Is it too hot to walk your dog? How to keep pets safe during a heatwave

The UK is in the middle of its third heatwave of 2026, with temperatures widely exceeding 30°C across England and Wales and the UK Health Security Agency issuing amber and yellow heat-health alerts. While most of us know the drill by now – water, shade, sun cream – our pets can’t tell us when they’re struggling. Here’s how to keep dogs, cats, and other animals safe and comfortable until things cool down.

What are the first signs of heatstroke in pets?

Pets can’t sweat the way humans do. Dogs mainly cool down by panting, while cats rely on grooming and seeking out cool surfaces, this makes them far more vulnerable to overheating than we are.

When looking after your pets, here are red flags watch out for:

Heavy or rapid panting that doesn’t ease off
Excessive drooling
Bright red or very pale gums
Lethargy, wobbliness, or collapse
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Confusion or seeming “not quite right”

Heatstroke is a genuine emergency. If you notice these signs, move your pet to a cool, shaded area straight away, offer small amounts of water, and cool them gradually with lukewarm (never ice-cold) water on their body, especially the neck, armpits, and groin. The RSPCA’s step-by-step heatstroke guidance is worth bookmarking now, before you need it. Then call your vet immediately: don’t wait to see if they improve on their own.

A vet visit for suspected heatstroke can also be a costly one. If you’ve ever wondered whether your policy would actually cover an emergency like this, our guide to what to look for in a pet insurance policy is a good place to check before you need it.

Should you take your dog on a walk during a heatwave?

This is the big one. Pavements and tarmac can reach scorching temperatures even when the air feels bearable, and hot ground can burn a dog’s paw pads in seconds. Before taking your dog on a walk, you should follow these steps to keep them safe:

Test it yourself: press the back of your hand to the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Stick to early mornings (before 8am) or late evenings once the ground has cooled.
Shorten walks, stick to grass or shaded routes where possible, and skip the ball-throwing sessions that ramp up exertion.
Flat-faced breeds like pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs struggle to regulate their temperature at the best of times: take extra care and consider very short walks or none at all on the hottest days. The RSPCA’s advice on caring for dogs in hot weather goes into more detail on breed-specific risks.

Never leave your pets in a car, even “for a minute”

Car interiors heat up dramatically within minutes, even with windows cracked open and even on a day that doesn’t feel that hot. The simplest rule: if you’re taking the dog somewhere in the car, plan the whole trip around not leaving them in the vehicle, even briefly.

If you ever see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999 straight away, as you don’t have the legal power of entry themselves and would need police assistance.

Ensure your pet is hydrated at all times

Hydration is the key for everyone, pets included. There are many ways to ensure your furry friend is keeping away from dehydration:

Refresh water bowls regularly, as it warms up faster than you’d expect.
Consider having several water stations around the house and garden.
Ice cubes in the water bowl, or frozen treats made from diluted broth, can help keep pets interested in drinking.
For cats who are fussy drinkers, a pet water fountain can encourage them to take on more fluids.

What about smaller pets?

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals kept outdoors are especially vulnerable, as hutches can turn into ovens.

Move hutches into shade for the entire day, or bring them into a cool indoor spot if possible.
Wet towels draped over (not inside) hutches can help lower the temperature.
Frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel, placed in the hutch, give animals something cool to lean against.
Check on them more frequently than usual.

Fish and reptiles need attention too. Tank and vivarium temperatures can climb fast, so keep an eye on thermometers and be ready to adjust heating and lighting setups accordingly.

Ensure your pet is insured accordingly.

Heat-related emergencies can mean unexpected vet bills, and it’s one of the areas we hear about most often at Resolver. If you’re not sure your policy covers what you think it does, or you’re dealing with a dispute over a claim, our guides on pet insurance policies and resolving insurance complaints can help you know where you stand.

Stay cool and plan ahead

Hot weather can become dangerous for pets far more quickly than owners may realise, but a few simple precautions can make all the difference. Keeping your pets cool, well hydrated and out of the midday heat will help them stay safe while temperatures remain high. And if you ever suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, don’t wait, start cooling them safely and contact your vet immediately.

Stay safe, stay cool, and give your four-legged friends a little extra TLC while the heat lasts.