Most pets can't sweat as well as we do. Overheating, illness and outbreak of summer ailments are a severe risk during a heat wave. How do you keep your pet cool these days? 6 cooling tips for all kinds of pets.
1: Give access to cool places
Make sure your pet always has access to a cool shady spot, and let him find his own cool spot in the house. Also make sure that the cage of your rabbit, rodent or bird is in a cool, shady place and don't hang a birdcage too high.
For your rodents you can DIY create cooling elements by, for example, placing a tile in the refrigerator first and put it in his cage. Or hang a wet white cloth over the loft. Rabbits can't stand the heat very well . Let them preferably find their own cool spot outside in the garden.
For dogs, there are special cooling mats for sale, but the quality of these is very variable, make sure you buy a cooling mat that doesn't leak or break quickly. Otherwise you can also make cooling elements by placing a bottle of water in the freezer and wrap it in a thin cloth.
If you are going to walk your dog, choose a shadydog park. The beach can be a party for dogs who like to swim, but there is no shadow and sand can get too hot for dog paws. Find forests or shady parks with bathing water. Also be careful with asphalt: dark asphalt can become hot at lightning speed and your dog's feet burn.
2: Avoid intensive daytime exercise
Dogs suffer from the heat faster than we do, so avoid long and intensive walks. Plan exercise in the early and late hours of the day when it is cooler . Don't let the dog run beside the bike, but watch his body language and let him set the pace and intensity of the walk accordingly
Some dogs don't know their own limits well, so make sure he rests on time Fetching and running games are best to save for the cool moments of the day. Do you use a dog sitter at Pawshake? Ask your dog sitter to take into account the heat - make sure your dog will get (mental ) challenge, attention and love but no physical exhaustion.
3: Make sure your pet stays hydrated
Make sure your pet drinks enough. That means that fresh drinking water must be available always and everywhere, so also on the road! Don't use ice cold water, it can make dogs nausious. Are you worried that your pet doesn't drink enough? Add a little bit of water to his meal, making it a 'soup'! And don't put your cat's water bowl near his food bowl or litter box: a cat prefers to drink in a separate place.
Feed rodents and other pets that like plants regularly fresh, water-rich snacks like cucumber and carrot. And for dogs, an ice cube is a very nice treat / toy! Before giving it to your dog, rinse the ice cube with cold water so that your dog's tongue won't stick to it.
4: Brush excessive hair
An extra grooming session is a good way to get some air into your cat or dog's fur. Brush away excessive hair but never shave your pet! The fur is important for heat regulation. Remember that short-haired dogs with a light fur and, for example, nude cats can also get a sunburn! There are special sunscreens for animals for sale, as well as UV clothing for dogs and cats. But always avoid your animal being exposed to the sun for a long time.
5: Pay attention to hygiene
With this warm weather, bacteria and algae can thrive. Therefore, keep an eye on hygiene for your pets. Be careful that your dog does not drink from dirty ditches puddles, as they can cause diarrhea. Don't leave fresh food and wet food outside of the refrigerator for too long and clean the food and drink trays extra thoroughly . Change the water regularly to prevent algae growth in the drinking bowls.
Of course, always cean up dog poo in the streets. And also the litter box could use an extra cleanse with this warm weather. Clean the cage of your rabbits or rodents an extra time around and check the excrement for diarrhea and parasites. And remember that the water in your fish tank can also rise considerably and extra algae growth can occur. Change the water one more time,
In the warm months there is also an additional risk of parasites. Check your dog carefully for ticks and keep checking your pet for fleas. Your rabbit is at extra risk of Myjasis ( maggot disease). If you see any change in your pet's behaviour, itching, drewling, nauseau, change in appetite or stool: consult a veterinarian immediately.
6: Not in the car
NEVER leave your dog alone in the car in this weather, