Caring For Your Pets During Summer

The sun will no doubt be a nice change from the colder weather we have recently experienced, but it is worth noting that the sun’s rays and summer months can be dangerous times for your pets. We have put together a useful guide for caring for your pets in warm summer weather to keep them safe and well.    

Keeping Cool 

• If it is warm for you then your pet will most likely feel hot too. Keeping cool during hot weather is a number one priority for all animals. Look for shaded areas around your garden or home where your cat or dog can shelter from the sun and bring pets indoors on really hot days.  
• Take extra care if you own a short nosed of flat faced dog (Pug, English/French bulldogs) as these breeds are more susceptible to heat stroke. 
• Like humans, cats and dogs with fair skins (usually ones with pink noses) need special sunscreen to protect them from sunburn and potential skin cancers.  
• Dogs love to take a dip in water so a paddling pool, clam shell or hose pipe is a good option to help keep your dog cool. Cats are the opposite and will most likely stay away from water. Putting down a wet towel or cooling mat will help bring your cat some relief on a hot day.  

Stay Hydrated

It’s important that you always ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water to help keep them stay hydrated. It’s a good idea to leave numerous water containers in various places to ensure there is always a source, should one of them spill. Adding ice to the water and keeping it in the shade will help keep it cooler for longer. 

Avoid Hot Cars, Caravans and Conservatories

It goes without saying that any pet should NEVER be left alone in a hot environment for any amount of time. Five minutes is all it takes for an animal to experience an agonising death if they are trapped inside a car. Leaving windows open and parking in the shade is still a dangerous situation for animals to be in. Always ensure your pet is left in a cool, suitable place if you need to leave them unattended. 

Avoid Shaving Animals

Fur double coated dogs don’t need to be shaved for the summer as their undercoat is designed to keep them cool. They will naturally shed their undercoat during the hot months and their top-coat acts to protect from sun burn. If you shave off their undercoat, albeit with good intentions, they have to grow it back and this will make them even hotter. For cats, the same rule applies. It is perfectly ok to get rid of dead hair and to give a long-haired breed a trim for the summer in order for the hair is more manageable, but you should never go as far as the skin. It’s highly recommended that you always seek a professional groomer to cut your pet’s hair.  

Treat Fleas and Ticks

Warm weather is a perfect time for fleas and ticks to thrive. To keep unnecessary itching at bay, make sure your pet is up to date with their regular pest treatments. You can purchase many products in your local pet supply store, or contact your local vet for more advice if you are unsure what treatment to use. 

Hot Paws

Many animals control their body temperature through their feet. If your pet seems to be in distress, try wetting their paws with water or cooling their face with a gentle mist spray. Taking your dog for a walk when the pavement or sand is hot to touch can burn your dog’s paws and cause them a lot of pain. On days that are really hot, walking your dog in the early morning or evening when the ground is cooler or on grassy areas will make your dog feel more comfortable.

REMEMBER

• For more guidance and advice the RSPCA website has lots of useful information on caring for your pets during warm weather. 
  
• If you feel your pet has heat exhaustion, heatstroke or sunburn seek advice from your vet immediately. 
  

 Visit our blog for more information and advice on caring for your pets.