As temperatures rise in the warmer months, our furry friends feel the heat too. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans, which makes them more vulnerable to overheating. Whether you’re out for a countryside walk or staying in, keeping your pet cool is essential. Here are some practical, pet-safe tips and recipes tailored for the lovely green spaces and sunny days of Cheshire East.
Understand the Signs of Overheating
Before jumping into cool-down strategies, it’s important to recognise when your pet is too hot. Common signs include:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Vomiting or uncoordinated movements
If you spot these symptoms, move your pet to a cool area immediately, offer water, and contact your vet.
Hydration is Key
Always ensure your pet has access to fresh (or at least relatively clean if your dog is averse to tap water), cool water. If you’re going on a walk, bring a portable water bottle and a collapsible bowl. Many dogs drink more frequently in hot weather, and a lack of hydration is a fast track to heat exhaustion.
Time Walks Wisely
In the height of summer, early mornings and late evenings are the best times for walks. Pavements can become dangerously hot for your pet’s paws during the day. A good rule of thumb: if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws. Use grassy routes when you can, and avoid peak sun hours.
Cheshire East offers a host of beautiful walking options that provide shade and natural cooling:
- Macclesfield Forest: A tranquil spot with shady trails and cool woodland paths, ideal for a leisurely walk.
- Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve: Offers both open fields and wooded areas alongside a large lake (note: no swimming for dogs here, but it’s often cooler near water).
- South Park in Macclesfield: Spacious, with mature trees providing plenty of shade.
Provide Cool Zones at Home
Even indoors, your pet needs a retreat from the heat. Ensure there’s a shaded, well-ventilated spot in the home with a fan or air conditioning. Cooling mats and damp towels on tiled floors work wonders. Some pets even enjoy lying near a bowl of ice cubes to cool off, but if your pets are showing signs of heat stroke, avoid trying to feed them ice as this causes their blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for them to cool down and potentially leading to shock.
Cooling Treats
Instead, you can treat your pet to homemade frozen snacks to help prevent overheating in the first place. Freeze low-sodium chicken broth in an ice cube tray or stuff a Kong with peanut butter and freeze it for a refreshing activity. Just be sure that any ingredients used are pet-safe and free of artificial sweeteners or added salt.
You can also make some delicious ice-lollys, suitable for cats and dogs. Just blend all the ingredients together and pour into small paper cups or lolly moulds and and freeze overnight:
- 2 cups (10 oz/284 g) mixed frozen berries
- 1 cup (8 oz/225 g) plain fat-free Greek yogurt
- 1 medium banana
- ¼ cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) water
- 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter (no xylitol!)
For an optional finish, add a dog or cat treat on top to use as a stick.
Don’t Shave the Coat
While it might seem logical to trim or shave your dog’s fur, their coat often provides insulation from heat as well as cold. Speak to a groomer or vet before making any changes to your pet’s grooming routine during summer.
Car Safety Reminder
Never leave pets in a parked car. Even with the windows cracked open, temperatures can skyrocket in minutes and be fatal. If you’re running errands, it’s best to leave your pet safely at home.
Consider a Doggy Paddle
Some dogs love water and may benefit from a gentle splash to cool off. Shallow paddling pools in your garden or pet-friendly splash areas can be great. Be cautious with lakes or rivers: ensure they are safe, shallow, and have easy entry/exit points. Always supervise your dog around water.
While wild swimming is increasingly popular in Cheshire, not all rivers and lakes are safe for dogs. Blue-green algae, sharp rocks, and strong currents can pose risks. Stick to known dog-friendly spots and always keep your dog within sight.
Keep an Eye on Flat-Faced Breeds and Seniors
Breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persian cats are more prone to heatstroke due to restricted airways. Similarly, older pets and those with medical conditions should be watched closely. Limit their outdoor time, and avoid strenuous play during hot spells.
Pet-Friendly Places to Visit in Cheshire East
On cooler days or early mornings, consider heading to one of the area’s shaded walking destinations or dog-friendly cafés with outdoor seating:
- Tatton Park (dogs on lead): Large open parkland with woodland trails.
- Astbury Mere Country Park: Scenic and ideal for relaxed walks.
- Local dog-friendly pubs: Many in villages like Prestbury and Bollington offer shady beer gardens.
How Paw Pals Cheshire East Can Help
Explore nature-rich Cheshire, from deep forest trails to urban parks. Choose your destination based on your pup’s energy level and sense of adventure, and if your schedule gets hectic, Paw Pals Cheshire East is here to help.
We offer one-to-one dog walks, tailored to your dog’s personality and fitness with no pack walks. Prefer pets to stay cosy at home while you’re away? Our cat-sitting and holiday pet-care packages keep your furry friends happy, cool, and relaxed.