Submitted by VillageVets on 23 Jun, 2018
- Always put factor 50 sun cream on white parts of dogs and cats! White animals are prone to skin cancer when unprotected.
- Leave multiple water bowls around the garden or house and refill them regularly with fresh water.
- Fill a paddling pool with ice for dogs to play with and cool themselves down in.
- Never leave animals in a car! Within 15 minutes, temperatures can soar above 30 degrees, even with the windows down.
- For aviary birds, ensure that there is shade available if there is a glass roof overhead.
- If your dog or cat is very hairy or matted, don’t be afraid to book them in for a good haircut! Hair grows back.
- If your pet is indoors, leave windows cracked open.
- Walk your pet early in the morning and late at night - avoid that hot midday sun between 12 and 3pm.
- Outdoor rabbits need shelter in a shaded part of the garden. Never subject rabbits to extreme temperature changes such as hot to cold as this can cause them to go into shock.
- Offer cats wet food to ensure hydration if they don’t usually drink a lot of water.
- Get the whole family involved in a gentle “water fight”. If your dog is open to it, they will love playing with their favorite people whilst also keeping cool.
- Short nosed dog and cat breeds can very easily become overwhelmed in the heat. Monitor them very closely to ensure that they don’t become distressed and keep walks short and sweet.
For more tips or more detailed information tailored to your pet, book into any of our clinics for a free consult with our nurses.
