Keep your pet cool in the heat and prevent heat stroke!







Hot surfaces & shade

Hot surfaces such as brick tiles around a pool or a tarred driveway can burn your pet’s feet badly, even at home – watch out for heat trap areas such as these. 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.

Water

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.

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. 

Know the signs

Be aware of 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.




What should I do if my pet shows signs of heatstroke?

  • Move them to a cool area
  • Offer small amounts of tepid water
  • Place them near a fan
  • Place a damp towel on their back or abdomen
  • Contact your vet immediately

What risk factors could make my pet more susceptible to heatstroke?

  • Short nose dogs (brachycephalic breeds) such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, French Bulldogs
  • Cats with flatter faces such as the Persian
  • A pet that has had heatstroke previously
  • Pets with heart conditions (or any other chronic medical condition)
  • Older, senior pets
  • Overweight pets
  • Very energetic dogs

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.







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