Sun Safety: Keeping Small Pets Cool
Published date: 02 July 2025
Summer in the UK can be glorious, with beach days, BBQs and sunny picnics to look forward to. However, in our stuffy English homes, summer can also be unbearable for us and our furry friends.
It can be easy to assume that our small animals will cope fine indoors in the heat; however, the rising temperatures can be dangerous. So, here are some top tips for keeping your small furry friends safe and cool this summer season.
Keep their enclosure out of sunlight
Unfortunately, rodents such as hamsters, rats, mice, degus and chinchillas are susceptible to heatstroke. Chinchillas are especially at risk in warmer temperatures.
Ensure your furry friend’s home is placed in a cool room, away from windows and out of direct sunlight. A steady temperature is better for their health, so if needed, monitor the temperature with a thermometer.
On the hottest days, it’s best to draw the curtains to keep the sun away.
Use frozen water bottles
Frozen water bottles can be a lifesaver in the intense heat. Wrap a few up in tea towels and lean them against the outside of the cage.
The ice bottles will help keep the cage cooler and your small animal more comfortable.
You can place frozen bottles inside; however, there is a risk of them getting chewed! Another safer option would be to use ceramic, slate or marble tiles. These provide a cool surface for your furry friend to lie on.
Remove plastic houses!
Plastic hides and houses are going to get extremely hot during the summer and will increase the risk of overheating.
Replace these with open and breathable wood and cardboard houses. Cardboard is a brilliant resource for your small animals and great for hotter weather. Cut some holes in cardboard tubes or boxes and pop them into your pet’s enclosure.
Remember to keep your furry friends home clean during the summer and remove any uneaten food daily. Keeping their enclosure fresh and hygienic will help reduce the risk of fly strike.
Read our blog for more tips on preventing flystrike
Quick Cooling Tips
- For chinchillas, dwarf hamsters, gerbils, and degus, pop their bathing sand in the freezer for a while before you offer them a sand bath.
- Invest in a cage fan if the room temperature is very high.
- For rats, try offering them a frozen pea pool! They will love bobbing for peas, and this is a mentally stimulating way of keeping them cool.
- Offer your furry friends a small bowl filled with ice cubes to nibble on.
Signs of Heatstroke in Small Animals
Heatstroke is incredibly dangerous, and with our smallest pets can happen very quickly. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, take your pet to the vet ASAP.
Some symptoms of heatstroke will include lethargy, weakness, not moving, and some pets will pant or drool. Their ears, tails and feet will also feel warm or hot to the touch.
I hope you and your furry friends have a safe summer! Head over to our Advice Hub to discover more small animal tips and tricks.
