Your dog will never tell you they're too hot. They'll keep chasing the ball, keep trotting beside you on that midday walk, and keep lying in the sunny spot on the stoep long after it stops being good for them. With heatwave warnings rolling across South Africa this season, knowing the signs (and how to get ahead of them) is one of the kindest things you can do for your pet.
Here's everything you need to know to get your dog or cat through a South African summer happy, hydrated and cool.
Why the heat hits pets harder than it hits us
We sweat all over our bodies. Dogs and cats don't. Their sweat glands are mostly in their paw pads, so they rely on panting to push heat out. That works well on a mild day, but when the air is hot and humid, panting becomes far less effective. Their body temperature can climb faster than they can bring it down.
That's why a day that feels "just warm" to you can be genuinely dangerous for a dog in a fur coat.
hot in this
fur coat."
Is your pet at higher risk?
Any pet can overheat, but some need extra care when the temperature climbs:
- Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus and Persian cats. Their shorter airways make panting much less efficient.
- Puppies and senior pets, who can't regulate their temperature as well.
- Overweight pets, as extra body fat holds in heat.
- Thick or double-coated breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, Chows and German Shepherds.
- Very active dogs who don't know when to stop (we're looking at you, Border Collies and Labradors).
- Pets with heart or breathing conditions. If your pet has a medical condition, ask your vet for a summer plan.
The warning signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke can develop in minutes, so it helps to know what to look for before it becomes an emergency.
Early signs: cool them down now
- Heavy, fast panting that doesn't settle in the shade
- Thick, sticky drool
- Restlessness, or looking for cold floors and shady corners
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Cats panting with an open mouth (cats rarely pant, so take this seriously)
Emergency signs: get to a vet immediately
- Wobbling, stumbling or seeming confused
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Pale, grey or blue gums
- Collapse, seizures or unresponsiveness
What to do if your pet is overheating
- Move them somewhere cool and shady straight away, ideally indoors with a fan or air conditioning.
- Cool first, then travel. Pour cool water over their body (belly, neck, armpits and paws), keep it flowing, and put a fan on them if you can. Use whatever water you have to hand. Then get them to the vet.
- Don't drape a wet towel over them. It can trap heat against their body. A wet towel to lie on is fine.
- Offer small sips of water, but don't force them to drink.
- Call your vet and head there, even if your pet seems to recover. Heatstroke can cause internal damage that isn't visible straight away.
The hot car rule: never, not even for "just a minute"
A parked car turns into an oven remarkably fast. Research has shown that the temperature inside a car can rise by around 20°C within an hour, with most of that increase happening in the first half hour. Cracking a window makes very little difference. If you can't take your dog into the shop with you, leave them at home.
cool dog.
Simple."
8 easy ways to keep your pet cool this summer
1. Walk early or late
Aim for walks before 9am or after the sun has dropped in the evening. Before you head out, press the back of your hand on the tar for seven seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws. We've written a full guide on how to tell if the pavement is too hot for your dog's paws.
2. Give them a cool place to lie down
Dogs naturally look for cold tiles on hot days. A cooling mat gives them that cool spot wherever they are: in their bed, their crate, the car or on the patio. The M-Pets Frozen Cooling Mat is filled with cooling gel. Pop it in the fridge to chill, then lay it down for your dog. It's double-sided, non-toxic and wipes clean.
3. Keep the water flowing
Pets drink more when water is fresh and cool. Place a few bowls around the house and garden, top them up often, and add a couple of ice cubes on very hot days. Cats in particular are often reluctant drinkers and tend to prefer moving water, which is why a pet water fountain can make a real difference. The Pawise Pet Water Fountain is a great size for one or two cats or a small dog.
4. Add moisture to their meals
Mixing a little wet food into dry kibble, or soaking kibble in a bit of water, is an easy way to sneak extra hydration into your pet's day. This is especially helpful for cats.
5. Use evaporative cooling gear for outings
Heading to the beach, a hike or the park? Evaporative cooling gear works like a portable shady breeze. The Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Neck Gaiter is soaked in water, then cools your dog as the water evaporates. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection. For bigger adventures, the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Zip Cooling Vest covers more of the body. These work best in dry heat, and you'll need to re-soak them as they dry out.
6. Make frozen treats part of the fun
Frozen treats keep dogs busy and help cool them down from the inside. Try Cool Dogs powdered dog ice cream (just add water and freeze), or stuff a chew toy with a little wet food and freeze it overnight.
7. Don't shave a double coat
It's tempting to give a fluffy dog a summer buzz cut, but a double coat actually helps insulate against heat and protects skin from sunburn. Regular brushing to remove the loose undercoat is far more helpful. If you're unsure about your breed, ask your groomer or vet.
8. Stay one step ahead of ticks
Warm weather also means tick and flea season is in full swing. In South Africa, ticks can spread serious diseases like biliary, so summer is not the time to skip a dose. Not sure which treatment suits your pet? Our guide to Bravecto vs NexGard vs Simparica breaks it down, or browse our full range of tick and flea products.
get hot too,
you know."
Don't forget the cats
Cats are experts at finding cool spots, but they still struggle in a heatwave. Keep curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, make sure they can always get to a shady, cool room, and keep water bowls well away from their food (many cats prefer it that way). Pale-coated and white cats can also get sunburnt on their ears and nose, so keep them indoors during peak sun.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is too hot to walk my dog?
There's no single number, as humidity, breed and fitness all play a part. As a general rule, be very cautious once it's above the mid-20s, and always do the seven-second pavement test. On very hot days, skip the walk and play a sniffing game indoors instead.
Do cooling mats really work?
Yes, they give your dog a cooler surface to lie on, much like cold tiles do. Gel mats that you chill in the fridge start out extra cool and are great for indoor rest, crates and car trips. They're a comfort aid, though, not a treatment for heatstroke.
Can I give my dog ice cubes?
For most dogs, a few ice cubes in their water bowl or as a treat is fine and a fun way to cool down. If your dog is already overheating, focus on pouring cool water over their body and getting them to a vet rather than offering ice to eat.
How can I get my cat to drink more water in summer?
Offer several water bowls around the house, keep them away from food, add some wet food to their diet, and try a water fountain. Many cats are naturally drawn to moving water.
Is my dog panting normally or overheating?
Normal panting settles within a few minutes of resting in the shade. If the panting is heavy, noisy and doesn't slow down, or comes with thick drool, red gums or wobbliness, start cooling your dog and call your vet.
This guide is for general information. If you're ever worried about your pet in the heat, contact your vet straight away.
Stay cool out there. From all of us at Canine&Co, here's to a summer full of zoomies, not heat worries.
