Feeling hot, hot, hot: keep your pets cool this summer
Suzhy Winfield RVN of VetSavers offers some seasonal advice
The summer sun is something that we all look forward to enjoying – but for pets the hot weather can often be very unpleasant. Here are a few tips to help you keep your pets as comfortable as possible on hot days.
1. Move garden hutches and runs to shaded areas, or put a lightweight covering over to provide shade
2. Ensure indoor cages, crates and hutches are out of direct sunlight
3. Make water available from multiple sources (both indoors and outside).
4. Check water sources throughout the day and top up as appropriate.
5. Apply sun block to areas where hair is thin, such as the tops of ears and noses (it is best to use products designed for children or sensitive skin, and you should always test the cream on a small area first and leave it for 24 hours to ensure your animal is not going to react to it).
6. Leave windows open, fans going and air conditioning on inside, especially if you are leaving pets alone for any period of time.
7. Closing curtains can help pets to avoid direct sunlight indoors and keep temperatures down
8. Clean out litter trays and bedding more frequently.
9. Ensure pets are protected against parasites to prevent infestation from fleas, ticks, mites and other nasties. Rabbits are included in this, with fly strike being much more prevalent in hot weather
10. Provide areas of shade in gardens, out of direct sunlight
11. Try to avoid exercising dogs during the midday sun. Instead take them to wooded/ shaded areas or take them out in the early morning or late evening when the sun is weaker.
12. Take water with you when exercising dogs away from home and limit vigorous exercise such as ball games.
13. If you give your dog a toy that you stuff with food, do it the night before with something moist and put in the freezer for a longer lasting, cooling treat.
We hope these tips help you and your pet to enjoy the summer sun, and if you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.
VetSavers Cardea Unit 2 Bellona Drive Cardea Peterborough PE2 8GP Tel: 01733 889236 VetSavers Hampton Dobbies Garden Centre, Cygnet Park, Hampton Peterborough PE7 8NY Tel: 07707 994966 Emergencies only: 01733 562904
