When temperatures rise, pets can suffer from the heat just as much, if not more, than humans. Dogs, cats, and other animals have their own ways of coping with the heat, but it's our responsibility as pet owners to help them. In this blog post, we'll share some valuable tips for cooling down your pets and keeping them safe and comfortable during the hot summer months.
How do you know if your pet is suffering from the heat?
Recognizing the signs of overheating in your pet is the first step to protecting them. Animals suffering from heat stress often exhibit symptoms such as:
- Decreased appetite
- Fast and heavy breathing
- Listlessness and less activity
- In dogs: visible wet paw prints due to the sweat glands in their paws
- Dogs may also pant excessively and act restlessly, while cats are more likely to lie in the shade and move less.
What to do if you notice signs of overheating?
If you notice your pet showing signs of overheating, it's important to take action quickly. Move your pet to a cooler location, provide plenty of fresh water, and try to slowly lower their body temperature with a cool, wet cloth. Avoid ice-cold water, however, as this can cause shock. Consult your veterinarian if necessary, especially if your pet continues to pant, remains lethargic, or shows signs of exhaustion.
The obvious solution: water…
Water is essential for keeping your pet cool, especially on hot days. Always have fresh drinking water available and change it regularly, as water quickly warms up and becomes unpleasant to drink. It's also wise to have several water bowls scattered throughout the house, especially for cats who sometimes don't drink enough. Water fountains are an excellent way to encourage your pet to drink more, as many animals prefer running water.
Extra tip: ice cubes and popsicles
A fun way to keep your pet hydrated and cool is to put ice cubes in their water bowl. Dogs often enjoy playing with them and cooling off. You can also make homemade popsicles by mixing water with some chicken broth and pouring it into ice cube trays. This makes a refreshing and tasty treat for your dog!
More water: swimming and cooling off
Some animals, especially dogs, enjoy a refreshing dip. Setting up a small pool specifically for your pet can be a great way to cool them off. Let your pet decide when they want to swim to prevent overheating. We offer special pet pools that are safe and sturdy for your pet. We also offer dog toys that you can fill with water for extra cooling during playtime.
Extra tip: wet towels
If you don't have a pool available, you can also provide a wet towel for your dog to lie on. This can help lower their body temperature without getting them completely wet.
Prevent combustion
Just like people, pets, especially those with light or white fur, can get sunburned. The back, ears, and nose are particularly vulnerable areas. For hairless dogs and hairless cats, it's important to keep them completely out of the sun, as their skin lacks protection against UV rays. Did you know that there's special sunscreen for dogs and cats? It's non-toxic and helps protect their sensitive areas.
Extra tip: pay attention to the asphalt
Also, pay close attention to where you walk your dog. Asphalt and sidewalks can get extremely hot in the sun and can burn the pads of their paws. A simple test: place your palm on the asphalt. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Provide sufficient shade and coolness
Keep your pet out of direct sunlight and ensure they always have access to a cool, shady spot, both indoors and outdoors. Place their bed on a cool tile floor or in a shady corner. If the heat is unbearable, consider investing in one of our cooling mats. These mats stay cool without needing to be refrigerated and provide a comfortable place for your pet to cool down.
Extra tip: fans and air conditioning
If it gets very warm indoors, a fan or air conditioning can work wonders. Place the fan in a spot where your pet can choose to sit nearby for extra cooling. However, make sure the airflow isn't too strong, as this can dehydrate them.
Cooling mats and cooling vests
Cooling collars and vests are available specifically for dogs. These products are designed to keep your pet cool during walks or other activities in the heat. Simply wet the collar or vest and put it on. The evaporation process of the water helps lower your dog's body temperature. For example, check out the Pupcakes Cooling Mat and Pupcakes Cooling Vest.
Sufficient rest and no excessive exertion
Keep in mind that your pet will have less energy on hot days. Avoid strenuous exercise and long walks during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 12 and 4 p.m. Instead, try walking early in the morning or late in the evening when it's cooler. Even if your dog seems full of energy, make sure they get plenty of rest to prevent overheating.
Conclusion
Summer heat can have a major impact on your pet's well-being, but with the right measures, you can help them stay cool and comfortable. Always provide plenty of fresh water, shade, and rest, and avoid overexertion during the hottest hours of the day. By using equipment like water fountains, cooling mats, and special cooling collars, you give your pet the best protection against the heat. This way, you can both enjoy a safe and fun summer!
