Keeping pets safe this summer

Writes Kem Ormond

If summer ends up being anything like what London has experienced, we are going to need to be conscious of not just keeping ourselves cool but our pets as well.

Exercising

We will all need to think about what the best time of the day is to be exercising our pet.

Exercising in the scorching sun and during the hottest hours of the day can be dangerous for pets.

It is important you exercise your pet early in the morning or in the evening throughout the summer months as these are the coolest times of day and your pet is less likely to overheat.

A good idea will be to cut the walk time down and make the walks a little easier for your pet. Take them to an area where there is a bit of shade so they can slow down and take a break to cool down. A walk alongside a creek or river is a great option.

Make sure you bring along some water for your pet. Keep an eye out for excessive panting, breathing difficulties, weakness, or drooling.

Keeping your pet cool around home

Half filling a child’s paddling pool is a great option for your dog. Also ice cubes in your pet’s drinking bowl is a great way to make sure they have cold water readily available.

Relocate your bird, rabbit, guinea pig or any other small animal to a cooler part of your home.

Cats will drink out of any water container, so having a few extra situated around the house is a good idea on hot days.

Animals in cars

Please don’t leave your dog unattended in a car at any time of the day. If the purpose of your trip is not to take your dog somewhere, please leave your dog at home. Remember On a warm day, the inside of your car heats up very quickly.

A dark-coloured car, parked in full sun on a day with an ambient temperature of 22°C can reach an internal temperature of 40°C after 10 minutes.

Opening the windows slightly has very little effect.

Sunburn . . . and don’t forget their feet!

Pets who are fair skinned or light haired are targets for that blazing sun. I remember having a white cat and come summer out came the sunblock for his ears and nose! Just like humans your pets can get sunburnt as well. Pet friendly sunscreen is available in most pet shops.

And don’t forget their paws…if you can’t walk on a hot pavement or sand …nor can they! You can check the temperature by placing the back of your hand on the pavement or sand for five seconds. If it’s too hot to keep your hand, there then your pet shouldn’t be out walking on it.

Travelling with your pet.

When your pet is in the car, whether it is a cat or a dog, it needs to be restrained. Unrestrained animals can distract or disrupt the driver, which can be very dangerous.

Remember that while travel and new places are exciting for people, it can be unsettling for your pet.

A collar with identity tags is important in case your pet gets lost, and a microchip is vital - it can be the difference between being reunited with your pet and losing your pet forever.

Mind the BBQ food

One thing when enjoying a summer BBQ is that snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

So, enjoy summer with your special mate, but remember to keep them safe!