☀️ Keeping Pets Cool in the Heat: Summer Safety Tips from Millennium Veterinary Practice

Dogs: Skip the Walk, Save a Life

While dogs may love their daily walk, hot weather can make exercise dangerous.

No dog has ever died from missing a walk — but dogs have died from heatstroke.

Top tips:

Avoid daytime walks: Pavements can stay dangerously hot for hours and burn sensitive paws. If you can't comfortably press your hand to the ground for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog.
Walk early — or not at all: Early mornings are safest. On very hot days, skip the walk and try indoor enrichment or training games instead.
Hydration and shade are essential: Always provide access to cool, shaded areas and plenty of fresh water — at home, in the garden, or when out and about.
Know the warning signs: Panting, drooling, glazed eyes, vomiting, and weakness can all indicate heat stress. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency — call us immediately.

🆘 Suspect Heatstroke? Act Fast — Wet Then Vet

If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you must bring their core temperature down quickly — every minute counts.

Here’s what to do while getting urgent veterinary help:

Immerse your dog in cold water if possible — use a pond, paddling pool, bath, or even a sink (for small dogs).
If immersion isn’t possible, keep pouring cold water over them continuously — focus on the belly, legs, armpits, and paws.
Avoid ice or ice-cold water — the goal is to cool steadily without causing shock.
Ensure good airflow — use a fan or open windows to help cooling.
Offer small sips of cool water to drink, but don’t force it.
Get to the vet immediately, even if your dog starts to look better — internal damage can still be occurring.

✅ Key message: Wet then vet.
Cooling must start immediately — then seek urgent veterinary care.

📞 Call us on 01376 325511 — let us know you’re on your way with a suspected heatstroke case.

🐱 Cats: Cool, Calm, and Hydrated

Cats are generally savvy in the heat, but they still need your help to stay safe and comfortable.

Helpful tips:

Create shaded hideouts: Close blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight and offer cool, quiet places to rest.
Encourage hydration: Place water bowls in several locations around the house. Add ice cubes to keep water cool and appealing.
Try the damp cloth trick: Gently stroke your cat with a damp washcloth to help cool their coat — especially for older or long-haired cats.
Check garages and sheds: Always double-check before closing doors — curious cats can easily get trapped in hot spaces.

🐰 Rabbits: Shade and Airflow are Lifesavers

Rabbits can struggle badly in hot weather, especially if they’re housed outdoors.

Summer care essentials:

Bring hutches into shade or indoors: Never leave rabbits in direct sunlight. A cool indoor room is safest during heatwaves.
Provide cooling options: Frozen water bottles (wrapped in a towel) make great chill-out spots for hot bunnies.
Regular grooming: Especially important for long-haired breeds to reduce heat retention.
Ventilate well: Ensure good airflow in hutches. Avoid plastic covers or tarpaulins that trap heat.

🐹 Guinea Pigs: Small Pets, Big Heat Risk

Guinea pigs are especially vulnerable to overheating and need extra care in summer.

Top tips:

Move cages indoors: A cool, shaded, well-ventilated space is ideal.
Offer cooling surfaces: Ceramic tiles or safely wrapped frozen packs provide a place to lie down and cool off.
Fresh water always: Refill bottles frequently and check nozzles to ensure they’re working properly.

⚠️ Heatstroke in Pets: Know the Signs — and Act Fast

Heatstroke is an emergency — rapid action can save lives.

Call us immediately on 01376 325511 if your pet shows any of these symptoms:

Excessive panting or drooling
Lethargy, wobbliness, or collapse
Bright red or pale gums
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Seizures or loss of consciousness

Stay safe this summer — and remember, we’re only a phone call away.
From advice to emergencies, Millennium Veterinary Practice is here to support you and your pets.