Keep it cool

Changeable weather plays havoc with pets, especially the hotter days and nights.

Unlike humans, most animals can’t sweat to reduce body heat. Instead, dogs and cats mainly lose heat by either panting, licking, or through their paws, and there is a limit as to how much they can cool themselves.

Keeping them hydrated helps, as will leaving them at home in the shade rather than roasting in a hot car while you go shopping. Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting or salivation, dark ‘brick red’ gums, restlessness, vomiting and diarrhoea, although some animals may just collapse, especially in parked cars.

Animal centres, pet outlets, and veterinarians are full of suggestions for keeping pets cool.

These include:

• Modifying their exercise or walking routine to avoid being out in the heat of the day. Try early in the morning or last thing at night.
• Ensure your pet has access to fresh drinking water. Ceramic or plastic bowls are preferable, or in a drinking fountain so they can enjoy flowing water.
• Don’t leave dogs alone in cars. If travelling, ensure they have plenty of cool, fresh water to hydrate.
• Use a cooling mat. These are an excellent way to keep cats and dogs cool, available at most pet shops, and can be used anywhere.
• Take your dog for a swim, or set up the sprinkler on the back lawn.
• Make sure shaded areas are accessible at home.