TGtS Recommends - Keeping Pets Cool in Hot Weather

We've teamed up with Eastcott Vets to give you some handy summer tips to keep your animals safe in the sun this summer.

1) Walk dogs at the coolest times of the day, early morning or late evening. 

2) Try not to take to the dog in a car. If you do, open the doors and windows to allow the car to cool before putting your dog in. Special window vent guards are good for keeping your dog safe and cool whilst travelling. A non spill water bowl can be kept in the boot of the car. 

3) Never leave a pet in the car even with water and windows open. Car fans do not keep a car cool enough even those specially marketed for dogs.

4) Try to encourage your dog to walk rather than run if possible, so no ball or chase games and try to walk where you dog is not likely to want to go off hunting. 

5) Take special care if you have a ‘busy’ breed such as Spaniels, Staffordshire bull terriers – any breeds that are constantly ‘on the go’ tend not to stop even when heat exhausted. 

5) Take special care if you have a bracheacephailic breed (dogs with ‘squashed’ muzzles) these dogs find it hard to pant efficiently with their short noses and narrow nostrils. 

6) Take special care if you have a dog that wears a muzzle. Basket style muzzles allow some free panting but fabric muzzles can be very restrictive. By law some dogs have to be muzzled at all times in public and so will need to be very carefully managed during hot spells. Some dog may be more ‘tetchy’ and inclined to bite when hot and stressed so be aware that a hot dog may not appreciate the attention of a small child.

7) Plan days out carefully. If you are taking your dog make sure you don’t have to leave it in the car at any time. Many pubs allow dogs but check there is somewhere cool and shaded for them. If in doubt leave them at home and get a neighbour to let them out during the day. 

8) Consider having long haired dogs clipped.

9) Apply appropriate sun block to the tips of ears, noses and any hairless areas of white cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and hens with any bald patches to prevent sunburn. 

10) When indoors, provide a cool shaded area with plenty of fresh drinking water. 

11) For small pets, ensure that they are not housed near windows. It might be shaded at certain points of the day but could be in full sun at others.

12) Check rabbits and poultry daily. Fly strike happens quickly and catching it early can make all the difference. Check beneath the tail or vent especially. Provide plenty of shade and fresh drinking water.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• Heavy panting with heaving chest
• Increased salivating
• Staring glazed eyes
• Unsteadiness
• Collapse
• Hens may have a floppy comb and may pant
• Cats rarely pant so panting would be a cause for concern
• Airway is not affected

Treatment

• Take somewhere cool and well ventilated. Use fans if available
• Cool with cool damp towels or douse with cool (not cold or freezing) water.
• Offer cool water to drink
• You may need to visit a vet where oxygen and intravenous fluids may be required – if so ensure the car is cool and well ventilated