Strategies endorsed by vets for protecting pets during intense heat waves
As the mercury soars and the current weather shows no signs of subsiding, it's crucial to take extra precautions to keep our beloved pets safe and comfortable during a heatwave. Dr. Lily Richards, a renowned veterinarian, has shared her top five tips to help pet owners navigate this challenging period.
1. **Walk dogs during cooler parts of the day**: To avoid exposing your furry friend to extreme heat, Dr. Richards recommends walking them only during the early morning or late evening.
2. **Avoid hot surfaces**: If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it's likely too hot for your dog's paws. Be mindful of this when planning your walks and opt for cooler surfaces instead.
3. **Special care for vulnerable dogs**: Older dogs, puppies, and flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic breeds) are more susceptible to heat stress. It's essential to pay extra attention to these dogs during walks and playtime.
4. **Hydration is key**: Ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water to stay well-hydrated throughout the heatwave.
5. **Provide shaded or cool resting areas**: Indoors or outdoors, offering shaded or cool resting areas can help your pet regulate their body temperature safely.
These tips focus on minimizing heat exposure and preventing overheating, which can quickly become dangerous for pets during hot weather.
When it comes to sun protection, it's important to remember that human suncream contains toxic substances for pets. Instead, opt for a pet-friendly sunscreen, such as the Gentle Creatures Pet Sun Protector, an SPF30 sunscreen safe for pets that contains no zinc oxide. The sunscreen should be massaged onto sensitive areas 20 minutes before sun exposure.
During heatwaves, it's also crucial to ensure your pets are up to date with their health checks and vaccinations. Dr. Richards advises that this is especially important as pets can be at risk during such periods.
Lastly, brushing pets and keeping long-haired breeds' fur trimmed in the summertime can help prevent them from overheating in the sun. Outdoor areas should also be swept for insect nests, with professionals hired to remove them to minimise the risk of insect-related incidents.
TrustedHousesitters has teamed up with Dr. Lily Richards to offer this valuable advice and help pet owners navigate this challenging weather. By following these tips, we can ensure our pets stay cool, safe, and comfortable during a heatwave.
- Grooming long-haired pets is vital for maintaining their health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise during the heatwave, as it helps them stay cool by reducing excessive fur.
- Invest in pet-care science and technology can aid in keeping our pets healthy and comfortable in various weather conditions, such as ventilated pet carriers, pet water fountains, and pet-friendly cooling mats.
- Establishing a pet care routine involving regular walking, playing, feeding, and grooming can help contribute positively to our pets' overall lifestyle and well-being.
- Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for pet health, especially during periods of extreme weather conditions, as they may need extra assistance to stay healthy and avoid illnesses.
- Ensure pets receive timely vaccinations to protect them against potential health risks that may arise during heatwaves, such as Contracting infectious diseases from insects or other animals.
- Promote a pet-friendly lifestyle by educating others about the importance of caring for pets, particularly during weather-related challenges, ultimately benefiting both pets and pet owners.
