Summer along the coast brings sunshine, sea breezes, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures with your pet. But it also means higher temperatures, especially on still, sunny days. Whether you’re strolling the South Downs or relaxing near Eastbourne’s beaches, keeping your pet cool is important to ensure their safety and comfort.
Here are some warm-weather care tips, plus recipes and local ideas for pet-friendly outings where your furry companion can stay comfortable even when the heat rises.
Know the Signs of Overheating
Pets can overheat faster than we realise. Watch out for:
- Panting heavily
- Salivating more than usual
- Lethargy or confusion
- Bright red tongue or gums
- Vomiting or collapse
If you see any of these signs, move your pet to a shaded or cool area, offer water, and contact your vet if they do not show signs of improvement.
Hydration is Essential
Water is your pet’s best defence against heat. Always provide clean, cool water at home and carry water and a portable bowl for walks. Add a few ice cubes to your pet’s dish on particularly hot days.
Walk During Cooler Hours
Midday sun can be too much for your pet. Schedule walks in the early morning or later in the evening when pavements and sand are cooler. Hot pavement or beach pebbles can burn paws, so test surfaces with the back of your hand.
Some shaded or breezy walking options include:
- Shinewater Park in Eastbourne: Offers open green space with shady patches and small bodies of water.
- Abbots Wood near Hailsham: A wonderful forest setting that remains cool even in summer.
- South Downs Way (selected sections): Some areas offer shade from hedgerows or trees, especially in the Cuckmere Valley.
Keep Indoor Spaces Cool
Make sure your pet has a cool retreat inside. Draw curtains during the day, use fans, and lay out cooling mats or damp towels on tiled floors. Let pets choose their favourite cool spots—many gravitate toward bathrooms or shaded corners.
Cats and dogs alike will benefit from access to a quiet, ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
DIY Frozen Treats
Try homemade frozen snacks like pureed banana and yoghurt pops, frozen pet-safe broth cubes, or ice-packed Kongs filled with peanut butter or wet food. Not only are they cooling, but they also provide enrichment.
To make some delicious fruity ice-lollys, 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 Over-Groom
Your pet’s fur provides natural insulation. Shaving can sometimes do more harm than good, exposing them to sunburn and heat. Regular brushing helps remove excess undercoat,but consult your groomer for advice specific to your pet’s breed.
Beach Visits with Caution
Many dogs love a beach day, and Eastbourne’s coastline offers fresh sea air and cooling breezes. However, it’s important to be cautious:
- Check beach rules: Many sections of Eastbourne’s main beaches have seasonal dog restrictions. Pevensey Bay is more relaxed and a popular dog-friendly spot.
- Avoid hot shingle: Walk closer to the surf where the pebbles are cooler.
- Bring shade: A beach umbrella or shaded area gives your dog a break from the sun.
- Rinse off after: Saltwater and sand can irritate skin or paws.
Water Safety and Local Paddle Spots
While saltwater can be refreshing, not all dogs enjoy it or tolerate it well. For gentle water play, consider setting up a paddling pool in your garden. If you’re out and about:
- Cuckmere River: Offers dog-friendly spots with calm, shallow waters—but supervise your dog closely and check for currents.
- Seven Sisters Country Park: Cool sea breezes and shaded walking trails, especially in the lower valley areas.
Breeds to Monitor Closely
Flat-faced breeds (like Pugs or Bulldogs), elderly pets, and those with heart or respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable in the heat. Reduce exertion and stick to cooler times of day.
Local Pet-Friendly Places to Relax
Looking for a dog-friendly rest stop? Try:
- The Lamb Inn in Hooe: Welcoming beer garden with shade.
- The Pilot in Meads: Dog-friendly outdoor seating near the coast.
- Eastbourne Seafront’s quieter eastern stretches: Ideal for a breezy sit-down walk.
How Paw Pals Eastbourne & Hailsham Can Help
Living along the Sussex coast brings plenty of outdoor perks for pet lovers. Whether you’re heading inland for a shaded walk or sticking to breezy beaches, Paw Pals Eastbourne & Hailsham is here when life gets busy.
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 and relaxed.