As pet owners, moving into the summer months gives us many more opportunities to have fun and spend time with our animals. However, it is important that we make sure that our furry friends stay safe and happy throughout the warmer temperatures.
During the summer months your dog spending more time having fun outside, so it’s important to take care and make sure that they stay safe. Dogs can only sweat through their paws, and lose most of their heat through panting. Because of this, they are at a high risk of heatstroke. Providing fresh water at all times is a must, especially during play and long walks. You could even try popping ice cubes in the water to cool it down, or add rock sulphur; this disperses into their drinking water and cools down their blood, improving circulation and keeping them from overheating easily.
Every dog copes differently in warm weather, so you should cater to your dog’s needs. Flat faced breeds may face the most difficulty as these dogs find it much harder to regulate their body temperature, this applies to long coated breeds too. Regular grooming helps longer coated breeds by removing all loose fur, allowing air to flow more freely between the dog’s skin and top-coat (this is also a great tip for those with cats)! A pet friendly suncream may also be your pet’s best friend! While human suncreams are toxic to pets, they should still have some kind of sun protection, particularly those with lighter coats or those with thin or shaved coats. Apply this to areas of pale skin and places with little to no fur such as the nose, ears and belly.
Using pools or cool mats are a great idea to keep dogs cool in the summer, along with tasty treats such as doggy ice creams and lollies. Using frozen rope toys can also help; soak them first then leave them in the freezer for a couple of hours. When the dog comes to play, they have a fun, and more importantly, cool toy to play with!
When it comes to walks during intense summer heat, try to keep them short and either early or late in the day, and nothing too strenuous. Avoid paths or roads as they may be too hot on their paws. If you have a super energetic dog who will find this difficult, try setting out some mental exercise activities, as these can tire a dog out just as well as something physical. Hiding toys is a great way to do this, or you could try out either a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat.
Many things that we have talked about with keeping dogs safe also applies to cats, such as regular grooming and applying suncream. Playing early or late in the day works too as well as not letting them leave the house during the most intense hours of heat. Cool mats are also a great option for cats; however, cats may be more reluctant to try them out, so try popping it in their favourite sleeping spot and putting a thin blanket over to make it comfy!
The biggest issue with cats and heat is that they are reluctant drinkers. Cats evolved in arid climates and evolved to consume most of their water through food, however it is essential we make sure that they drink enough throughout the summer to stay hydrated. Cats are very particular when it comes to their water, so leaving them plenty of hydration options is a great idea. Placing multiple bowls around the house, making sure they are away from food and litter trays encourages drinking. If this isn’t working, water fountains are an amazing option, as most cats prefer to drink from moving water sources. Adding more moisture to their food may also help, things such as cat soups (yes, they are a thing!) and bone broth in a flavour they enjoy can encourage them further. You can get creative with these items too. Try freezing them into an ice cube, or even using these ice cubes as a toy, this gives them a cold, hydrating, and fun toy to play with!
Small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters should also be catered for. Making sure they also have access to fresh water is a must, as is providing them with plenty of shade within their enclosures. Temperatures within outdoor hutches should also be monitored closely; try to create good airflow through their little homes as a way to combat high temperatures. With rabbits, provide them with digging areas, either in the garden or in some kind of tray so they’re able to dig down and lay their bellies on the cool soil. If you want to give them a cooling snack, try freezing their favourite veggies!
For all animals, this time of year sees a spike in parasites. Therefore, it is very important to keep them up to date with their flea and worming treatments. With small animals, make sure to apply spot on parasite treatments and fly strike treatments to keep them safe and happy. Hutches may also be a draw for pesky insects like flies, so try to keep their enclosures as clean as possible during this time, especially their toilets and bedding.
Spending time and having fun with your pet shouldn’t come at the cost of their well-being. By taking time to learn about your pet’s needs, you can make sure that both you and your pet can have the best summer; so, soak up the sun together, and have fun!
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