July 2023
Beat the Heat | Expert Tips for Keeping Your Pets Cool in Hot Weather
Welcome to your ultimate guide, to ensuring the well-being of your furry friends during scorching summer months. As temperatures soar, it’s essential to prioritise pet cooling tips and hot weather pet care, to protect our beloved companions from heat-related risks. With a few simple measures, planning ahead and a focus on keeping pets cool, we can create a safe and comfortable environment for them to enjoy summer, while maintaining optimal summer pet safety.
In the sweltering heat of summer, our pets rely on us to be their guardians and keep them cool and comfortable. Our furry companions are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke than we may realise. Their bodies have limited ways to regulate temperature, making them highly vulnerable to overheating. By implementing simple yet effective strategies for keeping pets cool, we can ensure their well-being and protect them from the dangers of hot weather.
So, let’s explore some nurturing ways to keep our pet friends cool, happy, and healthy throughout the summer months. After all, their comfort and safety are at the forefront of our minds at Venture!
- Provide Lots Of Shade
Create shaded areas in your garden or outdoor space where your pet can retreat from direct sunlight. Use umbrellas, canopies, or trees to create cool spots.
2. Always Remember Water
Ensure a constant supply of fresh, cool water for your pet. Consider using a water fountain or adding ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cooler for longer.
3. Limit Outdoor Activities at Certain Times
During the hottest parts of the day, avoid strenuous exercise or play sessions outdoors. Opt for early morning or evening walks when temperatures are cooler. If you have a smaller animals, try taking them out for fresh air early in the mornings before the sun rises to it’s peak.
4. Cooling Mats or Towels
Invest in cooling mats or dampened towels that your pet can lie on to keep cool. These items absorb heat from their body and provide a soothing sensation.
5. Frozen Treats
Prepare frozen treats like ice cubes with pieces of fruit or frozen dog-friendly snacks (if you have a warm pooch). These delicious, chilly treats can help lower your pet’s body temperature.
6. Avoid Hot Surfaces
Paw discomfort can arise from sun-heated surfaces like sand or tarmac. To gauge the temperature, rely on your own senses. If the surface feels too hot to touch, chances are it’s uncomfortable for your pet too. Opt for grassy or shaded areas instead, ensuring a more paw-friendly environment for your beloved canine companion or invest in protective booties.
7. Limit Car Travel
Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Cars can quickly become dangerously hot, leading to heatstroke or even death. Leaving a pet unattended in a hot car, even if parked in the shade or with the windows open, can have devastating consequences. Pets can quickly become distressed and prone to heatstroke. It is crucial to always have a plan in place to ensure your pet is never left alone in a car or any enclosed space. If you ever encounter a pet in a hot car, immediately contact 999.
If you’re travelling with your pet on a hot day, it is advisable to take certain precautions. Utilise shade covers on the windows to minimise direct sun exposure during the journey. Prior to placing your pet in the car, cool down the vehicle and activate the air conditioning, if possible. Try to avoid traveling during the hottest parts of the day and opt for routes with less traffic, to prevent prolonged periods of waiting. It’s essential to provide your pets with access to water throughout the journey.
8. Indoor Retreat
Create a cool indoor space for your pet. Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature. Provide a cosy spot with good airflow for them to relax.
9. Grooming
Regularly groom your pet to remove excess fur, which can trap heat. However, avoid shaving them completely, as their coat provides some protection from the sun.
10. Look Out For The Signs Of Heat Stroke
It’s astonishingly easy for our beloved pets to fall victim to heat stroke, making it crucial for us to remain vigilant and aware of the signs. Unlike humans, dogs and cats have limited means of cooling themselves, primarily relying on panting and a small number of sweat glands on their paws. This puts them at a higher risk of overheating. The consequences of heat stroke can be severe, leading to organ failure, brain damage, and even death if not promptly addressed.
Signs of heat stroke include:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Collapsing
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Shaking;
We hope you found this article helpful! If so, check out our social media accounts for more valuable tips on all things pets and family!
If you’d love to capture memorable moments with your beloved pet in a pet photoshoot this summer, alongside their loving owner, click on our summer offer below to make fabulous pet memories!
