Extreme Heat Poses Threat to Pets; Stay Cool with These 14 Handy Items to Protect Them
Keeping Pets Cool During Hot Weather: Dr. Lisa Chimes' Top Tips
As the summer heat waves roll in, it's essential to ensure our furry friends stay comfortable and safe. Dr. Lisa Chimes, a renowned veterinarian and founder of Cat and Dog by Dr. Lisa, has shared her expert advice on TikTok, emphasising practical measures to keep dogs comfortable in the heat.
In her video from July 14, 2025, Dr. Chimes outlines her top 5 tips for summer cooling. Here's a rundown of her recommendations:
- Cooling Mats: These mats provide a cool surface for pets to lie on, promoting relaxation and comfort.
- Fresh Water: Keeping pets hydrated is crucial. Ensure there's ample fresh water available at all times.
- Shade and Ventilation: Pets should be kept in a shaded and well-ventilated area to protect them from direct sunlight.
- Cooling Bandanas or Wraps: These can be chilled to help reduce body heat, offering an easy way to cool down pets.
- Exercise: Schedule exercise during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid overheating.
Beyond these tips, there are several products available that can help pets stay cool during hot weather.
- The cooling cot, with its breathable mesh fabric and raised design, encourages 360-degree air flow, making it an excellent choice for pets.
- A portable fan, which can tilt 90 degrees, has three cooling speeds, and is relatively quiet, can provide a welcome breeze.
- The de-shedding rake brush from Amazon, with its dual-tooth design, is suitable for removing shedding and heat-trapping undercoats, making grooming easier during hot weather.
- Amazon offers a variety of cooling products for pets, including de-shedding and anti-mat rake brushes, portable swimming pools, and splash mats with a sprinkler function.
Remember, it's the responsibility of pet owners to ensure their pets are comfortable, especially during hot weather. Be vigilant for signs of heat stroke, such as panting, lethargy, increased water consumption, wet footprints caused by sweat, confusion, vomiting, seizures, and collapse.
Other recommended products include anti-skid booties to protect dog paws from hot pavement, a silky-soft cooling blanket, a portable pet water bowl and water dispenser with a guaranteed leakproof design and an integrated filtering system, an insulated water bowl to keep pet's water chilled, a reusable cold pad, and a sturdy stainless steel fountain that encourages pets to drink more water and keeps it cooler than a traditional bowl.
In the face of rising temperatures, it's crucial to take proactive steps to keep our pets comfortable and healthy. By following Dr. Lisa Chimes' advice and utilising these cooling products, we can help our pets enjoy the summer months just as much as we do.
- Implementing environmental-science principles in health-and-wellness routines, such as using cooling mats and bandanas, can help pets remain comfortable during hot weather.
- Mental-health and overall health of pets require proper nutrition, hydration, and a balanced fitness-and-exercise routine to maintain well-being during warm seasons.
- Climate-change impacts should prompt us to seek scientific solutions for coping with extreme temperatures, as products like portable fans and cooling cots can offer relief for pets during hot weather.
- Skin-care essentials for pets, like anti-skid booties and sturdy stainless steel fountains, help protect them from environmental hazards like hot pavement and ensure they consume enough water to stay hydrated.
- By adopting a comprehensive health-and-wellness approach that includes proper nutrition, exercise, hydration, grooming, and protective gear, pet owners can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and ensure their pets thrive in all weather conditions.
