As we kick start our summer holidays with sunshine and warm weather, it’s important to remember our furry friends who will need our help keeping cool and safe over the next coming months. Below are a few tips and tricks to help manage the soaring temperatures and keep our pets healthy and happy. 

Drinking water:

Fresh drinking water should be available throughout the day to allow for adequate hydration. Pop water bowls in shaded areas to help keep the water cool, and you can even consider using ice cubes for extra chill as well as added stimulation and play (wet food and pet-friendly fruit and veg can be frozen to make your own pup-sicles!) Cats can be particularly picky, so ceramic bowls of different sizes filled to the brim can be helpful to encourage drinking. Many cats also like running water such as water fountains and taps, and consider moving drinking water away from litter trays and food bowls as cats aren’t the biggest fans of having them close to one another. For our small furries, keep an eye on water levels in their drinking bottles and bowls and ensure they are free from debris and keep them in a shaded area especially if kept outside.

Lounge Time:

Just like us our pets are much more comfortable in well ventilated, shaded in the summer heat. Avoid having relaxation areas in places like greenhouses, sheds, or conservatories as they can quickly heat up and reach much higher temperatures than the outside, and keep curtains drawn to avoid direct sunlight and provide shade. Cool mats are a great way of giving your pet an area to comfortably lounge on to avoid the summer rays – just be sure to keep and eye out for any wear and tear and replace when necessary. If you don’t have one handy, ice packs or frozen water bottles wrapped in a blanket are also suitable. Pop ceramic or stone tiles in the fridge for your small furries to stretch out on for added cooling and ensure hutches and runs are kept in a shaded area away from direct sunlight or consider bringing them indoors all together if temperatures soar. Plastic hides can quickly become hot, but hay can be great alternatives for burrowing away in to cool off. If you have open windows, be cautious of curious critters – mesh panels or screens allow for ventilation whilst reducing risk of falls. If using fans, be mindful that your pet may not enjoy a direct breeze as much as we do and be careful of small furries who might try and have a nibble of loose wires! 

Exercise:

Avoid exercising dogs during the hottest part of the day and keep an eye on the temperatures throughout to ensure it is safe for walking. Shaded areas such as woodlands are preferable to avoid strong sunlight and peak temperatures.  Hot pavements and tarmac can burn paw pads and be uncomfortable to step on – if it’s too hot for you to place your palm on the floor it’s too hot for your dog to walk on! Typically, early mornings or late evenings are best as it is cooler, however even this may be too warm, and it is always safer to skip a walk than risk one when temperatures or humidity is high. Brachycephalic (flat face), older and younger pups, or those with pre-existing conditions may struggle more so than others, so be extra mindful of rising temperatures if your dog falls in one of these categories. Temperatures inside vehicles can soar beyond those outside and quickly cause pets to overheat, even with windows cracked open. If you do have to travel with your pet in the car, avoid peak sun times, have the air-conditioning on, and allow for short, necessary journeys only, and never leave your pet unattended in the car. If your cat has access to outside space, consider keeping them indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and check greenhouses, garages and sheds regularly for any sneaky pets seeking shelter as these can quickly heat up and have little ventilation.

Paddling pools can be a great way to introduce your dog to water and get them to cool off. Avoid providing lots of toys as this may over excite your dog and mask heat stroke, and some dogs may be too overstimulated for the pool all together if they are particularly playful or active. If you are taking your dog to the beach, consider tide times, local beach rules, and strong currents. Similarly, rivers or canals may be filled with algae or sewage, so always check before your pup has a dip! Bring fresh drinking water with you to avoid them being tempted by the water they’re swimming in and allow for plenty of breaks to relax and settle down to avoid ingesting lots of water. Never force your pet to go into water if they don’t feel comfortable -this is particularly true for rabbits and guinea pigs, who should never be submerged as this can cause them to go into shock.

Grooming:

Pets with long or dense fur may benefit from brushing and grooms to remove loose hair from winter coats and lighten them up. Rabbits and guinea pigs especially are at greater risk of flystrike – dirty bedding or soiled fur is the prime environment for flies to lay eggs, so ensure your pets bedding if cleaned regularly and check their fur (particularly around their bottoms) at least twice a day for eggs or wounds. Older, overweight, or those with arthritis or dental concerns are more at risk as self-grooming is more tricky, so take extra care with these pets. If your pet has sparse fur or lighter skin, they may also be at risk of sunburn so monitor sensitive areas such as eyelids, noses, and ears for blisters or crusting skin, and contact us if you are worried.

Hopefully the above gives you a few pointers to help you navigate holiday heatwaves with your furry friends. Stay safe this summer, and if you are worried about your pet at all or need further advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Ellie – Lead Vet Nurse