Guides and tips
Pets and heat, how to prevent heatstroke
During the summer months, high temperatures can lead to serious health complications for pets. Heatstroke doesn’t only affect dogs, it can also impact cats, rabbits, and even birds. Many animals are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively and rely entirely on their guardian’s care to stay safe in extreme conditions.
In this article, you’ll learn which animals are most at risk, which symptoms to watch out for, how to prevent heatstroke, and what to do if it occurs.
Guides and tips
Pets most at risk of heatstroke
Protection and prevention
Cats
Cats are generally more tolerant of heat, but they are not immune. Indoor cats without proper cooling or those trapped in enclosed or sun-exposed spaces, such as balconies or cars, are at risk of heatstroke. Elderly or sick cats also have a reduced ability to regulate their body temperature.
Dogs
Dogs are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, particularly short-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers. These dogs struggle to release heat through panting due to their facial structure. In addition, elderly, overweight, or dogs with respiratory issues are at higher risk. Excessive panting, fatigue, and heavy drooling are signs to watch out for.
Animals that live exclusively outdoors without access to shade and cool areas, as well as those that may become trapped in enclosed or heated spaces, such as cars or balconies, face a serious risk of heatstroke.
Pets with limited ability to regulate their body temperature or with anatomical characteristics that make heat dissipation difficult, such as short-nosed dogs, are at greater risk. Elderly animals or those with underlying health problems are also more susceptible to the effects of heat.
Rabbits
Rabbits are highly sensitive to high temperatures and can suffer heatstroke in just a few minutes, especially if kept outdoors without shade and good airflow. Overheating can lead to severe problems, including collapse and death. Their enclosure should always be placed in a cool area.
Birds
Birds are very sensitive to temperature and require good ventilation and a cool environment. During heatwaves, they may show signs of stress, discomfort, and severe symptoms of heatstroke, such as excessive breathing and weakness. Protecting them from direct sunlight and providing clean water is essential.
Guides and tips
Symptoms to watch out for
Protection and prevention
Cats
Rapid breathing and panting (less common than in dogs): Cats do not usually pant, so if they do, it is a sign of serious heat-related stress.
Lethargy and reduced activity: They may become less active and hide in cool places.
Loss of appetite: Heat may reduce their appetite, affecting their energy levels.
Vomiting or diarrhea: Heatstroke can affect the digestive system and cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Weakness and difficulty walking: In advanced stages, the cat may lose balance.
Red gums or dry nose: These are signs of dehydration and overheating.
Every pet has its own normal routine. If you know what is typical (breathing rate, mood, activity), you will more easily detect changes related to heat stress.
Dogs
Panting and rapid breathing without exertion: If the dog is breathing heavily without having exercised, it could be a sign of overheating.
Excessive drooling: This is common in overheated dogs, especially when the saliva is thick and foamy.
Weakness and lethargy: The dog may appear tired, have low energy or be unresponsive.
Vomiting or diarrhea: Heatstroke can affect the digestive system and cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Red gums: Gums that appear bright red or very pale are signs of circulatory issues due to overheating.
Confusion or instability: In advanced stages, the dog may appear disoriented or have trouble walking.
Sweating from the paws: Though rare, dogs may sweat through their paw pads in extreme heat.
Rabbits
Rapid breathing and panting: Although rabbits rarely pant, these symptoms indicate severe discomfort.
Hot and dry nose: Their noses are typically cool and moist, so dryness and warmth are warning signs.
Lethargy and weakness: Rabbits may appear tired and avoid movement.
Loss of appetite: Reduced food intake is a sign of general distress and can lead to further health issues.
Excessive thirst or dehydration: Despite drinking more water, dehydration can develop quickly.
Difficulty moving or paralysis (in advanced stages): Heatstroke can impact the nervous system, leading to serious symptoms.
Birds
Rapid breathing or open-mouth panting: Birds try to cool down by opening their beaks and breathing quickly, but if it continues, it’s a sign of overheating.
Weakness and lethargy: Reduced energy, extended periods of stillness and slow reaction to their surroundings.
Difficulty flying or poor balance: Overheating can affect muscle function and coordination.
Reduced appetite and dehydration: High temperatures can lower food and water intake.
Excessive thirst or feather dryness: Signs of dehydration may appear on their feathers.
A seemingly minor change, such as less interest in play or reduced appetite, may be the first sign of overheating, especially in animals like cats or birds that do not show obvious symptoms.
