Summer is a great time to spend quality time outdoors with pets, however hot temperatures can be challenging for our four-legged friends and it’s important to ensure they remain cool and happy.
Vet, Dr Kirsten Ronngren has answered our top summer questions to help pet owners care for their furry friends at this time of year.
What can pet owners do to help their pets in summer months?
When temperatures soar at peak heat times of the day, it’s a good idea to avoid taking your pets out. When going out on walks, aim to do this at either the beginning and end of the day when it’s a little cooler. When temperatures pick up, try to keep pets indoors for the majority of the time, in a place with plenty of shade and ventilation. Many don’t realise that over exertion on a hot day can be just as dangerous as leaving your dog dog in the car! It’s best to stick to cooler times for walks, or if you aren’t sure, to skip a walk altogether.
How can pet owners prepare in advance to keep their pets healthy in summer?
It can be helpful to have some cooling products to hand, to help prevent overheating. A shallow paddling pool filled with cool water is a great option for keeping them cool when outside. Alternatively, you can purchase a pet cooling mat, which is specially designed to lower body temperature and provide relief on scorching summer days.
Can you use sun cream on pets?
Just like in humans, sun exposure can cause skin problems in pets. Applying a pet-friendly sun cream can help to prevent these issues, keeping pets safe from harmful rays; the most common burn areas for dogs are around the face/ ears and the tummy. However, be careful that you don’t apply your own SPF to your pooch! Human sun creams typically contain zinc oxide or paraaminobenzoic acid, which are hazardous to dogs if consumed. A waterproof, odourless dog safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is the best to go for.
What tips would you give pet owners for summer?
It may sound obvious, but it’s incredibly important to make sure that your pets stay hydrated when temperatures rise. Try to ensure that they always have access to a drinking bowl; I’d recommend putting multiple around your house/apartment, so that they don’t have to go far to rehydrate and get used to drinking water at different areas in the house.
Should you give dogs ice cubes in hot weather?
Some people think it’s dangerous to give dogs ice water in hot weather, but that’s not necessarily true! Cold water and treats are a great method of prevention. To help keep them cool, you can drop a few ice cubes into your dog’s water bowl (I often say let the cubes melt first to avoid choking hazards) or even make up a little frozen treat – such as bite-sized balls of frozen (xylitol-free!) doggy safe peanut butter.
What should you do if your dog is showing signs of heatstroke?
If your dog is showing signs of overheating or heatstroke, pouring cool water over them and getting a fan running if possible is recommended to help dissipate heat away from their core. It is not recommended to cover your dog during this time with wet towels as that can trap heat in. Again, if you see signs or are concerned ring your vet immediately, do not wait! They can help you assess the situation and make safe decisions for you and your pet!
Should you shave your pet’s fur in summer to keep them cool?
Dogs don’t sweat through their skin like humans do, and instead they pant to get rid of excess heat! It’s a common misconception that shaving a dog’s hair helps keep them cool. Shaving can have the potential to make it harder for dogs to cool themselves naturally while also putting them at higher risk of sunburn. In some scenarios, however, it may help avoid trapping heat close to the body. When the temperature rises, your dog will naturally moult, and their coat will thin out. A trim to reduce excess hair is fine, but regular brushing and bathing is usually enough for most pets. If you’re not sure if your thick furred pup would benefit from grooming during a heat wave, chat with your vet!
When should pet owners contact their vet?
Ring your vet immediately if your dog is showing signs such as excessive panting, increased drooling, lethargy, vomiting/diarrhoea, disorientation, brick red gums, or collapse/loss of consciousness.
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