It’s summertime and all you want to do is have fun and play in the sun, but please spare a thought for your pet friend as heat stress can be fatal. The best way to deal with heat stroke is to prevent it. Remember most pets have thick fur coats, avoid exercising your pet in the hottest hours of the day and if possible bring them indoors during the midday heat. Ensure your pet always has fresh water and shade and never leave them alone in a car on a warm day, even with the windows open! Watch your pet for heavy breathing or panting or restlessness, especially some of the popular flat faced (brachiocephalic) dogs like pugs and bulldogs. If your pet is sluggish or suddenly tired, prevent further exercise and offer them water. Senior pets or pets who are a bit poorly also have difficulty voluntarily getting out of the heat.
TIPS to Keep your Pet Cool in Summer
- Have plenty of fresh, cool water available at all times
- Avoid the midday sun
- Do not exercise your pet when it’s very hot, keep your walks or play sessions to early mornings and late afternoons
- Take extra care of long-haired, overweight, young or older pets
- Keep in mind some breeds are more susceptible to heat stress, e.g. Boxers, Pugs as well as Pekinese dogs and Persian Cats
- Never leave your pet in a parked car – the temperature in your car can be lethal within minutes
- Groom and clip your pets coat to keep them cool and avoid a matted coat as this holds in heat