Keeping Cool
Keeping cool at this time of year can be very difficult. We had a lovely email from our friends at Animed Direct with useful information to help you all in dealing with the hot weather. These are their suggestions:
Take your walks early or late in the day
At midday, the sun is at its peak. While that might be pleasant for a human in a sun hat, shorts, and sun cream the tarmac you’re both walking on will be at its hottest. That means it’s much less fun for your furry friend.
Before you leave for your walk get your human to put the back of their hand or barefoot on the pavement for 7 seconds. There’s a good saying for your humans to remember here: if it’s too hot for their hands, it’s too hot for your paws.
Take plenty to drink – and more
Just like humans, we pets need much more access to water in hot conditions in order to stay hydrated. Sometimes we’ll need a little nudge to encourage us to drink more, so a second water bowl away from our food bowl might be the solution.
It’s worth mentioning that some of us prefer running water, especially when it’s warmer. Stagnant hot water isn’t too thirst-quenching! Luckily, there are plenty of water fountains for dogs available on the market.
NEVER leave your pet in a parked car
I cannot stress this one enough. You’ve all seen the videos of windows getting smashed because neglectful owners have left their pets in a stationary car, that’s because this is a dangerous thing to do.
If it’s 22c outside, it can reach 47c inside a car within an hour. That’s even if a window is part way open. At this temperature a dog could develop heatstroke and become seriously ill or die. Don’t take any chances – take us with you.
Consider buying us some cooling products
There are plenty of accessories out there such as cooling coats, mats, and even toys we can enjoy while keeping cool, calm, and collected this summer.
Animed Direct has a selection of cooling products for your dog that would be helpful for cooling us down.
Protect your fair skinned pets from harsh UV rays
Pets with less hair or white coats are as susceptible to sunburn as humans. Plenty of pet owners don’t realise this and aren’t prepared. Sunburn in pets can lead to skin cancer. It’s best to be on the safe side and keep them indoors during these times.
If this isn’t possible, there are sun cream brands you can get for your pets to protect us from the sun.
Immediately call the vet if you are worried about us
If at any time you are concerned about our wellbeing, be sure to get direct advice from your vet in order to look after them.
Love
Wilma