As Ireland heats up this week, with temperatures possibly set to reach as high as 30 degrees1, the experts at Petinsurance.ie are sharing tips to help pets cope with the conditions alongside their owners.
These temperatures are a relatively rare experience for Irish pets so it’s important owners make sure they get through the warm spell without too much discomfort.
Certain breeds will feel the heat more than others, due to their body type (particularly flat-faced or brachycephalic) and/or coat2. For dogs, these include:
- Chow Chows
- Bulldogs
- French Bulldogs
- Dogue de Bordeauxs
- Greyhounds
- Boxers
- English Springer Spaniels
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Pugs
- Golden Retrievers
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
It’s a similar situation for Ireland’s feline friends3, such as:
- Persians
- British Longhairs
- Himalayans
Scottish Folds
However, Head of Pet at Petinsurance.ie Andrew Simpson says owners with any type of dog or cat should be aware of the risks, as other factors such as age, body weight and activity level could increase the threat to pets:
“A pet is like a family member for most of us. Some of our family members are more comfortable with hot weather than others, so it helps to think in the same way about pets when the temperatures rise. There are four basic areas we remind people about all the time”.
These are Andrew’s hot weather basics for pets:
Fresh air and water
Keep windows open as much as possible. Consider using an electric fan if safe to do so, but ensure your pet can move out of the breeze if it wants. Water bowls should be topped up regularly - and brought closer if your pet is less mobile - and they might also appreciate the extra chill of some ice cubes.
Protection from direct sunlight
Leaving a pet inside conservatories, in front of windows or inside a car during a hot spell can be extremely dangerous. An outside temperature of just 22 degrees Celsius can push a car’s interior to reach a deadly 47 degrees within an hour. Pets must always have access to a shaded or cool area at all times.
Adjust routine to match conditions
More than half of us spend five hours or more exercising our pet each week4, so if your pet is used to exercising in the middle of the day, consider changing the schedule. Mornings and evenings tend to be cooler times to go for a walk, and the ‘five second rule’ is crucial to ensure the pads on their paws do not burn – if it hurts your hand to touch a pavement or patio for five seconds, then it will burn your pet's paws.
Keep up to date with flea treatments.
Fleas and ticks thrive in the warmer weather. Though not life-threatening, these can cause your pet unnecessary discomfort – and owners additional expense for vet care.
Andrew says simple steps can really help pets - and their owners - enjoy the summer season: “We’re more inclined to spend time outdoors when the sun shines and most pets will love that, but we’ve always got to remember to monitor how they’re coping with the higher temperatures. If people have concerns, they should check in with their vet as soon as possible.
All Petinsurance.ie policyholders have unlimited access to our 24/7 Pet Careline, so they can get seasonal advice and support whenever they need it. Our Careline also provides support to find the nearest vet if your pet needs medical attention”.
Sources
1 MET IE Warnings & Advisories
2 Royal kennel Club 'Heatstroke in Dogs' Article
3 Pet MD '7 Flat-Faced Cats' Article
4 60% of people spend five or more hours a week exercising their pet, according to Petinsurance.ie online research conducted in March 2025, which gathered 443 responses from customers in Ireland.