The UK and Europe are undergoing some of the hottest temperatures on record which means that we need to take extra precautions when it comes to keeping our animal friends cool as the latest heatwaves put them at risk.
Of course, we need to make sure pets have access to water, but in these particular heatwaves, which are reaching record higher temperatures, we need even more protections.
Dogs aren’t the only pets, but they are usually the ones who are walked and could be particularly impacted by the heat.
Some of the most common precautions that you may already know include not walking your dog during the heatwave, giving them access to plentiful and clean water and not leaving them in the car for even a minute.
Tips to keep your dog cool in the summer
While these apply to dogs, some of them can also apply to other pets.
- Keep your dog hydrated and give them access to plenty of clean water throughout the day.
- Make sure there are cool areas at home indoors where it’s well ventilated, air-conditioned if possible and consider using a fan.
- If you have to walk your dog, do it during the cooler hours. That means early morning or late at night, but always check to make sure what the temperature is outdoors
- If you notice the pavement is hot, then skip the walk. According to the UK’s RSPCA, if it’s too hot for you to keep your hand on for five seconds, then it’s definitely too hot for your dog’s paws!
- If you have a garden, make sure you have shaded areas, access to water and a dog-friendly sunscreen to protect them from the sun.
- Certain dogs are more at risk from heatstroke such as flat-faced, overweight or older dogs, according to Dogs Trust UK.
- You can use a sprinkler, paddling pool, or a frozen toys to keep your dog entertained and cooled during the hot weather. You can also spray them with a light mist.
- Another option is a damp towel for them to lie on
- Keeping your dog’s coat brushed allows them to have a less dense coat and keep them cooler
- Place ice cubes in your dog’s bowl, but use caution around certain dogs as it could damage their teeth
- Keep their kennel or cage in a shaded area and clean
As I said above, while this will mostly apply to dogs, it can apply to other pets. Blue Cross suggests giving your small pet (such as a rabbit) a small piece of apple or celery to eat, for added moisture.
Heat-related illness
According to Dogs Trust, the most common heatstroke symptoms are breathing changes (panting excessively or changes to breathing effort) and lethargy or drowsiness.
Heat illness signs (according to Dogs Trust and the RSPCA):
- Heavy or continuous panting, even when they’ve stopped exercise
– It may look like your dog is ‘smiling’ because they pull up the corners of their mouth to pant harder
– Their tongue may be hanging out more
– Their eyes might look ‘squinty’ - Difficulty breathing or changes to their breathing
- Bright pink/ red gums and lips
- Seeming lethargic, drowsy, stiff or unwilling to move
- Shade seeking
- Seeming wobbly or uncoordinated
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Collapse
- Seizures
Furthermore, dehydration is another sign of heatstroke, which can present as a dry nose, sunken eyes, heavy panting, infrequent urination, and tiredness. An increased heart rate and muscle spasms could also be signs.
While we all know how dangerous it is to take a pet outside during this heatwave, according to The Guardian, they could be at risk even if they are resting indoors.
Dave Martin, a vet and the head of welfare at Inspiring Vet Care, told The Guardian that some less obvious risks that people may not be aware of include dogs overheating by lying in sunny gardens and cats getting trapped in greenhouses, noting that the heat can even impact rabbits resting in hutches and runs, particularly if there was less shade than usual.
Katharine Nelson, the director of general practice at the Royal Veterinary College, told The Guardian that indoor heat management advice aimed at keeping homes cool for humans was also important for pets, including closing curtains during the day and keeping windows closed when the temperature is higher outside then opening them when the situation reverses. Nelson suggested that in extreme temperatures, dogs should skip walks altogether and instead play some indoor stimulating games and exercises.