The Cool Pet Blueprint: Simple Summer Tweaks
All pets (especially large breeds and older pets) are at risk of heatstroke (and that includes cats, even though many like warm weather). Blue Cross has tips to keep pets safe in warm weather.
- Ensure pets have access to fresh clean water (take travel bowls on walks).
- Only walk dogs early morning and late evening in warm/hot weather. If pavements are too hot for your hands/feet, they are too hot for paws.
- Swimming can mask heatstroke symptoms (75% of cases are with running/playing dogs). A shallow paddling pool (with no toys) may be a good idea.
- Groom regularly to avoid matted fur (stops regulating temperature).
- Some dogs with thin coats or pink noses, may benefit from pet-safe sunscreen (ask your vet about suitable brands). Use parasols to protect from sunburn. Never use human sunscreen on dogs (and wash skin after using skin/sun creams, cosmetics or deodorants containing zinc oxide.
- Always check before travel of dog-friendly places (to save wasted trips, as dogs should never be left in cars). Read more on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
How to prevent and treat heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke in pets are:
- Heavy panting
- Weakness
- Red gums
- Vomiting
If dogs are panting with red gums, or vomiting/collapsing, move to shady area and pour cool (not icy) water over the body (not head) until breathing normal. Give small sips of cool water.
- Use a fan (or place ice wrapped in a towel) on groin/armpits.
- Don’t place wet towels on the body, this can raise temperature.
- Put air-conditioning on in the car, when driving to vet.
Never leave dogs in (even warm) cars
- Never leave dogs in (even warm) cars, as the temperature heats up quickly inside (air-conditioning can fail), and can kill in minutes (same for glass conservatories).
- Keep dogs with you when out driving, or leave them at home in warm/hot weather. Councils can help by creating more dog-friendly beaches (to avoid irresponsible guardians leaving them in cars, when they discover beach bans).
- If you find a dog in a hot car, smash the window and move to a shady area, then use cool (not cold) water as above, and immediately call the vet, RSPCA and police (take registration number).
- You may be charged with criminal damage, but most people who leave dogs have ‘forgotten’ and will not prosecute. They will feel terrible.
- Visit My Dog is Cool to download free posters for your community.
- Window tints reduce UV glare, but not temperatures.
- Also don’t leave dogs in cold cars, vehicles to act like refrigerators.
How to keep dogs safe near snakes
- Keep dogs on leads when walking in tall grass or bush. Be extra careful around piles of wood and rocks. And creeks or other water sources, especially early morning or evening.
- Don’t leave food (or fruit waste) outside (this can also attract rodents).
- Dog-Friendly Cornwall has tips on when to avoid walking (‘safe hours’ were previously before 9am and after 7pm). But climate change has adapted temperatures, so this does not always follow.
- Goodheart Animal Health Centres has tips to protect small dogs (advice could apply to other species) from birds of prey. Attacks are rare, but info is useful for people who live near eagles and raptors.
If a dog is bitten by a snake:
- Call a vet immediately (read how to avoid & treat adder bites).
- Keep calm and stay quiet, so your dog doesn’t panic. Lift and carry your dog to the car to stop venom from spreading.
- Don’t wash or attempt to treat the bite yourself.
- If you can safely take a photo of the snake, this can help vets.
- Animal Emergency Service has tips on symptoms and treatment.
