Looking After Your Animals in Hot Weather
We’re here to offer some advice to help protect your furry friends in the heat...
- Avoid walking dogs during hot spells to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning paws on pavements.
- Keep walks short and aim for cooler parts of the day, including early morning and late evening.
- Provide access to cooler areas around the house and in the shade, and avoid hot spots like cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans where possible.
- Keep water fresh and topped up throughout the day.
- Cooling mats and paddling pools can be a great and fun way to keep your dogs cool - but make sure they are supervised.
- Use pet-safe suncream on exposed parts of your pet’s skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose, to avoid sunburn.
- Groom their coats regularly to help brush away any dead or excess fur.
- Offer cooling treats, like frozen Kongs and Lickimats, alongside other fun and tasty enrichment to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
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For smaller animals, provide plenty of shade by putting up towels and other barriers around their outdoor areas.
- Block out some windows in their indoor accommodation to reduce sunlight.
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Provide cool surfaces, like ceramic tiles, wet towels or frozen water bottles/ice pods wrapped in towels.
- Ensure there is good ventilation inside and keep their water fresh and topped up.
If you are concerned about your animal or suspect they are suffering from heatstroke, please contact your vet immediately.
Please share to help us spread the word and look after our four-legged friends this summer.
