While we bask in the warm London summer, our pets have a much harder time of it. A dog wears a permanent fur coat and barely sweats, while city pavements heat up enough to burn paws. Heatstroke can develop in a matter of minutes and turn tragic, even at a seemingly harmless 26°C. The good news: almost every summer emergency with a pet is preventable.
Why Heat Is Dangerous for Dogs and Cats
Dogs have almost no sweat glands. They shed heat by panting and a little through their paw pads, and in hot, humid air that system stops coping. Especially at risk are flat-faced breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Persian cats), puppies, senior and overweight pets, and animals with thick, dark coats. Cats tend to suffer in silence, so refusing food and panting with an open mouth are warning signs.
Signs of Heatstroke
Be on alert if you see heavy, non-stop drooling and laboured breathing, bright red or pale gums, an unsteady gait and disorientation, vomiting or diarrhoea, and in severe cases seizures. This is an emergency: act at once and call your vet.
Walking in the Heat: When and How Long
Shift walks to early morning and late evening. During the hottest hours (roughly 11am to 5pm) keep it to a short outing in the shade. Always carry water, choose grassy routes, cut back on active play, and never leave your pet in a parked car.
The 7-Second Pavement Test
Press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds. If you cannot bear it, it is too hot for your dog's paws too. In hot weather the surface can be 20 to 25 degrees hotter than the air, and burned paw pads are a common summer injury.
How to Cool Your Pet at Home
Provide cool water (ice cubes are fine), put a cooling mat in the shade, use a fan, and lay a damp towel under the belly and paws. Do not shave your dog right down: the coat protects against both overheating and sunburn.
First Aid for Overheating
Move your pet into the shade, pour cool (not ice-cold) water over the belly, paws and neck, offer a drink, fan them, and get to the vet as quickly as possible, even if they seem to have recovered.
A Calm Summer With Flat4Pet
The hardest part of summer is walking the dog during the cooler hours while you are at work. Vetted Flat4Pet walkers will take your pet out in a convenient cool time slot and make sure they do not overheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature is it dangerous to walk? There is no universal cut-off, but at 24°C and above it is best to move active walks to the morning and evening.
Can I shave my dog for the summer? Usually not. It is better to brush out the undercoat.
What should I do at the first signs of overheating? Move them into the shade, cool them with water, offer a drink and get to the vet urgently.
Can't get your dog out during the cooler hours? Find a vetted walker near you in the Flat4Pet app in a couple of minutes.
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