Preventing Overheating in Dogs and Cats
At Yarrah, we believe in conscious living – in what you feed your pet and how you live together. In summer, that also means: keeping them cool. While we can sweat or seek out shade, our pets rely on us. They can only lose heat in limited ways, which makes them more vulnerable to overheating. The good news? You can make a big difference with small daily choices.
Why dogs and cats are more sensitive to heat
Unlike humans, dogs and cats don’t sweat through their skin. They mainly cool down by panting and through the pads of their feet. Cats also lick themselves to trigger evaporative cooling. But these natural systems are limited – especially in hot weather or after exertion.
That’s why it’s important to stay alert. Overheating can happen fast and seriously harm your pet’s health. Thankfully, a bit of attention, calm and planning goes a long way.
Signs of overheating
Watch for these symptoms during hot weather:
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Lethargy or sluggish movement
- Red or warm ears, tongue or gums
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or disorientation
- Refusing to move or respond
If you spot any of these signs: take them seriously. Gently cool your pet down and contact your vet for advice.
How to cool your pet down safely
Sometimes it happens before you know it. But there’s a lot you can do:
- 1. Move your pet to a cool, shaded area.
- Offer cool (not icy) water – let them decide whether to drink.
- Wet their paws, ears and belly with lukewarm to cool water. Avoid cold splashes or hoses. Use a damp cloth or sponge instead.
- Let your pet lie on a cool surface, such as tiles.
- Ensure good airflow, but don’t direct a fan at their head.
This helps avoid shock. If your pet doesn’t improve quickly, call your vet straight away.
How to prevent overheating
At Yarrah, we believe small, mindful choices make a difference. Try these:
- Walk your pet early in the morning or later in the evening, not at midday.
- Check the ground – asphalt and sand can become painfully hot for paws.
- Provide plenty of shade.
Indoors and outdoors. A tiled floor or a tree might be all it takes. - Never leave your pet in a car. Not even “for a minute”. It heats up rapidly.
- Refresh drinking water often.
- Keep things calm.
Skip rough play in the sun – sometimes doing nothing is the best care.
Feeding during summer
Many pets eat less in warm weather – and that’s completely normal. Serve meals at cooler times of the day and choose light, easy-to-digest food. Organic meals without artificial additives are a great fit. You can also offer wet food alongside dry food to boost hydration.
A little less walking. A little more shade. And no pressure to do anything at all. At Yarrah, we believe the best care lives in the little things.
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