Lahore summers regularly push past 40°C, and pets — especially dogs — are far more vulnerable to heat than we are, since they can only cool down by panting and through their paw pads. Here’s how to keep your pet safe through the hottest months.
Walk early or late, never at midday
Asphalt and paved surfaces can reach temperatures high enough to burn paw pads within minutes, even when the air feels tolerable. Stick to early morning or after sunset walks, and do a quick hand-test on the pavement — if it’s too hot for your palm for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
Watch for the early signs of heatstroke
Heavy panting, bright red gums, drooling, and lethargy are early warning signs. If you see disorientation, vomiting, or collapse, this is an emergency — move your pet to shade, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water, and get to a vet immediately.
Don’t shave a double coat
It’s tempting to shave breeds like Huskies or Golden Retrievers for summer, but a double coat actually insulates against heat as well as cold, and shaving can increase the risk of sunburn and interfere with regrowth. A proper de-matting and brushing service (see our grooming price list) removes the loose undercoat without stripping the protective outer layer.
Keep water fresh and accessible
Check water bowls at least twice a day in summer — water warms and evaporates faster, and cats in particular often won’t drink from a bowl that’s been sitting too long. A second bowl in a shaded spot helps.
Cooling mats and indoor airflow
A gel cooling mat placed in your pet’s favourite resting spot, combined with a fan or air conditioning during the hottest hours (typically 12pm–4pm), does more for comfort than most owners expect.
If your pet’s coat is holding onto heat and dirt more than usual, a professional bath can help — book a grooming appointment and our team will recommend the right service for your pet’s coat type.
