Summer Care for Outdoor Animals
Warm weather can be a real treat for pets and livestock – but it also brings risks. In the UK, owners must meet their animals’ welfare needs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 [1] . This means providing protection from extreme heat, just as we would from cold. In hot weather, pets and farm animals can suffer heatstroke, dehydration or sun damage if not properly cared for. Key precautions include plenty of shade and cool fresh water, avoiding midday exercise, and never leaving an animal alone in a hot car [2][3]. This article looks at summer safety for dogs, cats, small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) and large animals (horses, sheep), drawing on UK veterinary and welfare advice.
Dogs – Avoiding Heatstroke
Dogs cannot sweat like humans; they cool down by panting and through their paw pads. If a dog can’t shed heat fast enough, heatstroke can set in within minutes. Signs of canine heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, rapid breathing, bright red or purple gums, vomiting or diarrhea, weakness and collapse [4][5]. In severe cases a dog may faint or have seizures. Owners should watch for early signs (e.g. heavy panting, agitation, confusion) and act fast if they appear.
Spot the Signs: Key signs include excessive panting or drooling, very red or purple gums, weakness or collapse [4][5] . If a dog seems distressed or collapses in the heat, move it to a cool area, wet its coat with tepid water and call the vet immediately [6][5]. Early cooling and veterinary care are vital.
Keep Dogs Cool: Preventing overheating is best. Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water (e.g. a large bowl filled to the brim) and replenish it often [7]. Adding ice cubes or frozen water bottles to their bowl helps keep water cold. Limit walks and exercise to early morning or late evening when it’s cooler [8]. Avoid vigorous play or exercise during the warmest part of the day. On hot days, stay in the shade and consider indoor play instead of outdoor running. Cooling aids like a damp towel (placed underneath them, as on top can trap heat inside, causing more damage), a kiddie pool or a fan (set to low) can also help a dog cool off. Regular grooming is important – brush dogs daily and clip out mats, as tangled fur traps heat. Short- haired or overweight breeds cope better than thick-coated or brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, but all dogs can suffer in hot weather .
Never Leave Dogs in Cars: A well‑publicised danger is leaving dogs unattended in vehicles. Even if parked in shade or with windows cracked, a car heats up like an oven. Studies show that at just 22 °C outside, the interior can reach 47 °C in under an hour [3]. Dogs die in hot cars – a warning campaign by the RSPCA and others urges owners never to leave dogs (or any pet) in cars on warm days [11][3]. If you see a dog alone in a hot car and it seems distressed (heavy panting, lack of movement), call 999 immediately . (Under UK law, only police or council officials may break into vehicles to rescue animals in danger.) In short, don’t leave a dog in the car for even a minute [13][3].
A dog cooling off in water. Always ensure ample cool water is available to pets on hot days – bring a bowl on walks and leave filled bowls in the garden or house . Never let water bowls run dry.
Cats – Sun Safety and Hydration
Cats generally fare better in heat than dogs because they often rest in cool places. However, owners should still take precautions. Provide fresh water constantly – cats often don’t drink enough, and older or flat-faced breeds can dehydrate quickly [14]. Keep water bowls filled and consider indoor water fountains (circulating water) to entice drinking. Cats should never be locked in hot sheds, garages or conservatories – these spaces can become dangerously warm. Always check that outdoor cats can return to a cool indoor space during hot weather [15][14].
Pale or white-haired cats are prone to sunburn on their ears, nose or eyelids [16] . UV damage can lead to skin cancer, so restrict exposure during peak sun (11am–3pm) by keeping cats indoors or shaded. Pet-safe sunscreen (zinc- and PABA-free) can be applied to vulnerable areas, but the best prevention is keeping cats out of direct sun [16]. Trimmed or long-haired indoor cats may appreciate being brushed to remove excess fur. (Flat-faced or very fluffy cats may find hot, humid days particularly uncomfortable.[17]) In general, treat cats like family: plenty of water, cool resting places, and watch for signs of overheating (panting, weakness).
Rabbits & Other Small Pets
Small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other rodents can overheat very quickly. They rely on fur and shade to stay cool and are vulnerable to heatstroke and sunburn. Take these steps for small pets:
Provide Shade and Ventilation: Move outdoor hutches and runs into the shade (or under a sun umbrella) and ensure good airflow. Hutches should be off the ground (to allow air beneath) and have a cool, covered area. Check the position of the sun as it moves and shift housing accordingly [18]. Never cover the entire hutch with plastic – this traps heat. In very hot weather (above about 26 °C), bring outdoor small pets indoors into a well-ventilated, cool room [19]. Sheds, conservatories and garages can become ovens, so avoid placing them there.
Fresh Water 24/7: Small pets must have constant access to clean, cool water [20]. Use sturdy bottles and bowls in different parts of the enclosure to encourage drinking. Check and refill them frequently – water evaporates and gets warm quickly in hot air. Adding a frozen water bottle (wrapped in a towel) inside the hutch provides a cool spot for the pet to snuggle next to [21]. You can also offer hydrating vegetables (cucumber, celery, small pieces of apple or lettuce) as treats – they contain a lot of moisture but give sparingly to avoid stomach upsets [22][23].
