Pet owners in China are using giant winter melons to keep their cats and dogs cool during extreme summer heat.

The trend has gained traction as urban centers face soaring temperatures that threaten animal welfare. By using natural produce as cooling pads, owners are finding a low-cost alternative to electric cooling mats.

In cities such as Chongqing and Beijing, videos show pets hugging or lying atop the large vegetables [1, 3]. The method relies on the biological properties of the winter melon, which contains a high volume of water [1, 4]. This high thermal mass allows the melon to remain cool for extended periods and effectively absorb body heat from the animals [1, 4].

The practice became a viral sensation following reports on July 20, 2024 [2]. The timing coincides with severe weather forecasts in several regions. In Chongqing, temperatures are expected to reach 40-42 °C this weekend [1].

Animal owners have shared footage of their pets seeking relief through the melons, which act as organic heat sinks. While the trend is primarily social media-driven, it highlights the struggle of pet care during peak summer months in densely populated Chinese cities.

Local residents continue to adopt the method as the heatwave persists. The use of winter melons provides a temporary reprieve for pets that cannot regulate their temperature as efficiently as humans do in high-humidity environments [1, 3].

“Winter melons contain a lot of water and have high thermal mass, staying cooler longer.”

This trend reflects a broader pattern of urban residents in China utilizing improvised, nature-based solutions to combat the 'urban heat island' effect. As temperatures in cities like Chongqing reach dangerous levels, the reliance on high-thermal-mass produce suggests a gap in accessible, affordable pet cooling infrastructure during extreme weather events.