With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, our pets are on the front lines. Unlike us, dogs and cats don't sweat through their skin — their ability to regulate their temperature is limited. As a result, they can suffer from hyperthermia (heatstroke) much faster than we can.
Here's everything you need to know to protect your pet this summer 2026, with practical tips and essential equipment.
⚠️ Warning Signs: Is your pet suffering from the heat?
Learn to recognize the symptoms before it's too late:
- 🐶 In dogs: excessive panting, profuse salivation, red or pale gums, prostration, vomiting
- 🐱 In cats: panting (rare but serious), lethargy, pale gums, difficulty walking
If you observe these signs, immediately cool the animal with cold (not icy) water on their paws and belly, and urgently consult a veterinarian.
1. Cool their living space: the cooling gel mat
The most effective solution for your pet to cool down naturally: a cooling gel mat. It activates automatically on contact with your pet's paws, without electricity or a freezer. Your dog or cat can lie on it at will and regulate their body temperature.
Place it in your pet's favorite spot — in their corner, under the table, or in their carrier. It "recharges" automatically within minutes without use.
👉 See the Cooling Gel Mat for Dogs & Cats
2. The 5 golden rules to protect your pet during a heatwave
- 🌊 Fresh water available 24/7 — change it regularly, it heats up quickly
- 🏠 Stay indoors from 12 pm to 6 pm — the most dangerous hours
- 🚶 Walks at dawn or after 8 pm — asphalt can burn paw pads at 40°C
- ✋ Asphalt test: place the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If it burns, it will burn their paws.
- 💨 Fan directed towards the animal — even a USB desk fan helps lower their temperature
3. Monitor your free-roaming pet: the GPS collar
During heatwaves, cats instinctively seek cool outdoor spots — under a car, in a basement, in a neighbor's garden. The problem: they can get trapped or disoriented.
A GPS tracking collar allows you to locate your cat in real time from your smartphone. You define a safe zone, and you receive an alert if your pet strays from it — particularly useful during heatwaves.
👉 See the GPS Tracking Collar for Cats
4. Never, EVER in the car
This is the most important advice in this article. At 25°C outside, the interior of a car can reach 50°C in less than 20 minutes. Leaving an animal in a parked vehicle, even with windows slightly open, even in the shade, is extremely dangerous and illegal in France (Article L214-1 of the Rural Code).
5. Cool their drinking water
Add ice cubes to their water bowl, or use a cooling bowl. Animals drink more when the water is fresh. Remember to provide multiple water points in the house — garden, living room, bedroom.
And for owners too...
While you're taking care of your pet, don't forget to protect yourself from the heatwave. Discover our complete anti-heat selection: