Summer Pet Care: Practical Tips to Keep Pets Cool and Safe

Summer’s heat can be tough, not just for us but for our furry companions too, even in the UK. As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to make sure our pets stay cool and comfortable. Overheating in pets can lead to severe health issues like heatstroke, which can be fatal if not addressed. So, how can we keep our pets cool during these months?

In this post, we’ll share practical tips to help your pets beat the heat, ensuring they stay safe and healthy all summer long. From providing ample fresh water to using cool mats, you’ll find simple and effective strategies to keep your beloved pets cool and happy.

Understanding the Risks of Heatstroke in Pets

Summer can be a fun season with outdoor activities for both you and your pets. However, the hot weather also brings the risk of heatstroke, which can be dangerous for our furry friends. Knowing how to identify and prevent heatstroke can help keep your pets safe and healthy during the summer months.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a severe condition where a pet’s body temperature rises dramatically. It happens when pets can’t cool themselves down effectively. Dogs and cats usually control their body temperature by panting and through sweating mostly through the pads on their feet. Yet, in extreme heat or high humidity, these mechanisms can fail.

Causes of heatstroke in pets include:

High Temperatures: Pets are more at risk in hot weather, especially if they don’t have access to shade or water.
Physical Activity: Over-exercising in the heat can lead to heatstroke.
Certain Breeds: Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are more susceptible due to their poor ability to pant effectively.

Pets can’t tell us when they’re overheating, so it’s our job to recognise and respond promptly to the signs of heatstroke.

Common Signs of Heatstroke

Knowing the signs of heatstroke can save your pet’s life. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

Excessive Panting: While panting is normal, excessive panting can signal trouble.
Drooling: More drool than usual, especially thick or sticky drool.
Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or reluctance to move.
Vomiting: Vomiting, sometimes with diarrhoea.
Uncoordinated Movements: Difficulty walking or appearing disoriented.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to act fast. Pets can go from being overheated to having heatstroke very quickly.

Emergency Treatment Before Going to the Vet

If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, immediate action is necessary. Here’s what you can do while getting ready to head to the vet:

Move to a Cool Area: Quickly get your pet to a cooler environment, away from direct heat.
Apply Cool Water: Get them submerged into cold water apart from their head, or use cool water on your pet’s body. Concentrate on the belly, paws, and around the head.
Offer Water: Offer small amounts of water for your pet to drink. Don’t force them to drink large quantities.
Use Fans: If possible, direct a fan towards your pet. The airflow can help reduce their body temperature.

Remember, these steps are not a replacement for veterinary care. Once you have taken these initial actions, it’s vital to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible for further treatment.

In the past it was thought that cold water shouldn’t be used but the advice now has been updated after clinical research in humans and pets.¹

Keeping these tips in mind can make a big difference when it comes to your pet’s health and safety during the summer. Continue reading for more strategies to keep your pets cool and happy even when the temperature rises.

General Tips for Keeping Pets Cool

As summer approaches, keeping your pets cool becomes essential for their health and happiness. Here are some general tips to ensure your furry friends stay comfortable during the hot months.

Providing Fresh Water

Keeping pets hydrated is one of the most critical aspects of beating the summer heat. Water plays a vital role in regulating body temperature and preventing dehydration.

Always have fresh water available: Ensure water bowls are filled with clean, cool water throughout the day. Check and refill them often.
Multiple water stations: Place water bowls in various locations around your home and garden to make it easy for your pet to access.
Add ice cubes: Drop some ice cubes into the water to keep it cooler for longer. This can also make drinking more enjoyable for pets who enjoy playing with the ice.
Portable water bottles: If you’re out and about, carry a portable water bottle designed for pets. These bottles typically come with attached bowls, making it easy to hydrate your pet while walking or playing outdoors.

Water is the simplest yet most effective way to help your pets cool down. Make hydration a priority.

Creating Cool Spaces

Providing shaded and cool areas is essential for pets to escape the heat. It doesn’t take much effort to create these spots, and the benefits are immense.

Indoor cool zones: Use fans or air conditioning to keep indoor spaces comfortable. Set up a designated cool area with a fan, and encourage your pet to relax there.
Shaded outdoor areas: If your pet spends time outside, ensure they have access to shaded spots. You can use umbrellas, tarps, or even create a makeshift canopy.
Cool bedding: Provide bedding that stays cool. Raised pet beds allow air to circulate underneath, while cooling mats can offer a refreshing surface.
Tile floors: In the absence of cooling products, pets can benefit from lying on tile floors, which tend to stay cooler than other surfaces.

These simple adjustments can make a huge difference in keeping your pet comfortable during the heat.

Using Cooling Products

In addition to water and cool spaces, there are several innovative cooling products designed specifically for pets.

