Rising temps, warmer pavements and longer days in the sun… yep, summer is well and truly here.
With it comes a few essentials – like keeping the water bowl filled and giving your pet somewhere cooler than the kitchen tiles to sprawl. Then there are the extras – like colourful walking gear, and entertaining toys and scratchers.
The good news? We’ve rounded up 9 top tips (and favourite products) to upgrade your pet’s summer.
1. Work with nature to cool them down
Dogs don’t sweat the way we do – they can only sweat through their paw pads, and panting is their main way of cooling themselves. It works, but it’s not very efficient once the air gets hot and humid, which is why dogs can be so vulnerable to heatstroke in the summer.
Cats, on the other hand, will often groom more in summer because the saliva on their coat evaporates and helps them cool down.
Neither method does much against extreme heat, though, so cooling mats, vests and shady spots make a big difference.
Don’t place a wet towel directly over your dog’s body to cool them down. While it seems helpful, it can actually trap heat against their skin. Instead, use a damp towel as a cool surface for them to lie on, or gently wipe their paws, belly and chest.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Water bowls tend to get emptied faster in the summer and not every pet is a keen drinker.
Dogs lose extra moisture through panting, while cats can be picky about where and how they drink. That’s why finding ways to encourage them to take in more fluids is so important.
Running water fountains, multiple bowls placed around the home, and feeding tricks can all help. Lick mats and slow feeders can pace meals, but they’re also a chance to add hydrating toppers like frozen yoghurt, puréed fruit, or even chilled broth.
3. Play it cool with toys that beat the heat
Outdoor fun is a must in summer, but summer play needs a little more planning.
Toys that double as a distraction from the heat, or ones that can be used with frozen treats, turn hot afternoons into something fun instead of uncomfortable.
Another benefit? These cooling toys are especially great for puppies to chew on, as they help soothe discomfort when they’re teething.
4. Keep it safe on the road
Trips to the beach, weekends away, even a drive to your local café – summer is full of movement.
But travel takes more out of pets when it’s hot. They tire faster. They need more breaks. They can overheat in a parked car within minutes, even with the windows cracked. So making sure they’re secure and comfortable on the road is extremely important.
Never leave pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes. On a 30°C day, the inside temperature can soar past 45°C in under 10 minutes.
5. Spruce up your backyard
Not every summer day calls for a full-day adventure. Sometimes it’s about making the backyard the place to be. A shady corner, a patch of grass, maybe even some water to splash in.
Pets instinctively sprawl on cool surfaces, like tiles, shaded concrete or damp grass, to release heat through their bodies. Adding a pool, sprinkler or even just a shady mat gives them more options when the sun is at its peak.
6. Make inside the place to be
On the very hottest days, though, the best choice is staying inside. That doesn’t have to mean boredom.
Mental stimulation is just as tiring as physical exercise. That’s why a puzzle feeder or snuffle toy can leave your pet happily worn out without stepping into the midday sun.
Puzzles, snuffle games, and things they can lick or chew slowly – all of these give them a job to do when outside just isn’t an option. It keeps their mind busy and stops the day from dragging.
They’re great for apartments, older pets, or anyone without easy access to shaded outdoor space.
7. Upgrade walks with lightweight gear
Collars and harnesses that are too tight or heavy can rub more in summer because pets are already panting and moving differently to stay cool.
Lightweight gear prevents irritation and makes short walks more comfortable, whether you’re looping the block or heading to the park.
Remember that pavement and sand can reach temperatures hot enough to burn paw pads within minutes.
A quick test: Hold the back of your hand to the sidewalk for 5 to 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog.
That’s why summer walks are best timed for early mornings, evenings, or indoors with toys that keep them busy without risking heat or sore paws.
Carry a collapsible water bowl on longer outings. Frequent water breaks help prevent overheating and paw burns when walking further from home.
8. Add a slice of summer style
Some pets breeze through summer, others feel every bit of the sun.
Dogs actually use their ears and tongue as “heat radiators” – blood vessels widen to help release heat. That’s why you’ll see droopy tongues and floppy ears working overtime on hot days.
Lightweight layers or accessories can help keep them cool and prevent overheating.
And yes, sometimes it’s just about the fun of it. A bright shirt or a silly hat makes those morning walks feel a little more like an outing. It’s part practical, part playful.
9. Fuss about your feline
Cats handle heat differently. Some curl up in the coolest part of the house, others sprawl across the tiles like they own the place. What they do need is stimulation when it’s too hot to roam.
The best activity? Toys that let them bat, chase and problem-solve – all behaviours that mimic natural hunting.
Scratch boards, rolling toys and even just rearranging their play space can break up the long summer afternoons.
Ready to keep your pet cool, safe and happy this summer? Shop Petstock’s full summer range today!