Elevated dog bed
A Vet Shares 5 Easy Ways She Keeps Her Home Cool And Pets Safe During A Heatwave
2 weeks ago 
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With UK properties regularly breaching a dangerous 27°C indoors, a leading veterinary expert is urging pet owners to take immediate action as the country faces its third heatwave in two months
Keeping pets indoors is standard advice during hot weather - but staying inside could actually be putting your animals at serious risk.
Dr Charlotte Inness, veterinarian and founder of VetMedi.co.uk, warns that modern British homes are built to trap heat, turning living rooms into hazardous environments for dogs and cats.
Combined with modern, highly insulated energy-efficient builds, and the fact that heat naturally rises into high-rise flats and multi-story properties, indoor temperatures are skyrocketing. To make matters worse, only 4% of UK households are fitted with air conditioning.
“It is just as important to regulate our homes and get them as cool as possible during a heatwave,” Dr Inness warns. “Keeping our homes as cool and comfortable as possible is a crucial part of keeping our pets safe and lowers the risk of potential heat exhaustion.
“Many owners don’t realise that the danger for pets actually starts at temperatures as low as 20°C,” Dr Inness explains. “At this level, particularly in humid conditions, dogs and cats can struggle to regulate their body temperature. It can quickly cause panting, lethargy, and respiratory distress - breathing difficulties - which can rapidly spiral into life-threatening heat exhaustion and heatstroke.”
To help owners navigate the soaring temperatures, Dr Inness shares the five simple rules she uses to keep her own home cool, safe, and comfortable for pets.
1. Follow the “5-minute toilet rule”
During extreme temperatures, limit daytime outdoor trips to just five to ten minutes, only long enough for your pet to relieve themselves. Dogs should not be spending extended time in the midday sun, even in the safety of their own garden.
2. Stick to the “8am to 8pm” exercise window
When a midday walk is not an option, your pet still needs mental stimulation - but a game of indoor fetch will only raise their core temperature. Instead, look for ways to cool them down from the inside out while keeping them stationary, avoiding any risk of overexertion or heat exhaustion.
Dr Inness suggests filling hollow chew toys with wet food or broth and freezing them for a quiet, hydrating indoor treat. Alternatively, if you have a shaded garden space, a puncture-resistant PVC dog pool filled with cool (not icy) water lets them dip their paws to cool down safely.
Save actual physical exercise strictly for early mornings before 8am or late evenings after 8pm when both the air and pavements are cooler. Always choose shaded grass over hot concrete, and carry water with you at all times.
3. Close windows and curtains (The “oven” mistake)
It seems natural to open windows when a house feels stuffy, but doing this during peak daytime heat is a major mistake. “Opening windows during the hottest hours actually invites scorching outside air into your home, turning your living spaces into ovens,” warns Dr Inness.
“For pets trapped inside - especially flat-faced breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Persian cats - this influx of hot air can trigger heatstroke rapidly.” Keep curtains, blinds, and windows firmly closed during the day. Only open them at dawn and dusk to let a safe, cool cross-breeze in.
When you do open them, safety is paramount. Excited dogs and curious indoor cats can easily fall or escape. Consider installing temporary pet-safe window mesh or screen guards to allow the vital breeze to circulate freely through open windows while keeping your pets securely contained inside.
4. Upgrade to elevated beds and cooling mats
Plush, fluffy pet beds act like winter coats, trapping your pet's body heat against the floor. Swap them out for materials designed to dissipate heat.
Elevated beds lift your pet off the ground to improve airflow underneath their belly. Pressure-activated gel cooling mats and evaporative cooling vests are also excellent alternatives. “While a wet towel works briefly, it can quickly warm up and trap humidity against their coat,” says Dr Inness.
5. Create an indoor “cool den”
Set up a dedicated cooling retreat in a naturally shaded room with tiled or laminate flooring. Ensure there are multiple hydration stations with fresh, cool water, and position a floor fan to blow a gentle breeze across the room - never directly in a pet’s face. “You can place a frozen bottle of water, or a bowl of ice cubes, in front of the fan to act as a DIY air conditioner," says Dr Inness.
“A digital thermometer ensures your indoor space remains safe. Aim to keep this area between 20°C and 22°C. Once indoor temperatures creep past 25°C, animals begin to struggle, and anything hitting 27°C or above places vulnerable pets in immediate danger.”
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