With the weather heating up and the days get longer, it’s a great time to get outdoors and get some exercise for humans and pets alike! Whether it’s a walk around the block, playing fetch at the park or exploring your backyard, here are some helpful tips to keep your pets safe this summer.
Summer Safety for Pets
Posted by PetDirect on 19th Dec 2021
Keeping it cool
When the temperature rises, try to avoid exercising pets during the hottest part of the day. This can lead to overheating with prolonged sun exposure. Plan dog (or cat) walks for the early morning or late evening and be sure to check surfaces, such as asphalt and sand, before walking the dog. If it is too hot for your feet, it is too hot for your dog’s paws and should be avoided completely. Pick shady routes for walking your dog with frequent breaks to enjoy the shade and cool grass together.
Keep an eye out for increased panting, drooling and seeking shade during your walks/ exercises as this could be a sign of overheating. Dogs with flat faces, such as pugs or bulldogs, are more prone to heat stroke as their face structure makes it difficult for them to breathe or pant as effectively as other dogs. Overweight or senior dogs are similar and may benefit more from shorter dog walks. It is helpful to consult with your veterinarian before embarking on a walking routine with your senior or overweight canine companion.
If you have an indoor cat, they may not be as used to the heat and hotter surfaces than outdoor cats are. Keep an eye on them if they head outside during the hotter days. Look out for panting, dark red or grayish gums, vocalising and increased heart beat - this could be a sign of heat-related illness. Cats will tend to seek shade if they want to cool down so make sure there is sheltered space for them.
To cool your pets down, bring them into an air-conditioned room, provide a paddling pool for dogs to cool themselves in, use ice cubes in their water bowls, or grab a cooling mat for them.
Hydration is key
Proper hydration is critical for pets and humans alike, especially during summer months. Some parks are equipped with dog-accessible drinking fountains, however play it safe by taking water with you and offering it to your dog regularly. Collapsible bowls will come in handy any time you are out walking the dog. You could also try a water bottle.
Cats will also need access to fresh water, whether it’s a bowl or a running water fountain to encourage them to drink. You can also add wet cat food to their diet or dry food to increase water intake.
Protect them from the sun
If your taking your dog to the beach or park, make sure to protect from getting sunburnt. This is similar to what you would do - stay in the shade where you can, try to avoid exposure during peak sunny hours, and cover up as much as possible. Here are some tips:
Sunscreen
When you know it’s unlikely your pup will stay out of the sun the whole day, we recommend finding a doggie-specific sunscreen to apply on your pooch. Normal human sunscreen can be toxic to animals. Dogs have a tendency to lick off their sunscreen, and specialist sunscreens are formulated so that they’re not harmful if this happens. Some doggie sunscreens are also particularly difficult to lick off, meaning you’re not constantly reapplying. PetKin have a great range of dog sunscreen products including a mist, sun sticks and wipes all designed to keep your furry friend safe from the sun.
Clothing
If your dog doesn’t mind being dressed up, clothing that protects against UV rays could be an option to consider. Just keep in mind the extra layer will be like us wearing a jumper in the height of summer, so watch for any signs of overheating. The EzyDog 50+ UV rash vest is perfect for taking your pooch swimming in summer and protecting them from the heat.
Avoid over-grooming or shaving
You may look at your dog’s thick coat and worry that it’s too much for warm weather, but a dog’s coat is actually an important natural protector against the sun. Any area of their body with less or no hair is far more susceptible to sunburn, and shaving your dog’s coat in summer can expose ‘virgin’ skin that is even more prone to burning.
Signs of sunburn
Symptoms of sunburn in dogs are similar to those in humans – their skin will look pink or red, and may feel dry or leathery. Dogs don’t usually develop blisters as humans do, but they will be experiencing similar pain and discomfort from the burn.
Hot cars can kill
On a hot day, your car can heat up very quickly. If your car is parked out in full sun, it can reach an internal temperature of 40℃ within 10 minutes, even with windows opened slightly. A dog's normal temperature is about 38℃ and rely on panting to cool down. In a hot car, panting is not enough to lower a dog's body temperature, which can lead to overheating or heat stroke.
If you are not driving your dog somewhere, leave them at home. Do not ever leave your dog unattended in the car at anytime of the day!
Similarly, rooms in your house (including the garage) can get pretty hot during the day especially if they receive full sun throughout the day. This means providing indoor cats with dark places they can cool down in, cooling mat, or turning the air conditioning/fan on.
For any questions you may have about keeping your pets safe this summer, don't hesitate to reach out to Pet Direct's Customer Care team on 0800 200 240.