Summer is a season of joy — long walks, outdoor adventures, and golden afternoons. But for our furry companions, the heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. Unlike humans, dogs and cats don't sweat through their skin. They rely on panting, shade, and their environment to regulate body temperature.
Whether you live in the humid warmth of São Paulo or the dry heat of a Mediterranean summer, here are five practical, vet-backed strategies to keep your pet safe, cool, and happy all season long.
1. Rethink Your Pet's Sleeping Spot
During summer, that cozy fleece-lined bed your pet loved in winter can become a sweltering trap. Pets instinctively seek cool surfaces — tile floors, bathroom tiles, even the bathtub — because these materials absorb body heat and help them cool down.
What to do:Switch to a breathable, cooling pet bed. Look for materials like:
- Rattan or woven surfaces that allow airflow from underneath
- Cotton-linen blends that breathe better than synthetic fabrics
- Cooling mats with gel inserts that activate on pressure
Our BreezeNest Rattan Pet Bed is designed specifically for warm weather — the woven surface promotes air circulation, while the raised design keeps your pet off hot floors. For cats who love to lounge, the CoolNest Cat Lounger offers a breathable, elevated resting spot that stays naturally cool.
2. Master the Walking Schedule
The asphalt test is simple but critical: place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
What to do:
- Walk early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening (after 7 PM)
- Avoid midday walks entirely when temperatures exceed 28°C (82°F)
- Stick to grassy or shaded routes
- Always carry water — a collapsible bowl takes up no space
Warning signs of heat exhaustion: Excessive panting, drooling, wobbling, bright red gums, vomiting. If you see these, move to shade immediately, offer cool (not ice-cold) water, and contact your vet.
3. Hydration Is Non-Negotiable
Pets dehydrate faster than you think. A dog exercising in warm weather can lose up to 6% of body weight in water within an hour.
What to do:
- Place multiple water bowls around the house — not just in the kitchen
- Add ice cubes to water bowls (pets often drink more when water is cool)
- Consider a pet water fountain — the moving water encourages cats to drink more
- Add wet food to their diet temporarily for extra moisture intake
- On walks, carry a collapsible silicone bowl (they weigh almost nothing)
For cats specifically: Cats are notoriously under-hydrated. They evolved from desert ancestors and have a low thirst drive. If your cat eats only dry food, summer is a good time to introduce wet food or bone broth toppers.
4. Never, Ever Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car
This cannot be overstated. On a 25°C (77°F) day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 40°C (104°F) in just 10 minutes — even with windows cracked. On a 30°C day, it can reach 49°C (120°F) in the same time.
Heatstroke in a car can be fatal within 15 minutes. No errand is quick enough. If you can't bring your pet inside your destination, leave them at home.
For road trips: If you're traveling with your pet, use a well-ventilated Portable Car Pet Bed with breathable materials, keep windows slightly open or air conditioning running, and never leave them alone — even for "just a minute."
5. Groom for the Season, Not the Trend
Many pet owners assume shaving their dog in summer is the kindest thing to do. For double-coated breeds (Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds), this is actually harmful. Their undercoat acts as insulation — keeping them warm in winter AND cool in summer. Shaving it off disrupts their natural temperature regulation.
What to do instead:
- Brush regularly to remove dead undercoat (this is what traps heat)
- Trim long hair around paws, belly, and ears where matting occurs
- Bathe monthly with a mild, pet-safe shampoo to remove dirt and oils that trap heat
- Single-coated breeds (Poodles, Maltese) can be clipped shorter in summer
- Cats generally manage their own grooming — just help long-haired breeds with regular brushing
Bonus: Create a Cool Zone in Your Home
Designate a specific area in your home as your pet's summer retreat:
- Choose the coolest room (often a bathroom or basement)
- Place a cooling bed or mat there
- Keep a water bowl nearby
- Draw curtains or blinds to block direct sun
- If you have air conditioning, set up a pet-safe fan nearby (not pointing directly at them)
A pet who has a comfortable, cool place to retreat to will be calmer, sleep better, and handle the heat with far less stress.
Stay Cool, Stay Safe
Summer should be about enjoying time with your pet — not worrying about heat-related emergencies. A few simple adjustments to their environment, routine, and bedding can make all the difference.
Explore our Cool Summer Collection for beds, mats, and accessories designed specifically for warm weather comfort.
Have a summer pet care tip we missed? Share it with us at hello@pawterre.com — we'd love to feature reader tips in our next post!
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