SUPER EASY TIPS

This month... KEEPING YOUR PETS COOL

1 Keep them hydrated Give them plenty of water. Animals dehydrate quickly, so leave out lots of clean water in different parts of the house.

2 Provide some shade

Keep your pets out of direct sunlight. Either keep them indoors when it’s too hot or make a shady place for them in the garden so they can escape the midday sun.

3 Time your walks

Take your dog for a walk early in the morning or in the evening when it has cooled down. Cooler air makes it easier for them to breathe and the cooler ground won’t burn their paws.

4 Avoid the car

Dogs and cats can overheat quickly in a hot car. As much as they may love the ride, it’s better to leave your pets at home when the sun is out.

5 Something to lie on

Give your pet a cooling pad to lie on. These are filled with a gel that draws the heat out of their bodies.

6 Play time

Let them play with water. Fill up a large plastic tub or kiddie pool with water and let them enjoy while keeping cool.

7 Icy meat treats

Give them cold treats. Freezing beef or chicken stock in ice cube trays makes a tasty treat for your pet.

8 Trim, don’t shave

Despite what many people believe, shaving your pet actually makes them vulnerable to overheating and sunburn. Trimming their long hair is better for keeping their body temperature regular.

9 Paw rub

Place rubbing alcohol on their paw pads. It evaporates quickly and cools them down.

10 Keep an eye on them

Check your pets often on hot days. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as heavy panting, give them plenty of water and contact your vet.