The summer months can be unpleasant – dangerous even – not just for us humans, but for our furry friends, too.
With soaring temperatures in the UK, it can become difficult for them to cope, and all pet owners must be aware of ways to keep their animals comfortable and safe in the heat.
In this post, the experts at Pet Shop Online present some of the best summer safety tips for your fur babies.
Limit exercise on hot days
On extremely hot days, like the 40.3◦C days we saw in July, you should limit exercise for your pet if you can.
Take them outside early in the morning or late at night – when the sun is rising or setting and it’s nice and cool.
Our canine companions, for example, won’t only get uncomfortably warm under all that fur, but the pavements and roads get extremely hot and can burn their paws while out on their walkies.
If you need to take your pets out and about with you, always make sure to carry water to keep them hydrated.
Provide lots of shade and water
Any time your pet is outside in the garden with you, make sure they have plenty of space in the shade and lots of fresh, cold water.
There has been lots of talk online about ice cubes – and whether or not it’s safe to pop a few in your pet’s water dish.
In particularly high temperatures, doing this is completely fine and will help keep them cool.
You shouldn’t rely on fans either.
Whilst they’re a saviour for us, our pets respond to the heat differently. Dogs, for example, sweat primarily through their paws, so fans don’t cool them off as effectively as they do us.
Never leave them in a parked car
This is basic safety. You should never leave your pets in parked cars when it’s warm – even if it’s only for a few minutes with the windows open or the air conditioning switched on.
Temperatures rise much faster in your car than they do outside. While it might only be 30˚C outside, it might be upwards of 40◦C inside your vehicle.
Your pet may suffer irreversible damage, or it could even be fatal for them.
Look out for signs of heatstroke
Despite all your efforts to keep them safe, extreme temperatures still have the potential to cause heatstroke.
Some signs to keep an eye out for include:
- Heavy panting or difficulty breathing
- Glazed eyes
- A rapid heartbeat
- Excessive thirst
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting
These and any other unusual symptoms could be a sign of heatstroke.
If you suspect your pet is suffering, move them into the shade and apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool water over them and take them to the vet as soon as you can.
Need further advice?
If you need further advice on how to care for your furry friend this summer, or you’re looking for creative ways you can keep them cool, be sure to get in touch with our experts here at Pet Shop Online.
Give us a call on 0161 728 4656 to speak to us directly, or send us a message via our online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
We’re always more than happy to assist you!
