How to keep your pet safe and cool in the summer sunshine…
It looks like summer is finally here! As you head into the great outdoors with your furry friend during this beautiful weather, take heed of our summertime safety tips:
Never leave your dog alone in the car
This is bad, very bad. Cars heat up a lot quicker than we realise and opening the window doesn’t make much difference when the weather is really warm. If you’re stepping out of the car, even for just a few minutes, make sure your dog goes with you.
Don’t let your pets get sunburnt
Make sure your pets have access to shade at all times. It’s a good idea to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lowest. You may need to move your bunnies’ hutch to ensure that there’s a shaded area for them at ALL times of the day.
If your pets have white or really thin fur, try some pet sun cream! Ask us in practice for more details.
Treat your pet to some frozen goodies
Pop your dog’s Kong in the freezer to give their favourite treat a summer twist! You can also freeze your bunnies’ water bottle or treat your pet to an ice cube.
Take a trip to the groomers
This can make a huge difference to how comfortable your dog feels in the baking sun, especially if they have thick or dark fur. Grooming is also a good method of preventing allergic reactions because pollen and other substances are less likely to get caught on shorter fur.
Is your bunny protected against Flystrike?
One downside of summer is flies, and one of the MANY downsides of flies is that they pose the risk of Flystrike. Keep your bunny protected and check them every day to make sure they’re fighting fit.
Is your garden ready for your pets?
Make sure your garden is free of poisonous plants and that the lawn is nice and short.
Feed your cat little and often
This is a great way of making sure your cat doesn’t wander off too far. Try ringing a bell every time you put their food out, that way they’ll learn it’s time to come home whenever they hear it!
Make sure your pet is protected from the outdoors
Sadly, we and our pets aren’t the only animals that love to be outdoors during the summer. Viruses and nasty parasites are also more common at this time of year, so make sure your pet is microchipped and that they’re up to date with their vaccinations and parasite treatments.
Know when it’s time for a break
Prevention is better than cure! If you notice that your dog is panting excessively, get them out of the heat as soon as possible. Also, make sure your pets have plenty of water readily available so they can stay nice and hydrated.
Too much sun and not enough hydration can lead to heatstroke. If you notice excessive panting, heavy breathing, drooling, vomiting or general incoordination in your pet, treat this as a medical emergency – get them out of the sun as soon as possible, offer them lots of water but in small, easy doses. Cool their fur with a damp cloth but don’t splash them with too much water because this can send them into a state of shock.
If you have more questions about keeping your pet safe and cool during the summer, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
