Ah, summer. The season of rosé on the terrace, sundresses, and—if you’re a pet parent—making sure your floof doesn’t melt faster than a macaron in the midday sun.
At Paws for Luxury, we combine over 30 years of hands-on experience in the veterinary industry—both in practice and industry leadership—with a passion for all things fabulous. Here’s how to keep your beloved pet safe, healthy, and effortlessly boujee in the warmer months.
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1. Hydration, Darling
Even the most glamorous of fur babies can’t function without water.
- Dogs: Offer multiple bowls of fresh, cool water throughout the day. For extra sparkle, pop in a few ice cubes or frozen blueberries (dog-safe and antioxidant-packed).
- Cats: Many are finicky drinkers. Try a fountain-style water bowl—the gentle trickle appeals to their inner jungle panther.
Boujee Tip: Serve their water in a chic ceramic or stainless-steel bowl to keep it cool longer.
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2. Know the Signs of Heatstroke
This is where our veterinary voice gets serious.
- Dogs: Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, bright red gums, collapse.
- Cats: Panting (rare in cats), open-mouth breathing, restlessness, drooling, vomiting.
If you spot any of these, move them to a cool spot, offer water, dampen paws/ears with cool (not ice-cold) water, and contact your vet immediately.
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3. Timing is Everything
Midday sun? Not chic.
- Walk dogs early morning or late evening when pavements are cooler.
- Remember: If you can’t hold the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds without discomfort, it’s too hot for paws.
Boujee Tip: Slip your pup into breathable summer dog boots (yes, like our pastel check & teal camo styles) to protect from hot ground and make a style statement.
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4. The Sunburn Secret
This one’s for the pale beauties.
- White-coated or light-skinned dogs and cats—especially those with pink noses or ears—are at higher risk of sunburn and even skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
- Focus protection on the ears, nose, and belly (areas with sparse fur).
- Use pet-safe sunscreen (never human sunscreen—it can be toxic) and keep them shaded during peak hours.
Boujee Tip: A wide-brimmed doggy sun hat or cat-safe parasol? Instant fashion moment and UV protection.
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5. Cooling Cuisine
- Dogs: Frozen Kongs with peanut butter (xylitol-free, of course), ice-lolly moulds filled with bone broth, or slices of frozen watermelon (seedless).
- Cats: Ice cubes in tuna water, or chilled lickable treats.
Boujee Tip: Serve these on a marble platter—cool to the touch and Instagram-ready.
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6. Create a Chill Zone
Inside or out, your pet deserves a shady retreat.
- Use cooling mats or elevated pet loungers for airflow.
- Position fans or pet-safe cooling devices in their favourite lounge spot.
- Avoid direct sun through windows—use blinds or UV-filtering film.
Boujee Tip: Coordinate their cooling bed with your garden furniture for that high-end Hamptons feel.
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7. The No-Car Rule
Never, ever leave a dog or cat in a parked car, even for “just a minute.” Temperatures soar in seconds, and it’s one of the most common—and preventable—summer emergencies vets see.
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Final Word from the Glam Squad
Keeping your pet cool in summer isn’t just about avoiding danger—it’s about ensuring they thrive, feel comfortable, and look utterly fabulous while doing so. A little planning, a touch of luxury, and a dash of veterinary wisdom go a long way in making the sunny season safe and sparkling for your fur baby.
💌 Ready to treat them like the VIP they are? Explore our curated summer pet accessories, from breathable boots to cooling beds, at pawsforluxury.com.