How to keep your pet safe in the summer heat

Summer is here! And the heatwave seems to have arrived early, so it is important to learn how to keep your pet safe in the summer heat. Here are some top tips for keeping your pets safe through heatwaves and sunny days.

1) Make Sure They Have Plenty Of Water

Make sure to keep your pet’s water bowl is full of fresh, clean and cool water. If you take your pet out, bring plenty of water with you wherever you go, even if you don’t think you’ll be out for too long. If you do go out, take a large water bottle and small bowl with you so that your pup can take a sip whenever they need to. Splashing water on their paws can also help clean their sweat glands and cool them down.

2) Don’t Leave Them Outside For Too Long

Hot pavements and roads can seriously affect your cat or dog, so don’t expose them to the heat for too long. If you’re taking your dog on a walk, make sure to do it in the early morning or late evening, or even wait for a cooler day. Stick to grassy areas when you’re out and make sure there are shady areas to cool down for a while.

3) Never Keep A Pet In A Hot Car

The number one rule when summer arrives is to never leave your pet in a hot car! It may seem obvious, but the temperature inside your vehicle can get much warmer than it is outside, and without a proper airflow it gets stuffy and your cat or dog will find it difficult to cope.

According to research done by PETA, even when a car isn’t in direct sunlight, a dog can succumb to heatstroke within minutes. If you’re travelling with a dog or cat in the car, ensure it is well ventilated.

4) Keep an eye on High Risk Breeds

Dogs and cats with flat faces such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, British Shorthairs and Persians are more likely to suffer as they are unable to pant as effectively as other cats and dogs. Other dogs and cats with thick, long fur like Huskys, Sheepdogs and long-haired cats will also struggle with the heat more due to their long coats. Help them out by brushing out any shedding fur, or take them to the groomers who can remove winter coats and cut down long fur so your pet is cooler.

5) Look out for Signs of Heatstroke

When a dog or cat does end up developing heatstroke it can cause very serious damage and, in some cases, it can be fatal. That is why it is important to familiarise yourself with the symptoms. If your four-legged friend begins to show any signs of the below symptoms or even collapses, ensure you cool them down and take them to a vet as soon as possible.

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs:
Dribbling
Extreme panting
Collapse
Excessive thirst
Increased heartbeat
Dark-coloured gums

Signs of Heatstroke in Cats:
Drooling, salivating.
Agitation, restlessness (cats may pace)
Bright red tongue.
Very red or pale gums.
Increased heart rate.
Panting and breathing distress.

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