Written by Nicola van Ass – Qualified Dog Trainer, Groomer and Feline Behaviourist
This summer is probably going be one of the hottest ones we’ve had in years. Keeping your pets cool is going to be imperative during this time.
We have some great ways to keep your pet not only cool but entertained as well.
Water is the essence of life!
Making sure that your beloved fur kids have fresh water every day is vitally important. Ensure that the water bowl is under cover (such as a porch or tree) so that it doesn’t get hot while in the sun. Having more than one water source is also important as it allows them to have water wherever they are at home. If your dog tends to be a bit rambunctious, pop the bowl into an old tyre or surround it with bricks so that it can’t be tipped over.
If you have dogs that enjoy being in and around water, a plastic shell filled halfway with clean water makes for a great pool where they can have a dip as needed. Keep in mind, though, that if you have smaller dogs, less water is better, as you don’t want them being in water that’s too deep and they can’t get out. The same goes for swimming pools – many dogs love having a good swim, but always make sure they know where the steps are or have a floating ramp that they can use to get out safely.
Another great use for water is to make “ice cream” for your dog. In a clean yoghurt or ice cream tub, mix some cooled chicken stock with water, add in a few delicious treats that your dog enjoys, and pop it into the freezer until frozen solid. This trick has quite a few bonuses! Not only will the ice keep your dog cool, but they’ll also be kept occupied while trying to get to the treats you’ve added. This works quite well for dogs that have mild separation anxiety or those that tend to bark when you’re out – they’ll be more focused on the cool food treat than worrying about being alone.
Chill out
One thing to remember is that dogs sweat through their paws. So, if you find them panting and struggling with the heat, putting cool water onto a towel on the floor for them to lie on can really make a difference to their body temperature.
There are a number of cooling beds and collars that you can purchase to help those who really struggle. An air conditioner or fan in the room can also help a lot to keep the temperature at a manageable level.
And always, always make sure your pet has a shady, cool place to lie down. Kennels tend to get really hot inside, so a spot on the patio or under a good tree can help them keep cool as well. If your yard is paved, bear in mind that this can get extremely hot and burn their paws. Ideally, put up a gazebo or shade netting and, if need be, get a few carpet remnants so that your pet has somewhere cooler to walk.
Different breeds handle hot weather differently
It’s especially important to keep an eye on dog and cat breeds that have squashed faces. This is known as a brachycephalic breed and includes pets like Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Persian cats. Because they have such compact airways, the heat can really affect them a lot quicker than breeds with longer noses. Dogs pant to help them cool down; if they struggle to pant, they may not be able to cool themselves properly.
Always remember that if your beloved companion isn’t breathing properly and it’s affecting his/her normal way of behaving, having a chat to your vet is one of the best things to do. Sometimes it’s a case of taking your fur baby into the vet for oxygen or a type of inhaler to help open the airways, and sometimes it’s just to get reassurance that they’re doing okay. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
To shave or not to shave
Many people choose to shave their pets during the hot months, and while this is generally okay, remember that most breeds that have thick fur with an undercoat are actually able to regulate their own body temperature, so shaving isn’t always necessary.
It’s important, however, to make sure that the dogs and cats with thick fur are brushed daily to get rid of the loose fur, as this can cause them to overheat. So, a bit of bonding time while brushing your pets can go a long way to keeping them cool during summer.
Summer outings
When you take your pet for a walk during summer, please be hyper aware of the temperature on the ground you’ll be walking on. Dogs’ and cats’ feet are very sensitive, and they have no protection like we do when wearing shoes. If you put the back of your hand on the surface and it’s hot, know that it’s going to be even hotter for your pet. Avoid walking at the hottest times of day (usually between 10h00 and 16h00).
If you’re going to go to a park or for a longer walk or hike, it’s always a good idea to have a bottle of water with you for your travel companion. There are many different types of bottles that come with a scoop to hold the water in specifically for pets and can be found at most vets and pet shops. Always remember, if you feel hot, they feel hotter.
Of course, it goes without saying that you should never, ever leave any animal in a car, even if it’s in the shade and the windows are cracked open, and not even if you plan to be quick. Because they don’t sweat like humans do, they can’t cool down from the slight breeze that may waft through the window (if at all), and it can be a death sentence for them. If you’re delayed for any reason, your “couple of minutes” could become a lot longer. Plus, if your car is stolen, your dog will be gone too.
By being cautious and taking their different needs into consideration, you can have a wonderful summer with your pets that both you and they will enjoy.