Heatwave emergency kit for pets Europe 2026: checklist to keep your pet safe

Heatwaves in Europe during 2026 are breaking records, and pets are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke, dehydration, and thermal stress. A well-prepared heatwave emergency kit for pets can make the difference between safety and an emergency. This checklist is designed for dog, cat, and other pet owners across Europe, featuring products available in local pharmacies, supermarkets, and pet stores, while adhering to regional regulations—such as bans on leaving pets in cars in countries like Spain, France, or Germany.

The kit goes beyond physical supplies, including preventive actions and response protocols. Save this list in Foco to stay organized: use Panorama mode to view all pending tasks across projects (like your heat kit and other home preparations), or switch to Foco mode to concentrate solely on this project. Assign priorities (urgent for items to buy this week, important for daily checks) and set reminders to monitor water levels or room temperature.

What this kit includes and why it’s essential

In Europe, heatwaves typically occur between June and September, with peaks in July and August. In 2026, temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in southern regions like Spain, Italy, or Greece, and 35°C in central and northern cities such as Paris, Berlin, or Brussels. Pets regulate their temperature through panting and paw pads, making them more susceptible to heat than humans. This checklist covers three key areas: hydration, shelter, and first aid, with products tailored to the European climate (such as silent fans or cooling towels available at Decathlon or Amazon Europe).

• Purchase a stainless steel water bowl with a 2-litre capacity (for large dogs) or 1 litre (for cats or small breeds), and place an additional bowl in each room where your pet spends time
• Buy an automatic water fountain with a filter (brands like Catit or PetSafe, available at Zooplus or Kiwoko) to keep water fresh and circulating
• Include 3 bottles of still mineral water (1.5L each) and a thermal bag for transporting them during outings
• Buy cooling microfibre towels (such as Trixie brand) and store them in the freezer; use them to wrap your pet if they show signs of heatstroke
• Prepare a small portable cooler with gel ice packs (the same used for picnics) and a damp towel to cool your pet during walks or trips
• Place cooling mats for pets (like CoolerDog brand) on the floor of their resting area, avoiding surfaces like concrete or asphalt that retain heat
• Install a low-energy fan in the room where your pet sleeps, ensuring it doesn’t point directly at their face and is at a safe height
• Buy a digital pet thermometer (with a flexible tip) and learn how to measure rectal temperature (normal: 38-39°C for dogs, 38-38.5°C for cats)
• Prepare a heat-specific first aid kit with: oral rehydration solution for pets (like Beaphar), sterile gauze, hand sanitiser for cleaning thermometers, and a thermal water spray (like Avène Pet) to cool the skin
• Create a document with the phone numbers of 24-hour emergency vets in your city and nearby clinics that treat heatstroke; save it on your phone and post it on the fridge
• Buy wet pet food (cans or pouches) and freeze it in ice cube trays to offer as a refreshing snack during the hottest days
• Make homemade pet popsicles with unsalted chicken broth, plain unsweetened yoghurt, and safe fruit pieces (like watermelon or apple); freeze them in silicone moulds
• Trim your pet’s fur if they are a long-haired breed (like Golden Retrievers or Persians), but leave at least 2 cm of length to protect their skin from the sun; avoid shaving completely
• Apply pet-safe sunscreen (like Epi-Pet) to sensitive areas (nose, ears, and belly) if your pet has light skin or thin fur, especially breeds like Bulldogs or Sphynx
• Avoid walks during extreme heat (between 12:00 and 18:00); schedule outings early in the morning or late at night, and always carry water and the cooling towel
• Buy protective shoes for pets (like Ruffwear brand) if they walk on hot surfaces like asphalt or sand to prevent paw pad burns
• Check your pet’s paws daily for cracks or burns; apply paw pad repair cream (like Dermoscent) if needed
• Install blinds or awnings on sun-exposed windows and use thermal curtains to reduce indoor temperature; avoid using air conditioning with your pet in the room if the temperature difference exceeds 10°C
• Prepare an evacuation plan in case of power outages: identify pet-friendly shelters in your area (such as pet-friendly hotels or veterinary boarding facilities) and keep a backpack ready with your emergency kit
• Teach your pet to drink from a sports bottle with a nozzle (like those from Decathlon) to make hydration easier during walks or trips