With high temperatures predicted in the UK over the next couple of days, natural animal health company, nutravet share some tips to keep your pets cool.
It’s always lovely to be able to enjoy more time outside with our pets. However, during hot weather, it’s important to take extra care to ensure your pets stay happy and healthy in the sun.
With temperatures set to soar throughout the UK over the next couple of days, many people will be spending more time outdoors. However, spending long periods of time in the sun could pose a health risk to your pet.
RVN from nutravet, Korina Stephens says “We all love spending time with our pets outside, especially when the weather is nice. However. It’s important to ensure our pets are kept cool and safe during a heatwave. In hot weather, it can be hard for pets to stay cool as they don’t sweat the same as their owners. Dogs stay cool by panting, but if the air they breathe in is only warm, it can make it harder for them to cool down.
“It’s important to remember how the sun and hot weather can impact your pet. Be sure to keep them out of the sun for prolonged periods of time and ensure they have plenty of water and shade to keep them cool. Keeping an eye on all pets is really important to ensure everyone can enjoy the sunshine together.”
To help care for your pet in hot weather, nutravet share some top tips:
Hot cars – Never leave you pet alone in a car in hot weather. Even for short periods of time, car temperatures can rise fast in the sun and cause serious health problems for pets.
Sunburn – Just like us pets can get sunburnt if they spend too much time in the sun. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair, such as white cats are more susceptible to sensitive skin from the sun. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun. You could also use sun cream that is specially formulated for pets.
Protect paws – Be sure to protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces during the summer. Pavements and surfaces can get hot in high temperatures and could burn your pet’s paws.
Offer shade – make sure your pet has access to plenty of shade, out of the sun. You could even set up a small paddling pool in your garden to keep your dog cool.
Fresh water – make sure your pets have access to fresh drinking water. You could put some ice cubes in their water bowl to help keep it cool. If you take your dog for a walk, take extra drinking water for them.
Exercise – your dog still needs exercise, even on hotter days. However, be sure to walk them early in the morning or late at night to avoid the hottest times of the day.
If you are worried about your pet’s health, contact your vet who is best placed to offer advice.
For more top tips visit www.nutravet.co.uk
