Summer is almost upon us! The days are long and the weather is warm. It’s the perfect time of the year to get outside and spend time with your animals – but it’s important to remember the safety and well-being of your pets during this time, when sensitivity to heat is at a higher level than usual. Extreme weather conditions can severely impact the health of your four-legged friends.

Take a look at some of the most common heat-related risks for dogs and cats, and how you can keep your pets safe this Summer:

Heatstroke

Lazing around in the sun is something that our pets just love to do. But it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the dangers of heatstroke.

• Heatstroke occurs when your pet’s core body temperature is elevated above normal range. Dogs and cats have a greater risk of getting heatstroke, as they only perspire a small amount through their paws and nose.
• Symptoms of heatstroke include: difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, dizziness, vomiting, increased body temperature, dehydration and anxiety.
• Protect your pet against heatstroke by providing adequate shade, plenty of water, and keep them inside (where possible) during extreme heat.
• If you recognise any of the signs of heatstroke in your pet, contact your vet immediately.

Sunburn

It’s true – animals can get sunburned, just like humans! Excessive exposure to the sun can seriously damage your pet’s skin and can even result in skin cancer.

• The most common areas for sunburn to occur include: nose, ears, mouth, eyelids, and underbelly.
• Preventing sunburn on animals doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Ways to protect your fury friends against the sun include: using a pet-specific sunscreen, keeping you pets indoors on extremely hot days, and ensuring your home’s outdoor spaces have adequate shade to protect your pets from sunlight.
• If you pet suffers from sunburn, contact our team for advice on the most effective way to treat the affected areas.

Exercise

Keeping your pet active is an important part of maintaining their overall health and wellbeing. However, when the heat hits, this can be a difficult task.

• Consider walking your dog in the early morning or late at night to avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Dogs’ paws burn easily on hot pavement, and in some cases, even on hot sand at the beach. Avoid walking your dog on pavement, cement and sand on hot days; choose a nice shaded grassy park instead!