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Planning to wear a fur coat over the next few months? Almost certainly not, so spare a thought for our furry friends who have fewer wardrobe choices and need extra care in warmer weather. Professor Natalie Waran from Companion Animals NZ’s ‘A Good Life Centre’ says hot weather can place animals at risk of heat stress, especially older or obese pets, those with heart or respiratory issues, animals with thick coats or dark fur, short-nosed dogs such as pugs (because they have flatter faces and narrower airways), and cat breeds such as exotic shorthairs or Persians.
“Heatstroke is a major concern for dogs and cats and, if not treated quickly, can lead to organ failure and even death,” says Professor Natalie. “Dehydration is another big risk. Pets can lose water fast in the heat, which affects body functions such as digestion and circulation.” Unlike humans, who sweat to cool down, cats and dogs regulate their temperature through the pads of their feet and by panting. Help to keep your pets cool in summer and protect them from heat-related health issues with these tips.
Make sure plenty of cool, fresh water is available in shady areas. On hot days, put a few of your dog’s treats in the freezer. “Frozen treats such as ice cubes made from low-sodium broth or frozen fruits suitable for your animal species can help pets cool down – but check which fruits are safe for your pet,” says Professor Natalie. Some fruits are toxic to dogs: never feed them grapes, cherries, citrus, avocados or tomatoes. Only offer the flesh of suitable fruits (always remove skin, seeds and pips) and limit high-sugar fruits such as bananas.
If you own a long-haired dog, consider giving them a trim to help them cope better in summer.
Avoid exercise in the hottest part of the day. Take dogs for a walk in the very early morning or late evening.
Provide shady areas during the day, or put a paddling pool with about 5cm of water in a shady spot for your dog to sit in. On warm days your pets will be most comfortable inside with you. Cooling pads are a great option. “These work by allowing pets to rest on a cooler surface, which aids in heat dissipation,” says Professor Natalie.
Signs of heat stroke in pets can include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, fatigue, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures. If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. And, most importantly, never, ever leave your pet in your car or vehicle, even if you don’t think it’s that hot. The SPCA warns it only takes a few minutes for a dog to die from heat stress.
Check out our full range of pet supplies for everything your pet needs this summer and beyond.
Photo credit: Getty Images