Cool Surfaces and Fans: Provide ceramic tiles or flat stones in the shade for rabbits and guinea pigs to lie on – these stay cool even in warm air [24]. A low-speed fan aimed at the hutch (not directly on the animal) improves air circulation. Do not spray pets with very cold water or force them into pools – this can cause shock [25]. Instead, mist rabbits gently or dab cool (not icy) water on their ears and belly if needed [26].
Grooming: Rabbits and long-haired guinea pigs shed a lot in summer. Brush them daily to remove loose fur. Matted fur traps heat and can lead to skin problems. For very long-haired rabbits (e.g. Angoras), regular trimming by a groomer may be advisable. Keeping the coat managed helps them stay cooler and makes it easier to spot any flystrike.
Flystrike Prevention (Rabbits/Guinea Pigs): Warm weather also brings flies. Rabbits and guinea pigs are at risk of flystrike, where flies lay eggs in soiled fur and the hatching maggots cause severe wounds. Check small pets twice daily in summer for dirt, damp fur or maggots [27]. Keep hutches and cages clean and dry, disinfect weekly, and use rabbit-safe fly repellents (e.g. Rearguard). If you find any eggs or maggots on a pet, see a vet at once.
Horses
Horses need lots of water and shade in hot weather. Offer free access to clean water – an average 500 kg horse may drink 50–70 litres per day when it’s hot [28]. If turnout grass is dry, soaking forage in cool water is a good way to add extra hydration [28]. Provide shade or shelter in every paddock (trees, run-in sheds or a pop-up shelter) so horses can escape the sun [29]. Well-ventilated stabling during the heat of the day is helpful if indoor; avoid airtight boxes.
Cooling Down: After exercise, cool horses gradually. Walk them in shade and sponge with cool (not icy) water on legs and neck. Avoid cold water on hot muscles as this may cause cramping. Wetting horses helps lower their temperature; let them stand in a gentle breeze or fan. Also consider electrolytes and soaked hay to replace lost salts and fluids.
Sun & Flies: Horses with pink skin and light-coloured coats (gray or white) easily sunburn on the nose and around the eyes [30]. Use equine suncream or a light fly mask with nose cover on vulnerable animals. Flies and midges increase in warm weather: use fine-mesh fly rugs, fly masks and repellents as needed. Remove droppings regularly from yards and paddocks to reduce fly breeding [31]. Thick manes and tails are natural fly-defence, but if clipped short, provide a fly fringe or mask to protect the face.
Warning Signs: Watch for horse heat stress symptoms: excessive sweating (or dry coat if dehydrated), rapid breathing, an elevated heart rate, high rectal temperature, weakness or muscle spasms [32]. Affected horses may pant or seek shade constantly. If heat exhaustion is suspected, move the horse to shade, offer cool water and call the vet immediately [33]. Start cooling by hosing or sponging with cold water all over the body until help arrives [33]. Untreated heatstroke can be fatal.
Sheep and Other Livestock
Farm animals need similar care in summer. Always provide ample shade and clean water [34]. Natural shade (trees, hedges) is good, but it moves; a permanent shelter or cool shed is ideal. Never confine animals in unventilated buildings in heat. Ensure troughs are full and check them often. On very hot days, farmers often work sheep and cattle only in early morning or evening to avoid heat stress.
Sheep and Wool: Surprisingly, a full fleece actually helps sheep cope in the heat [35]. RSPCA notes that newly shorn sheep are more prone to overheating than fully fleeced ones, because wool insulates against heat [35]. Do not shear just before a heatwave – if shearing is needed, leave some wool and do it well before high summer. Also avoid moving or transporting sheep during peak heat; handle them early or late in the day [36]. Keep ewes and lambs cool and monitor lambs especially closely, as they are most vulnerable.
Cattle and Pigs: Like horses and sheep, cattle and pigs need constant water and shade. If cattle are housed, ensure fans and misters and feed them later in the day when it’s cooler. Pigs cannot sweat (except a little on their snouts) [37], so provide wallows or wet areas and shade for them. In extreme cases (collapse), livestock may need hosing with water – call a vet if animals show signs of heat exhaustion.
General Tips: Remember that extra care (shade, water, grooming) is legally required under the Animal Welfare Act [1]. Check outdoor areas for fresh shade, top up water frequently (animals often drink much more in a heatwave) and move feed and activities to cooler hours. If you ever see an animal in distress from heat, notify a vet or animal welfare charity immediately.
Conclusion
Summer can be a wonderful season for animals – if we plan properly. By providing shade, plenty of cool water, and adjusting routines, pet owners and farmers can prevent heatstroke and keep animals comfortable. Never underestimate how quickly an animal (especially dogs or small pets) can suffer in hot weather. Remember the RSPCA’s warning: “Dogs die in hot cars” [3], and treat every animal’s needs seriously in the heat. With vigilance and simple precautions – fresh water bowls, shaded spots, limited exercise – we can ensure that all our outdoor animals stay safe and well through the summer
References: Authoritative UK sources including the RSPCA, Blue Cross and PDSA pet welfare charities, the British Horse Society and Defra. Key resources are RSPCA guidance on hot cars and farm animals [3][34], Blue Cross advice on dogs, cats and small pets [7][38], PDSA summer pet tips [17], and the BHS summer care guide for horses [28][29]. These sources follow UK Animal Welfare law (2006) and veterinary best practice.
Reference list for this page is now live on: sykes.dog/animal-welfare/references
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