Guides and tips
How to prevent heatstroke
Protection and prevention
Preventing heatstroke is the most important step in safeguarding your pet's health and wellbeing during hot days. With a few simple but essential precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of overheating and protect your animal from serious complications.
Make sure that walks, playtime or any other activity take place early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the temperature is lower and the sun’s radiation is less intense. This greatly reduces the risk of overheating.
Cats
Ensure a cool and well-ventilated space: Cats prefer cooler areas of the home, such as tiled floors, so make sure they have easy access to such spots.
Avoid confining them in warm or poorly ventilated areas: Lack of proper airflow increases the risk of heatstroke.
Offer fresh water in multiple spots: Cats can be selective with water, so placing water sources in various parts of the home will encourage them to drink more.
Encourage resting on cool surfaces: You can place damp towels or cool pads where your cat tends to relax to help them regulate their body temperature.
Dogs
Avoid walks during the hottest hours of the day: Temperatures are usually highest between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., increasing the risk of heatstroke. Prefer early morning or late afternoon for walks.
Offer water regularly: During the day, and especially after exercise, ensure your dog has easy access to fresh, cool water to stay hydrated.
Never leave your dog in a parked car under the sun: Even for a few minutes, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise dangerously fast, leading to heatstroke or death.
Provide a cool and shady environment: Make sure your dog always has access to shade and cool areas indoors or in the yard where he can rest comfortably.
Use cooling products: In very hot areas, special cooling towels, mats or vests can help reduce body temperature.
Rabbits
Place the hutch in a shaded, well-ventilated location: Sun exposure and heat are especially dangerous for rabbits, who are highly sensitive to high temperatures.
Use damp towels or cold water bottles near the hutch: Make sure there’s no direct contact with the skin, so you cool the surrounding area without causing discomfort.
Always provide fresh water and cool food: Adequate hydration and proper diet are critical for coping with the heat.
Avoid handling or moving your rabbit during hot hours: Stress from movement can worsen their condition during high temperatures.
Birds
Place the cage in a cool, well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight: Avoid exposure to the sun, as birds are highly sensitive to temperature changes.
Provide plenty of fresh water and refresh it regularly: Hydration is critical, especially during hot weather.
Use fans or special cooling products for birds: If needed, a fan on a low setting can help reduce the temperature around the cage.
Monitor their behaviour and minimise stress: Heat can cause extra anxiety, which worsens their condition, so try to keep the environment calm.
As the temperature rises, changes in behaviour may be the first signs of discomfort. If you notice that your pet becomes unusually restless, is constantly seeking shade or water, or seems overly tired, do not ignore it. Take immediate action to cool him down.
Guides and tips
What to do in case of heatstroke
Protection and prevention
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, it is essential to act immediately. Heatstroke can progress rapidly and pose a serious threat to the animal's life. The first few minutes are critical for stabilizing the condition before veterinary care.
Cats
Place the cat in a cool, dark and quiet space: Calmness is important to avoid worsening stress and discomfort.
Cool targeted areas with damp towels: Focus on the paws, ears and belly. Do not soak the entire body, sudden cooling can cause shock.
Offer cool water in a shallow bowl: If the cat is alert and able to move. Do not force it to drink.
Observe breathing and mobility: If it is rapid, noisy or the cat appears unsteady, this is a serious case.
Seek immediate veterinary guidance: Over the phone or in person, to ensure the situation is correctly assessed.
Dogs
Move the dog to a cool, shaded area with good ventilation: Ideally indoors with a fan or air conditioning. Removing it from the source of heat is the first and most important step.
Begin careful, gradual reduction of body temperature: You can use cool (not cold) damp towels on the neck, armpits and groin area. Do not cover the entire body and do not use ice, as it may cause vasoconstriction and slow down cooling.
Place a fan nearby: If available, airflow will help lower the body temperature more quickly.
Offer small amounts of cool water: If the dog is alert and able to drink, offer water in a shallow bowl. Do not force it, as there is a risk of aspiration.
Call your veterinarian immediately or take the dog to a veterinary clinic: Heatstroke requires professional evaluation, even if the dog seems to be recovering.
If you remember when the first symptoms began (e.g. panting, collapse), note the time. This information helps the vet assess how long the pet was exposed to high temperatures and evaluate the risk of complications such as kidney failure or organ dysfunction.
Rabbits
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Remove the rabbit from hot environments or poorly ventilated enclosures: If it is outdoors, bring it inside immediately.
