21/07/2021
✨✨HAVING A SAFE SUMMER WITH OUR PETS✨✨
As much as we may be enjoying this unusual heatwave, our pets can really struggle with the heat!! Here are a couple of top tips to help your animals cope in the summer sun:
1. Do not take your dog(s) for a walk during the day, when the sun is out, wait until the evening when it is much cooler, and the ground will not be at risk of burning their pads. (Walking dogs during the day also increases the risk of heatstroke)
Playing with your dog in a shaded area of the garden would be safer than walking in the direct sun but try to limit high levels of activity until the sun has gone down.
2. Make sure all animals living outside have access to lots of clean cool water, especially outdoor cats who will usually find their own water source, but this can become much harder during a heat wave.
PROTECT YOUR SMALL FURRIES - make sure rabbits and guinea pigs are also provided lots of fresh water and shade and beware of flies which can cause problems for these smaller animals including fly strike. 🐰🐹
3. Sunscreen isn’t just for us!! Cats and dogs with white ears and face/noses are at risk of skin cancer when overexposed to the sun - use a small amount of a high factor *NON-TOXIC* (as some creams contain things which aren’t safe for our pets) cream to rub into the white areas of your cat/dogs’ ears or nose and keep an eye out for any changes to the skin!
4. Look out for the tell-tale signs of heat stroke! Panting excessively, drooling, restlessness, breathing distress, any vomiting...
Provide cooling mats and doggy pools in the shade, to provide a cool sanctuary away from the baking heat and you can encourage drinking by adding a couple of ice cubes to their drinking bowl which doubles up as a fun bobbing game.
5. Breed at the highest risk from heat stroke include: Chow chow, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, King Charles Spaniels, Mastiffs, Grey Hounds, Pugs, Springer spaniels and Retrievers.
This list is the breeds MOST susceptible, however all dogs, no matter the breed are at risk of heat stroke if the proper precautions are not taken!!
Stay safe and enjoy this gorgeous weather! But remember to keep an eye on our furry friends who have no choice but to wear a fur coat 24/7 in the 30c heat!!
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke you can call us on 028 97542111 or for out-of-hours care call VetsNow on 028 90651729!
👩🏻⚕️☀️🐶
