05 Jul Keep it cool this summer
Feeling hot, hot, hot!
It’s summertime and we’re all enjoying the warmer weather, sizzling bbq’s and ice-cold drinks. It’s important to enjoy the sun in moderation and the same goes for your four-legged friends.
When the heat is on.
Factor 50
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in dogs and second in cats? Even with a covering of fur, the strong rays of sun can still get to your cat or dog so be sure to apply sun cream to their most exposed areas (dog’s tummies for example or around a cat’s nose). Make sure you use sun cream that’s safe for pets and that won’t irritate their skin.
Keep those locks long
Logic says ‘the less hair, the cooler the dog will be,’ right? Wrong! Well groomed coats will keep your pet cool by providing better circulation and regulating their body temperature.
Red bits
If your dog or cat does get sunburned, make sure you treat it with a thin layer of Aloe Vera to sooth the area. Check to make sure it’s not toxic to pets.
Keep your cool.
Walkies
Time it right and make sure you’re not taking your dog out for a walk during the hottest times of the day (usually between 1-4pm). Stick to dawn and dusk when the air is cooler. Similarly try and encourage cats to stay indoors during these peak hours. If you have a dog with a short snout, they may struggle to pant effectively which is their main way of regulating temperature. Finally, don’t forget your pet’s pads… you have shoes to protect your feet, your pets don’t, so make sure the ground is not too hot for them if they are out.
Cars are a NO!
NEVER leave your pet in the car. Even with the windows open your car will heat up like a greenhouse on wheels. Temperatures in cars can rise by 10 ͦC in just 7 minutes and may prove fatal.
Know the signs
Heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea and general unsteadiness are all warning signs of heat exhaustion. Do not place your pet in cool or ice water – the shock may make things worse! Instead place a cool, damp cloth or towel over their body and keep re-soaking it to lower their temperature. You’ve got 4Paws pet insurance which means you have access to unlimited, free video calls with FirstVet. They will be able to advise whether you need to head to the vets or offer some tips to help cool them down. If you’re not sure then play it safe and get your pet seen in person by a vet.
Keep indoors
Close the doors, pull the blinds and shut all the curtains… OK that may be a little over the top, but your pet won’t think so. They’ll be glad of the cooler indoor environment and it’s a great option if you are heading out of the house for a few hours. Returning to a nice cool house could be as enjoyable for you as it is for your fur-baby!
There are loads of ways to safely enjoy the sun and stay safe.
Enjoy the summer!
The 4Paws Team