Summers are rough, and we all know and our pets know it too. The only problem for them it is hard to express. So, we have to take the hint.
Now, when it comes to pet care in summer, it’s not just about comfort; it’s about their safety and survival.
It doesn’t matter if you have a playful puppy or a sun-loving cat, or even a bunny who loves to hop around the house; keeping them cool during summer is more than being kind to them, it’s actually very essential and important for their well-being.
We all wonder how to help our pet beat the heat safely and comfortably, so let’s look at the best ways for it.
Why Summer Heat Is Harder On Pets?
Understanding heat safety for pets is a must for every responsible pet owner.
Remember that unlike humans, pets don’t sweat in the same way.
Dogs and cats cool off mainly through panting, and a tiny amount of sweat is released through their paws. Particularly during heat waves or when you leave your pet in a hot environment for an extended period, hot weather can quickly become dangerous.
Specific breeds are at risk, which include small breeds, Persian cats, and flat-faced breeds like bulldogs. Just like age also matters, senior pets are at more risk than young ones.
Signs of overheating:
Look for these signs in your pets for early detection and treatment.
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Lethargy or confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Collapsing or seizures (usually in extreme cases)
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait for anything and immediately put your pet in a cool area and book an appointment with your vet
- Avoiding outside activities during peak heat:
This sounds very basic, but it is one of the necessary and obvious things to do. Your pet might love to go for a walk midday or like to play during bright light hours, but this proves to be very dangerous for them. The hottest hours are usually between 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Instead, try a different strategy, like talking to them on a walk early in the morning or after the sun sets.
Let them enjoy themselves outdoors in a secure and shaded area, but only during cooler parts of the day.
Make sure you construct a shaded area in the garden or backyard.
- Keeping them hydrated:
It’s a non-negotiable, just like we pets need a lot of free water in summer. Always make sure that there’s fresh, clean, and freely available water indoors and outdoors.
Try to place cold water to encourage and initiate them to drink as much water as they can. For this, you can add ice cubes to their bowl. You can also use a pet water fountain, as it is fun and supports more drinking.
Try freezing low-sodium broth into ice cubes to overcome any mineral deficiency.
- Frozen treats:
Pets love cool treats just like how humans love popsicles. DIY frozen treats for pets are a great initiative to keep them refreshed and active.
Try these:
- For cats: freeze tuna water or pureed wet food in small molds.
- For dogs, mix plain yogurt and banana and freeze in ice trays.
- Frozen treats can also come in handy.
- Use cooling mats and beds:
Pets love to nap, so give them a cool spot to rest. There are various approaches to it, such as:
You can buy a pet cooling mat online from stores. By absorbing heat and offering a cool surface for lying on, these mats are intended to help control a dog’s body temperature.
Dampen a towel with cold water and lay it on the floor.
Place beds away from sunlight in shaded or tiled areas. Additionally, elevated beds can help by keeping your pet cool by allowing air to circulate underneath.
- Tips for Grooming in Summer:
A pet’s capacity to maintain its coolness can be greatly impacted by grooming. Frequent brushing helps get rid of extra fur and avoid matting, which can retain heat.
It’s important to remember that shaving a pet isn’t always the best option, particularly for double-coated breeds like huskies. They are insulated from the cold and the heat by their fur.
Trimming long-haired dogs can help them stay cooler. During the summer, regular baths can also help keep your pet cool.
- Never Leave Your Pet in a Car:
One big mistake for owners is leaving a pet in a closed car on a sunny, warm day. This is when the temperature in your car can skyrocket even with cracked windows. Even on a pleasant day, you could be at serious risk because of the sun’s heat.
If you can’t take your pet inside a building or a store, then it’s better to leave them at home instead of taking a dangerous risk.
Conclusion:
Summers are not always hectic; you can make it fun and safe by taking preventive measures. But this season can prove to be very serious and risky if you’re not careful.
Look for common dog overheating signs, provide plenty of water and shade, and follow smart pet care summer practices. By taking these few steps, we can make summer fun for our pets.
Your pet can’t speak, so they trust us and it’s our job to fulfill their needs and keep them safe, which can make summer their favorite season and not the most dangerous one.
FAQs
How do I keep my Dog & Cat cool?
Get in touch with your neighborhood veterinarian right away if you ever have any worries about your pet’s health. The following advice from Dr. Chimes will help you keep your cats and dogs cool.
During the heat wave, how do you keep your pet cool?
Pup-friendly sunscreen can protect exposed snouts, and paddling pools can provide sweet relief, while innovative solutions like cooling mats or jackets can keep animals chill.
