Summer Pet Care and Summer Holidays with your pet

11 July 2025

Whilst summer can be an enjoyable season for many of us, higher temperatures and summer activities can bring increased risks to our pets. A previous survey found that half of vets had treated animals for heatstroke, and more than a third had treated animals for other heat-related conditions, including breathing difficulties, burnt paw pads and sunburn.

Follow our top tips to prevent common summer health problems for your pet, and ensure that they have a healthy and happy summer!

Heatstroke

Probably the most well-known summer hazard, heatstroke is a life-threatening condition which can lead to organ failure and in some cases, death. Pets overheat easily as they are unable to cool themselves down and regulate their body temperature effectively by sweating, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them from developing heatstroke.

To reduce the risks of heatstroke:

  • Make sure your pet has access to a cool, shaded and well-ventilated area, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Always have clean drinking water available (you can add ice to keep it cool).
  • Walk dogs during cooler times of the day (early morning or late evening) and avoid the heat of the day. Avoid walks altogether in extreme heat.
  • Never leave pets in a car or hot room, such as a conservatory (being aware that rooms heat up quickly in the sun). “Not long” is too long and dogs die in hot cars (and rooms).
  • Know the signs of heatstroke – these include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, restlessness, drooling, and lack of coordination.

If your pet shows signs of heatstroke, you need to cool them down as quickly as possible. You should do this by getting them wet with whatever water you have available, so long as it’s a cooler temperature than the animal. For young, healthy, conscious dogs, immerse them in cold water, keeping their head above the water. For older dogs or those with underlying health problems, pour water over them, for example with a bucket or hosepipe (making sure the water in the hose hasn’t heated up in the sun), soaking their whole body. After you have wet them, put your pet near moving air from a breeze, fan, or air conditioning, then contact your vet for advice. An easy way to remember this is: ‘get your pet wet, then call a vet’.

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as bulldogs and pugs, breeds with thick coats, overweight animals, and animals with lung disease are at a higher risk of developing heatstroke.

Some breeds of cats and dogs and those with lighter-coloured or finer fur, may be prone to sunburn, particularly on their ears. You can apply appropriate sun cream – ask your vet for advice on the right protection.

BBQs

Whilst it can be very tempting to offer dogs and cats a treat from the BBQ, most BBQ food is very unhealthy to pets. Fatty and marinated meats, uncooked meats, spicy sauces and food with high salt content can all cause digestive issues in dogs and cats and make them unwell. Food containing skewers (such as kebabs), as well as corn on the cob, are a serious choking hazard and can cause a blockage in the stomach or intestines.

Flystrike

Flystrike, where flies lay eggs on another animal which then hatch into maggots, can be life-threatening for rabbits and guinea pigs. Check your pet daily, particularly around their back end and under their tail, and clean it if dirty. Clean your pet’s toilet areas every day and change bedding at least once a week. If your rabbit or guinea pig is affected by flystrike, contact your vet immediately.

Ticks and fleas

Ticks and fleas are more active in warmer months and can transmit diseases through bites to pets and pet owners. Check pets for ticks frequently and promptly remove any, using a tick removal tool, which are sold in many veterinary practices and pet shops.

If using a tick removal tool, make sure that you twist and never pull or squeeze the tick – this will help to make sure that the whole of the tick is removed and prevent leaving the head of the tick in your pet. Speak to your vet about tick control products that might be suitable for your pet.

Water bodies

Many dogs enjoy swimming and it can be great exercise for them, but lakes and rivers can harbour hidden hazards. Do not let your dog swim in stagnant water, water with blue-green algae (this is toxic for dogs), in reservoirs, or fast-flowing water or flood water. Consider giving your dog a life vest. Avoid topical application of parasiticides (flea treatments) to your dog shortly before swimming to maintain their effectiveness.

Wasp and bee stings

Wasp and bee stings usually cause only minor pain and irritation to pets and generally don’t require any veterinary treatment. You can remove the sting by carefully brushing it away using something flat like a credit card. However, if your pet is stung on the throat or mouth, is stung multiple times, or the swelling is causing distress, contact your vet.

Traveling with your pet

If you’re traveling in a car, make sure that your pet is properly restrained, to protect both them and you. Use a pet seatbelt, harness, crate, carrier or boot guard. If you’re traveling in warm weather, travel during the cooler times of the day (early morning or late evening), minimise time in the car, carry plenty of water with you, keep the car cool through air conditioning/fans and open windows and by parking in the shade, and consider giving your pet a cooling mat to lie on. Familiarise yourself with the signs of heatstroke and what to do if your pet shows these signs, as mentioned previously. If you’re camping, don’t leave dogs alone in a tent. Make sure you have the details of a veterinary practice local to your holiday destination, in case of emergencies, and ensure you take enough supplies of your pet’s regular medication with you.

Traveling abroad

Thinking of taking your pet abroad this summer? What you need to do will depend on which country you’re going to. Be sure to check the government website for the latest rules and the requirements for each country you are visiting, whether in the European Union (EU) or beyond, as they will vary: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad, and speak to their vet in plenty of time before you travel.

If you’re travelling to an EU country, your dog, cat or ferret will need:

  • a microchip,
  • an animal health certificate (issued by a vet) or a valid pet passport issued it an EU country, that’s accepted in the country you’re visiting,
  • a rabies vaccination, which must be given at least 21 days before you travel,
  • tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling to certain countries.

When abroad, your pet could be bitten or infected by a worm, tick or fly that is not found in the UK, and could cause an illness not usually seen in animals in the UK. Speak to your vet for advice on how to prevent insect bites and infections in your holiday destination of choice.