Summer Safety Starts with You: FOUR PAWS Shares Vital Tips for Pet Wellbeing
Understanding how pets cool themselves can save lives during South Africa’s hottest months
Cape Town, 08 December 2025 – As temperatures soar across South Africa, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is calling on pet owners to take proactive measures to protect their furry friends from the dangers of extreme heat. Pets are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration and understanding how they cool themselves down is key to keeping them safe.
Unlike humans, pets cannot sweat effectively. Dogs primarily regulate their temperature through panting and their paw pads, while cats instinctively seek out cool, shaded spots. However, these natural cooling methods are often not enough during South Africa’s intense summer heat.
FOUR PAWS’ Essential Summer Pet Care Tips:
Keep pets hydrated: Always provide fresh, cool water. “Dehydration is one of the biggest risks for pets in hot weather, and it can happen quickly,” explains Miles. Ensure water bowls are refilled frequently and placed in shaded areas.
Avoid peak heat activities: Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening. “Avoiding midday walks is key, as hot pavements can burn your pet’s paws and intense heat can lead to heatstroke,” advises Miles.
Provide shade and ventilation: Whether indoors or outdoors, pets need a cool, shaded place to rest. Never leave pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes, as temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly, leading to fatal heatstroke.
Watch for signs of heatstroke: Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting or lethargy. “If you notice any of these signs, move your pet to a cool place immediately and seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible,” says Miles.
Groom wisely: Regular grooming helps keep pets cool, but avoid shaving their coats completely, as fur provides protection against sunburn. Consult a vet or professional groomer for advice.
Parasite prevention: Warm weather brings fleas, ticks and other parasites. Use veterinarian-recommended prevention products to keep your pets healthy.
For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za
ENDS/
Deidre Daniels
Public Relations Officer+27 (0)21 702 4277
+27 (0)78 675 8220
9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park,
Green Building, Cape Town, 7945
A Public Relations professional with over eight years’ experience in fostering positive relationships between organisations and media.
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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za