Cooling mats: These gel-filled mats remain cool without needing refrigeration. Simply place them in your pet’s favourite resting spot.
Cooling vests: These vests work by absorbing and slowly evaporating water. They can help reduce your pet’s body temperature during walks or playtime.
Fans: Pet-safe fans can provide a constant breeze. Some fans are designed to be clipped onto crates or other areas where your pet likes to rest.
Cooling toys: Toys filled with water that can be frozen are both fun and cooling for pets. They can serve as both playthings and cooling tools.

These products can offer additional layers of cooling, ensuring that your pet remains comfortable even on the hottest days.

Activities to Avoid in Hot Weather

During the scorching summer months, it’s essential to take extra precautions to keep your pets safe. Just like us, pets can suffer from heat and its effects, which can be dangerous. Here are some critical activities to avoid to ensure your pets remain comfortable and healthy when temperatures rise.

Avoiding Strenuous Exercise

It’s natural for pets to want to play and exercise regularly, but during the hottest parts of the day, this could put them at risk. Overexertion in high temperatures can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and severe fatigue. It won’t hurt your dog to miss a walk or two, but walking in the heat might.

Instead of the usual high-energy activities, consider alternative ways to keep your pet entertained:

Early Morning or Late Evening Walks: Schedule walks during the cooler hours of the day when the sun isn’t as intense.
Indoor Play: Engage your pet with toys and games inside where the temperature is controlled.
Water Activities: If your pet enjoys water, playing in a kiddie pool or using a sprinkler can be a fun and cooling way to get some exercise.

By timing your pet’s exercise routines correctly and choosing cooler periods, you can help prevent any heat-related health issues.

Steering Clear of Hot Surfaces

Hot pavements and roads can be incredibly harmful to your pet’s paws. Just like when you try to walk barefoot on a scorching surface, your pet feels the heat too, and it can cause painful burns.

To protect your pet’s paws:

Test the Surface: Before heading out, place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t hold it there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
Walk on Grass: Whenever possible, walk your pet on grassy areas instead of concrete or tarmac.
Paw Protection: There are also protective booties available that can help shield your pet’s paws from hot surfaces.

Keeping an eye on where your pet is walking can prevent painful injuries and make outdoor time more enjoyable.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Pets

Summer’s heat affects different pets in different ways. While some pets may enjoy a splash in a pool, others might prefer staying indoors away from the sun. Here’s how you can ensure dogs, cats, and smaller pets stay cool and comfortable.

Tips for Dogs

Dogs are known for their vitality, but hot weather can be tough on them. Here are some tips to keep your canine companions cool:

Grooming: Regular grooming helps to remove excess fur, allowing air to circulate and keeping your dog cooler. However, avoid shaving them too close to the skin as this can expose them to sunburn.
Damp Towels: Use damp towels on the ground for your dog to lie on to help lower their body temperature.
Water-Based Play: Incorporate water play into your dog’s routine. Fill a kiddie pool with water or use a sprinkler for your dog to play in. This not only cools them down but also provides fun exercise.
Hydration: Always have plenty of fresh, cool water available. Adding ice cubes can make drinking more enjoyable and keep the water cooler for longer.

Tips for Cats

Cats are more sensitive to heat than they appear. Indoor and outdoor cats both need careful attention during summer:

Cool Resting Spots: Create cool resting areas by placing frozen water bottles wrapped in towels in their favourite lounging spots. Cats will instinctively seek out these cooler areas.
Hydration: Encourage your cat to drink more water by providing multiple water bowls around the house. You can also use cat water fountains, which many cats find appealing.
Cool Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation indoors. Use fans or keep the air conditioning on a comfortable setting. If your cat likes to sit by the window, make sure there’s a breeze or shade.
Outdoor Cats: For cats that enjoy the outdoors, ensure they have access to shaded areas and never leave them outside for long periods during peak heat.

Tips for Small Pets

Small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds also need special care to stay cool:

Ventilation: Ensure their cages or enclosures are well-ventilated. Place cages in shaded areas, away from direct sunlight. Fans can help, but make sure the air doesn’t blow directly onto the pet.
Hydration: Make sure small pets have constant access to fresh water. For rabbits and guinea pigs, consider adding a few ice cubes to their water bottles. Birds may enjoy a shallow dish of water for bathing.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight: Never place cages or enclosures in direct sunlight. The temperature inside small pet enclosures can rise quickly, leading to overheating.
Cool Bedding: For rabbits and guinea pigs, you can use ceramic tiles or frozen water bottles wrapped in towels in their enclosures to create a cool spot to rest.
Monitor: Keep a close eye on their behaviour. If any pet shows signs of distress, move them to a cooler area immediately.

By paying attention to these specific needs, you can help ensure that all your pets, big or small, stay cool and healthy during the summer months.

References:

SFHEA, M., O’Neill, D.G. and FRCVS, P.F.M.V.P., Canine heat-related illness (heatstroke)–new perspectives from recent research. https://doi.org/10.12968/coan.2023.0015