As we head into summer, it’s important to be mindful of how high temperatures can affect our pets. Here are 10 top tips to help you get summer-ready.
-
Learn how to spot heat exhaustion
Our pets aren’t like us – They don’t have easy ways to sweat and they can’t communicate their discomfort. Pets can also easily suffer from heat exhaustion, which can lead to serious conditions like heat stroke and cardiac arrest. Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Incessant panting
- A racing heartbeat
- Disorientation or dizziness
- Lethargy
Remember that even if you’re not feeling hot, your pet may feel differently.
-
Treat heat exhaustion fast
If you spot any signs that your pet is overheating, act fast.
- Make sure they have access to clean and cold water to drink.
- If you’re near a pool or dam, encourage them to wallow in the water.
- If you’re not near any water source, use cold towels to speed up the cool down.
- Don’t stay in the sun, move to the shade or an air-conditioned room.
- Be wary of using ice blocks as these can be a choking hazard.
- If your pet won’t drink, seek immediate advice from your vet.
-
Prevent heat exhaustion
To avoid points 1 and 2 above:
- Steer clear of exercising or even going on long hikes in the heat of the day.
- Be aware of your particular breed of dog and if they’re more susceptible to heat (e.g. pugs, boxers, bulldogs).
- Remember that even if your dog loves running and is super fit, they may be too enthusiastic and not know when to take it easy. They also want to keep up with you.
- Always take regular breaks and encourage your pet to drink water.
-
Stay hydrated, always
Take water with you wherever you go in the summer. This folding water bottle from Olly & Max is super handy. If you’re at home, make sure there is fresh water inside and outside, and remember to stop regularly on any road trips.
-
Keep your pet’s weight under control
If your pet is overweight, he or she is more susceptible to suffering from other health conditions, and this includes heat exhaustion. Of course, this can’t be solved overnight but it’s worthwhile chatting to your vet about your pet’s ideal weight and the diet or exercise routine that can be put in place to move it towards optimal.
-
Never leave your pet in the car
‘I’ll only be 2 minutes’. We don’t recommend you leave your pet in the car for even a few minutes. Even if the windows are open a little, temperatures in the car can skyrocket in minutes. We suggest making it a rule that no pet is ever left in the car, no matter for how long.
-
Exercise and play at cooler times of day
Our body clocks change in summer, and this is totally natural. Make changes to your pet’s daily exercise and play routine to accommodate the warm weather – head out early or late in the day when it’s cooler.
-
Avoid hot tar and tiles
Remember that when you run or walk in the heat of the day, you’ll often have shoes on and may not be aware of how hot the ground actually is. Tar can get extremely hot for our pets so do a little test by holding your hand on it, and if you can’t keep it there for a few seconds then it’s too hot! If for any reason you are worried about your pet’s paws, invest in Ricky Litchfield Paw Restore Balm to soothe them.
-
Make sure there’s shade or a cool spot to retreat to
If you’re heading out for a few hours and leaving your pet at home, make sure there is somewhere cool for your pet to relax.
-
Consider a haircut
For pets with thick, long fur, consider taking them to a recommended groomer for a summer-ready cut (click here to find your nearest Absolute Pets Spa). You can also groom your pet at home. Here are some helpful articles and products for grooming at home:
More fun ideas for your pets this summer
For more inspiration for the months ahead, read these great articles:
Stay in touch
Whatever your plans are for the season ahead, we hope you stay safe and healthy. And remember, we are also here to help so visit your local Absolute Pets store or get in touch with us online, or on Facebook should you have any questions.
Happy & Healthy
Absolute Pets