HOW TO KEEP YOUR PET COOL THIS SUMMER

Cats and dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion from warm weather. It is important to ensure that your pet is kept comfortable during the warmer months. Here are a few examples of how to keep them cool.

Water

Provide your pet with plenty of fresh, cool water at all times. It is important to change your pet’s water daily and keep the water bowl clean. If it’s extremely warm, adding ice to the water bowl can keep it cooler for longer. Ice cubes can be given to dogs to crunch on as well!

Shade

All animals should have plenty of shade or kept inside if the weather is too hot. Concrete can absorb heat quickly and can burn their paws and skin badly if no shade is provided.

Cooling mats or air conditioning

Cooling mats are another great option to keep your pet nice and comfortable in the warm weather. Cooling mats can be purchased from pet stores. Another option is to leave the air-conditioner on inside for your pet to keep them cool. be sure it is set to a comfortable temperature inside.

Avoid exercising or going out during extremely hot weather

Avoid long walks, vigorous exercise or even going onto the sandy beach if the weather is extremely hot. Check the ground by touching it with the back of your hand to feel how hot it is. If its too hot to touch, its too hot for your pets paws! Extreme caution should be taken with brachycephalic dogs and cats, as they can suffer from heat exhaustion even on cooler days.

Avoid leaving your pet in the car

Leaving your pet in the car on hot days can lead to heat exhaustion and can be fatal. The temperature in the car can rise quickly and be much hotter inside the car than the actual outside temperature. For example, a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius outside can rise up to 46 degrees Celsius in a car. If you need to go somewhere in the car on a hot day, it is always safest to leave your pet at home!

Signs of head exhaustion

Some signs of heat exhaustion can include:

-        Excessive panting

-        Difficulty breathing

-        Excessive drinking

-        Dehydration

-        Drooling

-        Pale, blue, or purple gums

-        Lethargy or weakness

-        Collapse

If you are concerned your pet has heat exhaustion, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY

HOW TO KEEP YOUR PET COOL - TOP TIPS

Ensure they have lots of fresh, cool water

Ensure there is enough shade or keep the animal inside

Avoid vigorous exercise, especially during the hottest parts of the day

Never leave your pet in a parked car

Provide water for your pet to play in