SAFE SUMMER FUN AND YOUR PET


While it is time for 'Summer Fun' it is important to be extra careful and keep your pet cool as we experience the heat of mid-summer. The main key is prevention. As a pet parent is it vital to understand how to safely allow your pet to enjoy the warmer weather as well as recognise and know what to do if your pet shows signs of heat distress. Here’s how to keep your pet safe & cool during this summer!

  1. BE AWARE OF HOT SURFACES: Brick tiles around a pool or a tarred driveway can cause serious burns on your pet's paws. 
  2. SENSIBLE EXERCISE: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times of the day to play a game in the garden with your dog. If it is too hot outside maybe play some challenging indoor games for some interactive attention. 
  3. KEEP THEM HYDRATED: To stay hydrated in the heat, pets need lots of cool, fresh clean water to drink at all times – add ice cubes to drinking water for added coolness & fun. A plastic kiddie pool filled with water and placed in the shade will be the best treat for dogs that enjoy swimming. 
  4. PROVIDE SHADE: Nice cool spots which are shaded for most of the day should be available to allow your pet to get out of the sun completely if they feel too hot.
  5. BE AWARE OF HEATSTROKE & DEHYDRATION: It is important to know the signs of heatstroke and dehydration, and how to treat these conditions correctly. If in doubt, always take your pet to the vet for immediate care – don’t delay in an emergency.
  6. SUNBURN: Dogs and cats can get sunburned, too – especially around the nose and ears, so talk to us about sunscreen made for pets to protect their skin.
Very energetic dogs, senior pets, overweight pets, dogs and cats with short noses and flatter faces, and pets with a previous history of heatstroke or chronic medical conditions - are factors that could make them more susceptible to heatstroke.  

A pet suffering from heatstroke can have any or all of the following signs:
  • Increased breathing rate and racing heart
  • Heavy panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Bright red gums and/or tongue
  • Fearful expression
  • Elevated temperature (A normal body temperature for dogs and cats if 38.3 to 39.2 degrees)
  • May appear lethargic, disoriented and possibly even collapse
  • Seizures and unconsciousness

Heatstroke and dehydration are always an emergency, if this type of situation happens, your pet needs immediate veterinary attention 




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