Taking Care of your Pets in Hot Weather

With hot weather appearing and disappearing over the last few weeks it is important to keep your pets safe while both in and around the home. You might think letting them roam around outside is a great idea but in reality it’s important to know what care your pets need during hot weather, and how to keep them cool this summer.

How To Keep Your Pets Cool In Hot Weather

1. Don’t leave your pet in the car – We have all heard the horror stories on social media going viral over the last few years of animals being left in cars with disastrous endings. You might pop into your local Tesco to grab a few bits and you come back to your car and it’s like a furnace. Regardless of whether you can leave the windows open a few centimeters or not your pet will be uncomfortable and in danger being left in the car. If you do see a dog or other animal locked in a car on a hot day, the ISPCA advise that you try to determine how long the dog has been left in the car (look for a pay and display ticket on the dashboard, for example). And if the pet is showing signs of distress or overheating, then contact the Gardaí immediately or dial 999 /112.

2. Avoid walking your dog during peak sun hours – The best times for walking your dog during the hot weather is early morning or late evening. You can check the temperature of the ground by pressing your fingers on the ground for 5 seconds. If you can’t leave your fingers on the ground then it is too hot for your dog also. Just like humans, dogs can get sunburnt through their fur and around their nose.

3. Keep your house cold – Leaving your windows open during the heat when possible will really help your pets stay comfortable during the day, if you have house pets. You will often find your pets in the coolest part of your house during this weather so helping them stay cool will keep them comfortable.

4. Shade – If you keep your pets outside make sure they have a shaded area they can rest under during the day

5. Food & Water – Plenty of water kept in the shade to keep your dog hydrated. Adding some ice cubes to the water is a good idea to keep the water cold for longer. Like humans, your dog may not feel hungry during warmer weather. Monitor how much your dog is eating if they are prone to undereating.

6. Avoid dog grooming – Although you might think that by getting rid of your dog’s longer fur it will cool your pet down, it may do more harm than good. Fur acts as a protection from sunburn and overheating.

7. Checking for ticks and fleas – Warm weather will cause ticks and fleas to thrive so it’s good to be vigilant and use the warm weather as an excuse to wash your pets bedding frequently.

8. Keep your shed and cleaning products locked away – You may be using your gardening and cleaning products more freely during the summer months so be careful to keep toxic and chemical products locked away or out of reach of your pets and children.

9. Dehydration – Watch out for the signs of dehydration such as panting, vomiting clear liquid, increased heart rate and restlessness to name a few.

10. Swimming – Dogs who can swim well can be brought to beaches, lakes or canals for some swimming and a quick cool down. Paddling pools and hoses can be used at home and for dogs who may not feel comfortable in deep water.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary with your pet contact your local vet, they will have an out of hour’s number available if needed.

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs & Cats

If you notice any of the following signs in your cat or dog during warm weather, you should treat it as an emergency.

• Heavy Panting or Breathing: For dogs, this may be frantic, heavy, or noisy panting. For cats, any panting or open-mouthed breathing is a serious sign of distress.
  
• Lethargy, Weakness or Dizziness: Your pet may seem unusually tired, drowsy, uncoordinated or may stumble when trying to walk.
  
• Drooling More Than Normal: Excessive or unusually thick or heavy drool.
  
• Change in Gum/Tongue Colour: Gums or tongue may appear bright red, dark red, pale or even have a blueish tinge.
  
• Restlessness: Your pet may seem agitated, anxious or unable to settle as it tries to find a cool spot.
  
• Increased Heart Rate: Your pet’s heart may be beating faster than usual or feel like it is racing.
  
• Confusion or Glazed Eyes: They may seem disoriented or have a glassy-eyed appearance.
  
• Sweaty Paws (especially in cats): As cats sweat through their paws, you might notice damp paw prints.
  
• Collapse, Muscle Tremors, or Seizures: These are signs of severe, life-threatening heatstroke.

If you believe your pet is suffering from heatstroke, you must take immediate steps to cool them down and contact your vet straight away for emergency advice.

 

How To Keep Pets Cool In Hot Weather
Frequently Asked Questions