Don’t get too hot under the collar
It’s great news that temperatures are up this bank holiday, but pet owners need to make sure their animals are fully equipped to cope in the warmth. Here’s how to keep your furry friends safe in the heat this summer.
We’ve all read the horror stories about dogs dying. The advice from vets is to leave them at home in a cool room or take them out of the car with you. Temperatures in cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans can rise to 47 º C, which can prove fatal. Lisa Hens, RSPCA dog welfare expert, explained: “Opening a window, parking in the shade or leaving a bowl of water still puts dogs in serious danger of heatstroke. Popping into a shop for five minutes is long enough for your dog to be affected.” It is vital they have all the water they need on hot days, just like humans. Nature’s Menu vet Claire Miller said: “With thick coats and only their paws to sweat from, cats and dogs find it more difficult to regulate their temperature and are therefore more likely to become dehydrated. Ensure their water is constantly topped up or leave multiple bowls out for them.” Excess panting, anxious pacing or, in severe cases, collapsing or convulsing are signs your pet has heat stroke. Seek veterinary help.
Keep your pets out of direct sunlight when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Dogs with white or closely cropped fur and cats with thin coats are particularly at risk of sunburn, which can cause skin cancer. Use pet-safe suncream on exposed parts of their skin such as ears and noses.
Felines may seek shade in sheds and greenhouses so always check they’re clear before closing them. Cats trapped inside could become too hot or dehydrated. Inside the house, keep your pet cool by allowing air in or cooling some towels in the fridge and laying them out.
Don’t walk your dog on the pavement if it’s too hot. Limping, refusing to walk, licking or chewing the feet could all be signs of burnt paws. “In this hot weather, dogs should only be walked first thing in the morning or last thing at night,” said Tracey Parnell, vet nurse at the Blue Cross. “Take your own shoes off and stand on the path. If you can’t keep your feet on it for five seconds, it’s not safe to walk your dog.”