How to Help Your Pets Deal with the Heat

Let's be honest—when it hits 25°C in Britain, we all lose our minds a bit. Your dog's no different, except they're wearing a permanent fur coat and can't exactly strip down to shorts and flip-flops.

After watching our own Meatball dramatically flop onto every cool kitchen tile this summer, we've learned a thing or two about keeping pets comfortable when the mercury rises.

Water, water everywhere. Multiple bowls around the house and garden. Yes, they'll probably still prefer drinking from that questionable puddle outside, but at least you've tried.

Timing is everything. Early morning and late evening walks when the pavement won't fry their paws like Sunday breakfast. The old "back of your hand on the tarmac for 5 seconds" test works a treat.

Shade seekers. If your garden's basically a concrete sun trap, create some shady spots. Even a strategically placed garden chair with a towel draped over can become prime real estate.

Frozen treats that aren't just ice cubes. Freeze their favourite treats in ice cube trays, or go wild and make "pupsicles" with plain yoghurt and banana. Meatball's personal favourite? Frozen carrots. Weird, but effective.

Cooling mats and wet towels. Pop a damp towel in the fridge for 10 minutes, then let them lie on it. Game changer.

Paddling pools aren't just for toddlers. Even a shallow washing-up bowl can provide relief for smaller dogs. Just don't expect them to understand the concept immediately—some dogs treat water like it's lava.

Heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting aren't just "bit warm, innit?" symptoms. If your pet seems genuinely distressed, get them somewhere cool immediately and call your vet.

Never, ever leave them in the car. Not even for "just five minutes" while you pop into the shops. The inside of a car becomes an oven faster than you can say "but I cracked the window."

Remember, our pets rely on us to make the sensible decisions they can't. A bit of preparation means everyone can actually enjoy the rare British heatwave instead of just surviving it.