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.
Keep dogs away from adders
Dog-Friendly Cornwall has tips on when to avoid walking near basking adders (‘safe hours’ were before 9am and after 7pm). But rising temperatures means times may change. Adder bites need emergency vet care (read more on how to avoid & treat adder bites).
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.
