Keeping Your Pet Comfortable in the UAE Heat

The lead is by the door and your dog is ready to go. Before you head out, take a moment to check the conditions. On a hot day, an enjoyable routine may mean a shorter outing and more time in a comfortable room. The same attention matters for the cat who likes to nap in a sunny window.

Start with the room

Keep a shaded, comfortably cool area available throughout the day, including while you are out. Give your pet space to move away from sunny windows and choose a different resting spot. Check that cats cannot become trapped in a hot enclosed room. Fresh drinking water should always be available.

Care reference: RSPCA advice on cats in summer

Make water part of leaving the house

Put a water bottle and suitable drinking bowl beside your dog’s lead so they are easy to remember. Check both before an outing and offer water during breaks. When comparing portable options, consider capacity, whether your pet can drink comfortably and how easily you can clean the parts. A convenient bottle is useful only if you actually bring it and refill it.

Choose outings around the conditions

Walk dogs during cooler parts of the day, often early morning or late evening. Still check the heat and the walking surface; a time on the clock does not guarantee a comfortable walk. Avoid running or cycling with your dog in hot weather, and never leave them in a parked car. Take particular care with flat-faced dogs.

Care reference: RSPCA advice on dogs in summer

Choose comfort accessories thoughtfully

If you are considering a cooling mat, check its dimensions, materials and instructions. Your pet should have room to lie comfortably and be free to move off it. Follow supervision and cleaning guidance, and remove a damaged mat from use. Treat it as an optional comfort accessory alongside a cool environment and water; it cannot make unsafe heat safe or treat heatstroke.

Recognise when comfort becomes an emergency

Heavy panting, marked drooling, weakness, confusion or collapse in a hot dog can signal heatstroke. Stop activity, move them out of the heat and begin cooling with water over the body, avoiding the nose and mouth, while contacting an emergency vet. Arrange urgent veterinary care even if they improve. For a cat with breathing difficulty or collapse, seek emergency veterinary help immediately.

Care reference: RSPCA heatstroke guidance for dogs

Start by checking your pet’s favourite resting spot and your outing bag today. If a practical accessory would make the routine easier, explore Milo & Tails’ Cooling & Hydration collection.