Tips for Keeping your Pet Safe in the Summer Heat

With temperatures rising significantly over this past week, the USPCA is urging pet owners to ensure their much-loved companions are kept safe from the heat. It’s vital that animals have access to fresh water and shade during the warmer weather. Check out some of our tips below to guide you safely through the summer months:

Water is Key

Pets can become dehydrated more easily on warm or humid days, so make sure they have access to clean and fresh cold water. If out and about with your pet, always make sure you are carrying water – water bottles with attached trays for your pet are available at the USPCA Pet Supplies Shop. These can also come in handy for covering your dog’s coat to help regulate their body temperature. Paddling pools are also a great resource, and aren’t just for kids! On a hot day your dog will appreciate a pool to dip his or hers paws into. This is an effective way of cooling them down rapidly as they absorb and release heat through their paws.

Watch the Paws

With very high temperatures, be mindful of tarmac heat as this may burn the pads of your pets’ paws – regularly cool them with water and keep walks to a minimum during peak times of the day.

Never Leave Your Pet Alone in the Car

During the warmer weather, the interior temperature of a car can reach unbearable levels in such a short space of time. This can unfortunately result in heat stroke and potentially even death, which we have sadly seen happen in the past. Please remember, even if a window is open, you are parked in the shade, or are only going to be away for five minutes – not long is too long.

Understand Overheating Symptoms

Ensure you have an understanding of what overheating may look like in your pet. Symptoms include; increased heart or respiratory rate, weakness, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling or an exhaustive, semi-unconscious state. If exposed to extreme heats, more severe symptoms include seizures, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting. Overheating is an emergency situation, if you suspect this please contact your veterinary clinic immediately. The USPCA can be reached on 028 3025 1000.

Cool Towel

By wetting a towel with cool water (not freezing water) and patting the coat, this helps to lower your dog’s body temperature. This technique is good to use if you believe your dog may be suffering from heatstroke. Cooling mats and coats are also very effective and are avaiable from the USPCA Pet Supplies Shop in a range of sizes. 

We hope you found this information helpful and wish you and your pet a safe and enjoyable summer in the sun!