put your hand on the ground and if it's too hot for you hold it there for at least five seconds then it's too hot for your pet to walk on.

Frozen treats like pet-safe fruits and vegetables can make a nice cooling snack on a hot day but be careful when giving your pet anything frozen. There are some risks to be aware of:

• Choose foods that are safe for your pet. Certain fruits and vegetables may be toxic to them

• Do not give frozen treats to your pet straight from the freezer as they may be too solid to chew and cause them to choke. Allow them to thaw slightly first and cut them into pieces that are a safe size for your pet to eat

• Don't give ice cubes to pets that are very young or very old as they may struggle to chew them and could easily choke

• Give your pet frozen treats in moderation. Too many can cause damage to their teeth.

• Eating ice too quickly can cause bloat in dogs, which can be life-threatening. If they have a tendency to eat ice too quickly, consider feeding them smaller pieces at a time or placing ice cubes in a bowl of water.

You should always supervise your pet while they're enjoying their treat to prevent choking and other hazards.

Safety tip:

You can reduce the risk of bloat and choking by giving your pets a frozen treat they can lick instead of chew. For example, you can freeze pureed fruits, broths, or yogurt on a lick mat or in a slow feeder bowl or Kong to give them a frozen treat they can lick at slowly.

Letting your pet have a splash and a swim is a great way to keep them cool and have fun at the same time.

Whether you're taking your pet to a beach, lake, or river, you should check the safety of the water before you let them swim. Water with high levels of pollution may be unsafe for your pet and could contain harmful bacteria.

Alternatively, a paddling pool in the back garden can still be lots of fun and you'll find there are a decent number of dog-friendly swimming pools around the UK where you can take your pooch for a splash.

Safety tip:

After taking your dog for a swim, it's important that you rinse off any saltwater, sand, or debris and dry them. Leaving your dog wet with dirty water after a swim can lead to a number of issues, including skin irritation, infections, and matting.

In hot weather it's especially important to dry your pet because wet fur can trap heat, making it harder for them to cool down.

Pay special attention to their ears, paws and belly and use a towel to pat them dry rather than rub them to minimise the risk of matting.

Grooming your pet regularly is good for their health and especially in the summer it can help them stay cool.

However, a groom is not the same as a haircut and a shave won't be as cooling for your pets as it might be for you.

Animal fur is just as important to keep your pet cool in summer as it is to keep them warm in winter; it can protect their skin from sunburn and trap cool air close to their skin. That's why shaving is never recommended, especially if you have a double-coated dog breed like a Husky or Retriever.

Instead, regular brushing can help them shed their winter coat and long-haired breeds may benefit from a minor trim in certain areas to prevent matting and improve airflow to the skin.

It's unfortunately all too common for pets to become seriously ill or die as a result of being left in a hot car. Even on mild days, it's never completely safe to leave your pet unsupervised in a locked car without proper ventilation and access to water.

Ventilation and fresh air are very important in the summer, so be careful of leaving your pets in places like sheds, greenhouses, or rooms in the house that don't have proper airflow as they can heat up quickly.

Enclosed cat beds and crates can also be problematic if your pet is left in one for long periods, especially when they are made to trap heat and provide a cosy place for your pet to sleep in the winter.

If your pet has an enclosed bed, crate, or hutch, you should ensue there's good airflow inside them and don't leave them in small, enclosed spaces for too long if it's hot. Remove coverings that are insulating and beware of any materials on them that might heat up in the sun, like metal bars.