How to keep your pets safe and cool during Spain's summer heat waves
With record temperatures on the rise, simple steps can help protect your dogs and cats from heat stroke
As the mercury rises across Spain and more heat waves hit the country each summer, many of us are taking shelter indoors with fans and air conditioning on full blast. But while we’re doing our best to stay cool, it’s easy to forget that our pets are struggling too and they can’t always tell us when something’s wrong. Heat stroke can affect both dogs and cats in a matter of minutes, and unlike us, they can’t cool down as easily.In fact, Spain saw one of the highest rates of heat-related deaths in Europe in 2024, and as climate change continues to push temperatures higher, we need to be just as mindful of how the heat affects animals as we are of ourselves.
“At temperatures above 32 degrees, all dogs are at risk of heat stroke,” Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption, and the 2030 Agenda warns.
Why pets struggle in the heat
Dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do. While humans release heat through sweating all over our bodies, pets mainly cool themselves through panting and sweating slightly from their paws and noses. Most of their cooling comes from panting, which works up to a point. But when the heat gets extreme, this isn’t always enough to stop them from overheating.
Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats are particularly vulnerable, as are older animals, overweight pets or those with thick, dark fur.
Signs of heat stroke in dogs and cats
Heat stroke can come on fast and the symptoms are not always obvious. Look out for the following in dogs:
- Heavy panting
- Red gums or mouth
- Fast heart rate
- Feverish body temperature
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Staggering or confusion
- Weakness or collapse
Cats can show similar signs, but are also likely to become unusually quiet, lethargic or lose interest in food.
If you notice any of these symptoms, get your pet into a cooler environment immediately and contact a vet without delay.
Simple steps to keep pets safe
The good news is that most heat-related problems are preventable with a few simple changes:
- Never leave pets in the car – even for a short time. Temperatures can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even with the window open.
- Provide constant shade and fresh water – especially if your pet is outside. Refresh their water regularly, and avoid using ice-cold water, which can shock their system.
- Avoid walking during the hottest part of the day – usually between 12 and 6pm. The ground can burn their paws. Try using the back of your hand: if you can't hold it on the pavement for five seconds, it's too hot.
- Use cooling aids – such as damp towels, cooling mats. If you’ve got a garden or balcony, a shallow paddling pool can be a great way for dogs to cool off. For cats, gently wiping their paws or belly with a wet cloth, or a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel for them to lie near can help.
- Keep indoor areas ventilated – open the windows if there is a cool breeze and if not, a well placed fan is just as effective, and cheaper, than the air-con blasting.
At the end of the day, keeping pets safe in the summer heat comes down to paying attention and taking a few thoughtful precautions. They rely on us to notice when they’re uncomfortable, and a little care goes a long way in making sure they stay happy and healthy, even when the temperatures soar.Images: mferman24 and annvsh08-Pixabay
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