The Portuguese summer is great for walks and naps in the sun — but the heat also poses risks to your dog and cat that can easily go unnoticed. Here are 6 simple precautions that make all the difference on the hottest days.
1. Always have fresh water available
In the heat, pets drink much more. Make sure they always have clean, fresh water, and place more than one bowl around the house. If they go out with you, take water with you — a portable water bottle is ideal for long walks. Changing the water twice a day prevents it from getting warm and harbouring bacteria.
2. Go for walks during the coolest hours
Avoid going out between 12 noon and 5 pm, when the sun is at its strongest. Opt for early morning or late afternoon instead. As well as the risk of heatstroke, the tarmac and pavements get scorching hot — and your dog’s paws will suffer as a result.
On the hottest days, swap the long walk for indoor activities: scent games and puzzle toys keep your dog occupied without requiring physical exertion. We’ve got plenty of ideas for games to help your dog burn off energy.
3. Never leave your pet in the car
Even with the windows slightly open and in the shade, the temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous levels in just a few minutes. Never, under any circumstances, leave your dog or cat locked in the car in summer — not even ‘just for a moment’.
4. Learn to recognise heatstroke
It’s a medical emergency and can be fatal. Watch out for these signs:
- Panting, rapid breathing that doesn’t subside
- Thick drool, very red tongue and gums
- Weakness, disorientation or tremors
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
If you suspect this, take the animal to a cool place, wet it with water at room temperature (not ice-cold) and contact your vet immediately.
How to cool them down — and what not to do
How you cool them down is just as important as how quickly you do it. What helps:
- Get them out of the heat straight away — into the shade, onto cool ground, with air circulating (a fan helps a lot).
- Spray them with water at room temperature, focusing on areas where the skin is thinnest: the belly, groin, armpits and paw pads.
- Offer water if they are conscious and able to drink on their own — do not force them.
- Call the vet whilst you’re cooling them down, not afterwards.
What you mustn’t do: use ice-cold water or ice directly (this constricts the surface blood vessels and can slow down heat loss, as well as posing a risk of shock); cover the animal with a wet towel and leave it on (this traps heat rather than releasing it — if you use towels, change them frequently); or force water down the throat of a collapsed animal, as they may choke.
Even if it seems to have recovered, take it to the vet. Heatstroke can have internal consequences that only become apparent in the following hours or days, and this assessment is essential.
5. Protect their paws from hot ground
Before going out, hold your hand on the ground for 5 seconds: if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Choose grassy or shaded areas, and at home, a cooling mat gives them a cool place to rest.
6. Brushing, shade and ventilation
Regular brushing removes dead undercoat and helps the body cool down. Always ensure there’s a spot in the shade with good air circulation, for both dogs and cats. Please note: never shave your pet’s coat thinking it will keep them cool — in many breeds, the coat protects against solar radiation.
Who’s most at risk
Not all animals cope with the heat in the same way. The following deserve extra care:
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds — bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and, among cats, Persians. The anatomy of their airways makes cooling via panting much less effective, and they are by far the group most at risk.
- Overweight animals — fat acts as insulation and hinders heat dissipation.
- Puppies, kittens and elderly animals — they regulate their temperature less efficiently.
- Pre-existing heart or respiratory disease.
- Dark, thick coats, which absorb more solar radiation.
And a common misconception: heatstroke does not require direct sunlight. A closed, stuffy room, an unventilated pet carrier or a day with high humidity is enough — humidity hinders evaporation and, therefore, cooling.
And what about cats? The signs are different
Cats hide their discomfort much better than dogs, which delays detection. Furthermore, a cat does not normally pant: if you see your cat with its mouth open, breathing rapidly, this is not the feline equivalent of a dog panting — it’s a sign that something is wrong and it should be seen by a vet.
Other signs to watch out for in a cat: constantly seeking out cool surfaces (tiles, the bath), excessive licking to cool down, listlessness, or refusing to eat on a hot day. At home, keep the blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, provide several sources of water, and make sure your cat has access to cool areas — never leave them locked in a glazed balcony or under a sun awning.
With these simple precautions, summer becomes nothing but a pleasure: late-afternoon walks, naps in the shade and a healthy companion by your side. 🐾
Informative content, revised in August 2026. This is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation.