Keeping Your Pets Cool in the Summer Heat

Written By Emily Boyd RVN

As the summer sun shines, it’s important to keep all your pets cool and safe—whether they bark, purr, or squeak!

Dogs, cats, and small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are all at risk of overheating during hot weather. Here are some simple ways to help them stay comfortable:

1. Fresh Water is Essential - Make sure your pets have constant access to cool, clean water. You can add ice cubes to bowls or bottles to help keep it chilled.

2. Keep Exercise to Cooler Times - Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. For small animals, keep handling to a minimum when it’s hot, as stress and heat combined can be dangerous.

3. Create a Cool Environment - Keep pets indoors during extreme heat. Use fans or air conditioning if possible. For small mammals, move cages out of direct sunlight and into the coolest part of the house. Frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel can make a great DIY cooling aid for rabbits or guinea pigs to lean against.

4. Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars - Even a few minutes in a car can be life-threatening, especially in summer. It’s always safer to leave pets at home when running errands.

5. Look Out for Heatstroke - Signs of overheating can include excessive panting, drooling, red or pale gums, lethargy, or confusion. Small mammals may become very still, breathe rapidly, or collapse. If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately—heatstroke can be fatal without fast treatment.

Every pet is different, and some are more vulnerable to heat than others. If you’re unsure how best to protect your pet this summer, we’re just a phone call away!

Stay cool and safe—your friends at Phoenix Vets