The Portuguese summer is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year — but also one of the most dangerous for our pets. Temperatures that frequently exceed 35 °C, scorching pavement, parasites at their peak and outdoor activities create a combination of risks that owners must learn to recognise and prevent.
This guide brings together the essential measures to help your dog or cat get through the summer in good health, comfort and safety.
The dangers of heat for dogs and cats
Unlike humans, dogs and cats do not sweat through their skin. They regulate their body temperature mainly through panting (in dogs) and through the pads of their paws. This means that in very hot environments they overheat extremely easily — and the consequences can be fatal within just a few minutes.
Animals at greatest risk
- Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldog, Pug, Persian, Boxer).
- Senior pets and animals with cardiac or respiratory conditions.
- Overweight animals.
- Puppies and kittens under 6 months of age.
Hydration: the first rule of summer
Dehydration sets in quickly. Fresh, clean water available 24 hours a day is non-negotiable.
Practical tips
- Keep several water bowls, especially in larger homes or households with several pets.
- Add ice cubes to the water, or offer small ice blocks as a refreshing game.
- On walks, always carry a bottle and a portable bowl.
- For cats, consider a water fountain — it encourages drinking and helps prevent urinary problems.
Heatstroke: recognising and reacting
Heatstroke (hyperthermia) is one of the most common veterinary emergencies in summer. Knowing how to identify it can save your pet’s life.
Warning signs
- Intense, prolonged panting.
- Excessive, thick salivation.
- Bright red gums or, in severe cases, bluish gums.
- Tremors, weakness, difficulty staying upright.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes with blood.
- Loss of consciousness.
What to do
- Move the animal immediately to a cool, shaded place.
- Wet them with cool (not cold) water, especially on the belly, armpits and paws.
- Offer small sips of water — never force.
- Take your pet to the vet as a matter of urgency, even if they appear to recover. Internal damage may only manifest hours later.
Never apply ice-cold water or ice cubes directly: it causes vasoconstriction and makes the problem worse.
Walks: when and how
The right times of day
In Portugal, during July and August, avoid walking your dog between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Maximum temperatures and ultraviolet radiation reach dangerous levels.
The best times are:
- Before 9 a.m.
- After 8 p.m., once the pavement has cooled down.
The pavement test
Place the palm of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If you cannot bear the heat, neither can your dog. Burns to the paw pads are common — and extremely painful.
Other walking precautions
- Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Always carry water.
- Avoid beach sand around midday.
- For dogs with light-coloured coats or pink skin (especially on the nose and ears), apply pet-specific sunscreen.
The danger of parked cars
This deserves its own section: never, under any circumstances, leave your pet in a parked car — not even for “five minutes”, not even with the windows slightly open.
The interior temperature can reach 50 °C in less than 15 minutes, even in the shade. It is one of the leading causes of death by heatstroke in Portugal and, importantly, it constitutes a criminal offence of animal cruelty under Portuguese law.
Parasites: peak season
Summer is the peak season for the activity of fleas, ticks and sandflies (the insects that transmit leishmaniasis, a serious disease that is endemic in Portugal).
Our recommendations
- Keep the external parasite prevention programme rigorously up to date.
- Consider the leishmaniasis vaccine following a veterinary assessment.
- Inspect your pet’s coat after every walk, particularly in the countryside or near rivers.
- Avoid walks at dusk, the time of greatest sandfly activity.
Beach and pool safety
- Not all dogs can swim — always supervise.
- Salt water and chlorine irritate the skin and eyes. Give your pet a freshwater rinse after every swim.
- Drinking sea water causes vomiting and severe dehydration.
- Hot sand burns the paws and, if ingested, can cause gastritis.
At home: creating a cool environment
- Keep blinds closed during the hottest hours.
- Provide cooling mats or stone/tiled surfaces.
- In flats without air conditioning, use a fan with a bottle of frozen water in front of it.
- For cats, make sure they have access to elevated, well-ventilated areas.
Conclusion
With a few simple — but consistent — measures, summer can be just as enjoyable a season for your pet as it is for you. The secret lies in anticipating the risks and remaining vigilant at all times.
At Clivet Gaia, our team is fully prepared to respond to any summer emergency, from heatstroke to dehydration. If your pet is showing signs of overheating, or if you would like a tailored prevention plan, get in touch via WhatsApp — we are here to look after the ones you love most.
