As much as we all love the sunshine, hot weather can be uncomfortable and dangerous for our pets. Imagine wearing a fur coat instead of that pair of shorts! Here are our top tips for keeping pets cool in the heat.
Provide shaded areas and water
Always make sure that your pet has access to fresh, clean drinking water and shaded areas, both inside and outside the home. Provide extra water bowls around the house and make sure they have somewhere to escape the sun’s rays as the day heats up.
Keep curtains and blinds closed
Closing curtains and blinds in rooms where the sunlight streams in will help keep the room cooler. If you have windows that can be opened, opening these along with the curtains or blinds when the sun has passed over, or at night, can help circulate cooler air.
Extra tip: For people with indoor cats or other pets that restrict window opening, you could cover windows with fly screens. There are many options available to purchase online and these give the added bonus of keeping insects out.
Fans
Fans can help circulate the air around a room and provide a breeze in still heat. Make sure fans are placed somewhere safe where they can’t be knocked over.
Add ice to water bowls
Adding a few ice cubes to water bowls can cool the water, making it more appealing to pets. Who doesn’t like an ice-cold drink on a warm day?
Freeze their favourite treats
Put some of their favourite treats in an ice cube mould and top up with water. Freeze and voila! The perfect cooling treat on a hot day.
Extra tip: Many dogs love a frozen carrot, but maybe your dog has another favourite vegetable? Many vegetables can be frozen as they are and given straight from the freezer.
Freeze Licky Mats and Kongs
Licky Mats and Kongs can also be filled with your pet’s favourite treats. Add a little water to fill and then freeze. These give the added bonus of some mental stimulation for your pet as they enjoy their cooling treat.
Cooling mats, collars and wet towels
Cooling mats and cold wet towels placed on the floor can give your pet a cooler area to sit. You can buy cooling bandanas for both dogs and cats, which I thoroughly recommend as an instant cooling relief for pets.
Remember to keep these refreshed with cold water to maintain the effects and never wrap your dog in a wet towel or clothing, as this will absorb its body heat very quickly and trap in the heat.
Adjust walking times
Adjust walking times to go out early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler. Keep walks calmer and shorter, and do not cycle or run with your dog when it is hot.
Your dog may be reluctant to walk when the weather is hot, so do not force it to just because that is the normal routine. We all feel lethargic when it is warm, and your dog is no different.
Recognise signs of heatstroke
Learn to recognise the signs of heatstroke and contact your vet immediately for advice if you see them.
- Heavy panting
- Lethargy and limpness of limbs
- Increased heart rate
- Excess drooling, with thick and sticky saliva
- Disorientation and collapse
- Vomiting