It’s been predicted that there could be a lot of heat across the US and Europe during the first part of summer, and safety should always come first.
We need to keep ourselves safe in the hot weather, but pets are at risks of heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn. We need to make sure our pets are happy and healthy, too, so we can all enjoy the summer.
Tom Sadler, the founder of pet accessories shop Fur King, has shared his six top tips for pet parents so we can best care for them.
1. Limit outdoor activities when temperatures are highest
If you have a cat, try to keep them indoors during the day, and if you have a dog, walk them in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler.
Choose shaded routes and grassy areas, and consider buying them protective boots (like these from Amazon) – if the ground feels too hot for your hand, it’ll be too hot for their paws. When is it too hot to walk a dog? Find out here.
2. Never leave pets in parked cars
The dangers of doing this are well-documented, but it’s worth reiterating that this can lead to heatstroke and potentially death. Even if the window is open or you’d only be leaving them for a couple of minutes, it’s never worth the risk.
3. Prioritize hydration and shade
“Always ensure that your pets have access to fresh, cool water, both indoors and outdoors, to prevent dehydration,” says Sadler. He adds, “Whether your pets are indoors or outdoors, provide them with plenty of shaded areas where they can cool off and take a break from the scorching sun.”
4. Brush up on the signs of heatstroke
Watch out for excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. If you’re concerned, contact your vet immediately, and in the meantime, ensure your pet is in a cool, shaded area with plenty of water to drink.
“Wet their body with cool, but not cold, water,” Sadler adds.
5. Adjust indoor temperatures
Keeping the temperature indoors cooler can help your pets when it’s at its hottest, and you might feel the benefit too. Try using the best dog cooling mats and fans as well, as these can also be effective.
6. Make sure you keep grooming regularly
“This is particularly important for long-haired and brachycephalic breeds, which need a little extra love during hot weather,” explains Sadler. “You might want to schedule a visit to the groomers to be sure they are prepared for the predicted warmer weather.”
Read next: Vet-approved ways to keep your dog cool this summer and how to cool down a dog – a lot of the advice here also applies to cats and other pets, too
