10 ways to help your pets stay safe and cool in the heat

Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits
By Amelia Hetherington · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure
dog wearing sunglasses in pool

This summer has been particularly hot and while humans are quite good at taking steps to keep cool, pets aren’t!

If you’re leaving your pets at home alone for long periods of time during the day, remember that keeping them cool is important. Some animals don’t cope well in warmer temperatures and others are less self-sufficient than you might realise.

So, here are some suggestions on how to help your pets handle the heat:

  • Make sure they have enough cool water - access to enough water is vital. Keep it out of the sun and even put ice cubes in to keep it cold for longer.
  • If you have a furry friend, make sure they are groomed regularly and appropriately so they’re not carrying any extra layers. Obviously this depends on the breed because some animals don’t benefit from a trim.
  • Leave a wet towel or cool mat for them to lie on - especially if your pet doesn’t have access to much shade but likes being outside. A wet towel or cool mat gives them somewhere more comfortable to lie.
  • Invest in a cooling collar or vest. These are designed to keep pets cool - especially if they’re often outdoors and don’t get to enjoy the air conditioning.
  • If your pet is a water lover, you could even invest in a paddle pool. This will not only keep them cool, but entertained!
  • Wet them with cold water - if your furry friend is struggling on a hot day, you can give them a cold bath, a spray with a hose or just wet their feet, ears and head to cool them down.
  • Keep them away from windows and direct sunlight - while some animals love lying in the sun, it might not be good for them when temperatures are particularly high. Be sure to have an eye on them so they don’t overheat or get dehydrated.
  • Don’t walk them during the hottest time of the day - try to walk your pet in the mornings before it gets hot, or late in the afternoon when it’s cooler.
  • Consider buying booties to protect their paws. If your dog seems uncomfortable walking on the hot road or pavement, you can actually buy booties to help.
  • Apply pet sunscreen to their most sensitive areas to stop them from getting burnt. Yes, animals can get sunburnt! Be sure to apply on the nose, tips of the ears and belly.

To further protect your pets wellbeing, consider getting pet insurance. You can compare some pet insurance policies below.

Compare pet insurance policies - last updated 25 April 2024

Search promoted pet insurances below. Advertiser disclosure Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.

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    annual benefit limit
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    benefit percentage
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    choice of vet
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  • Major Medical

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    annual benefit limit
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    annual benefit limit
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    choice of vet
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* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Pet Insurance Awards