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Use a damp cloth under its body, without wrapping it: Rabbits are especially sensitive to stress and the feeling of restraint can worsen the situation.
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Do not attempt to feed or hydrate forcefully: Just place fresh water nearby in a low, shallow container.
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Observe for lethargy or muscle tremors: These are emergency signs that require immediate attention.
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Call an exotic animal veterinarian urgently: Rabbits cannot easily cope with heatstroke and need specialized care.
Inform the vet about the type of activity that preceded the incident (walk, time in the car, sun exposure), as well as the environmental conditions.
Birds
Move the bird to a space with stable temperature and no drafts: Avoid direct sunlight and place it in a safe location.
Lightly mist with cool water or offer a bath: If the bird is familiar with bathing, a shallow container may help it cool down naturally.
Avoid excessive handling: Stress worsens breathing and may aggravate the heatstroke.
Watch for signs such as open beak, trembling or falling off the perch: These indicate an urgent condition.
Contact an avian veterinarian immediately: If there is none available locally, call a specialist for guidance.
Guides and tips
Additional advice for summer periods
Protection and prevention
Avoid activities during the hottest hours of the day
During the summer months, outdoor temperatures rise quickly and can be dangerous from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you take your dog for a walk, if you plan to move a cage or change the location of a rodent or bird cage, plan to do it early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
This reduces the risk of heat exhaustion and makes activities safer and more comfortable for the animal.
If your pet prefers to lie in a specific spot, place there a mat with special cooling gel (available at most pet shops) or a slightly wet towel. The coolness will be gradually absorbed by the animal’s body without bothering it or exposing it to sudden temperature changes.
Make sure there is always cool, clean water
Hydration is critical. Place more than one water bowl in different spots, especially if the animal moves indoors and outdoors. Refresh the water at least twice a day because it heats up or evaporates quickly.
For outdoor areas, prefer ceramic or metal bowls that keep the water cooler than plastic ones.
Use fans or air conditioning with care
Artificial cooling is helpful, as long as it does not create drafts that blow directly on the animal. You can place a fan opposite a bowl with water or ice cubes to enhance the coolness in the space. If you use air conditioning, make sure the temperature is not too low; most animals adapt better to temperatures between 24-27°C.
Do not leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle
Even with slightly open windows, the temperature inside a car can rise dangerously within minutes. A dog or cat can suffer heatstroke much faster than a human, due to the limited ability to dissipate heat.
This is one of the most frequent and tragic causes of pet death in summer.
Always check the ground surface before the walk
Hot asphalt and sidewalks can cause burns on the paws of animals, especially dogs and cats. Touch the ground with the back of your hand for 5-6 seconds. If it is too hot for you, then it is also too hot for your animal. Choose shady paths, grassy trails, or protective booties if needed.
Avoid shaving animals
Many types of pets have natural insulation from their fur, which protects them from both heat and sun rays. Complete shaving can disrupt the heat regulation balance and cause them more discomfort or burns. Instead, prefer thorough brushing and thinning of dead fur.
Adjust the amount and frequency of meals
Many animals lose appetite when they get very hot. If you notice a decrease in their appetite, try to feed them during cooler hours and in smaller amounts. Switching to more digestible or lighter meals may also help. In any case, contact the veterinarian before making changes to the diet.
Especially for dogs and cats, you can prepare frozen treats with a little diluted chicken broth (without salt or onion), placing it in ice cube trays. These frozen treats not only provide pleasant occupation but also help hydration.
Keep living spaces clean and cool
For smaller animals (e.g., rodents, birds, rabbits) or animals in cages, it is very important to be in a shady, well-ventilated spot, away from direct sun or humidity. Change the bedding regularly and avoid locations near walls or windows that get hot.
Learn to recognize early signs of overheating
Pets that are calm, lie on tiles, or constantly seek water and shade may have started struggling. Especially dogs with heavy panting, cats that excessively lick their fur, or lethargic rodents need attention. Do not wait for the condition to worsen before acting.
Guides and tips
Conclusion
The summer period requires special attention and sensitivity from guardians to the needs of their animals. Whether you live in the city or the countryside, high temperatures and heatwave conditions can seriously affect the health of any pet. With timely prevention, proper observation, and basic preparation, you can protect your dog, cat, or other small animals from the dangers of heatstroke and ensure they have a safe, cool, and comfortable summer by your side.
If you have doubts or notice suspicious symptoms, do not delay consulting your veterinarian, even a few minutes can make a difference.
