Keep Companion Animals Protected As Temperatures Soar
Hot Cars, Caravans, Conservatories…
It’s vitally important that our companion friends are kept happy, healthy, cool and safe this summer. As temperatures soar across the UK, we need to do all we can to protect and safeguard our furry friends. Cars can rise in temperatures quickly, never leave your animal in a hot car, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It’s not enough to leave the windows open just don’t leave them. Temperatures will rise rapidly and can cause fatal consequences.
Other places like conservatories and caravans can also cause the same problems as a car because they are all confined spaces which trap heat. Help animals by ensuring they have kept away from direct sunlight, especially smaller animals, keep them in shaded areas in the garden or inside the house, make sure they have plenty of adequate ventilation and water.
Providing plenty of fresh water will help decrease animal’s chances of becoming ill, dehydrated or even suffering with heat stroke Their symptoms can include excessive panting, breathing and drooling, these are signs and need urgent attention and help.
If you have a canine companion, avoid exercising during the hottest times of the day as they could overheat. These hot temperatures can make pavements too hot to walk on, especially for sensitive paws and pads, walking dogs at cooler times of the day will help avoid their feet getting burnt.
Parasites During The Heat
Summer can be a breeding ground for parasites, fleas, and maggots, ensure your animal friend is up to date on all their vaccinations and all flea treatments.
During the hottest hours of the day, try to make sure they have protection away from the sun and heat. There are so many hidden risks that high temperature poses for our companion animal friends so we need to look after them.
Here are some simple top tips on how to keep your companions cool this summer:
If you are spending more time outside this summer, be wary of your animals who could get heat exhaustion. Watch out for signs like increased panting (as this is their way of trying to maintain a safe internal temperature). An environment such as a car can cause overheating because it overwhelms their ability to cool themselves, over exertion can cause heatstroke.
Signs to look out for are things like panting excessively, weak looking, high heart rate, in severe cases bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures.
Stay Cool
Your companion animals will prefer to stay at home on cool surfaces during a hot/warm day. Outdoor time including walks should be before and after the sun is at its hottest, it will easier for them to breathe and cooler for them as well as more enjoyable.
Keep animals out of direct sunlight, give them shade away from the sun. Keep them indoors when it’s too hot to be outside. They need plenty of shade and water.
Never Leave Animals in Cars
Sadly, many people will make the mistake of leaving their animals in a car which can cause serious and fatal consequences. If it’s hot outside they won’t enjoy being out there, keep them as comfortable as possible, leave them at home away from the heat so they can keep cool and relax.
Overheating
Overheating can cause respiratory distress and can occur quickly. Keep them safe and cool at home.
Keep Hydrated
Plenty of fresh water is essential to help keep your animal hydrated. Water helps to evaporate fluids from their respiratory tract, so it’s essential to help them keep cool.
Specific breeds (flat-faced faced) can be more susceptible to heatstroke including more elderly animals too. Ensure there is more water on hand and they are kept as cool as possible.
Brushing Your Feline Helps
Brushing your cat more often will help remove unwanted loose hair and can also prevent overheating.
Enjoy a safe and happy summer!
