Keeping your pet cool in the summer heat
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- 17 May 2023
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As the sun begins to shine and the weather gets hotter, we all want to be outdoors just a bit more to make the most of the glorious heat. When the sun starts to get too hot, we all know how uncomfortable it can become if we are not prepared.
Don’t forget about your four-legged friends at this time, as pets can be heavily affected by the heat just as much as we can and they rely on us to protect their health.
We have put together a list of precautions and tasks you can do to help your furry friends this summer.
What can we do to help?
- Sun creams are available to use for your pets when the sun comes out, but always make sure they are pet-friendly before purchasing. Applying the cream to vulnerable areas such as their nose and ears can help massively, particularly those who have light or white fur.
- Grooming your dog more regularly through the summer can make their coat less dense, helping them stay cool. Also ensuring a regular grooming routine is in place can help you keep an eye out for any signs of flystrike. Seek veterinarian advice if you suspect flystrike is a problem.
- Damp towels can be placed on the floor for your dog to lay on, this is a great way to cool them down, but remember not to put the towel on your dog as this can trap heat.
- Always make sure fresh cold water for your dog to drink and shaded areas are available both indoors and outdoors during the hot days.
- Freezing dog toys with treats and water in or making your own frozen treats can be a fun way to keep your dog cool in the summer. They will also enjoy ice cubes in their water bowl to reduce the water becoming warm.
Read more: How to make your own dog treats
In the summer conservatories, outbuildings and especially cars will become very hot, so do not ever leave your dog or any other pet in an environment that will heat up quickly as it can be fatal.
Heatstroke in dogs
Heatstroke is something that can affect everyone, and for dogs, it can be life-threatening. When dogs are exposed to hot conditions or are exerting too much energy in the heat, they begin to lose the ability to cool themselves down. You must act quickly if your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, by removing them from the heat and cooling them down. Ensure a veterinarian is called to seek further advice at the time or be provided medical attention.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs to look out for:
- Lethargy or drowsiness
- Heavy panting and drooling
- Difficulty to breath
- Vomiting or collapsed
Check the ground before you walk
Have you ever walked outside onto a tarmac or hard surface and felt how warm it can become in the sun, well, your dog has very sensitive pads and if left on hot surfaces for too long can cause burns to appear. Before you head out for your afternoon walk make sure you check the surface you are walking on in case it is too hot for your dog. Firstly, check the hottest parts of the day to avoid venturing out in the heat. Secondly, hold your hand on the surface for 5 seconds and if it is too hot to keep your hand on, it is too hot for your dog to walk on.
Signs of burned pads you should keep an eye out for:
- Redness or blisters forming on the pad
- Your dog begins to chew or lick their feet
- They are struggling to walk or are limping
If you are ever worried about your pet in the summer always seek advice from a vet to ensure you are doing everything you can to keep your pet cool and comfortable.
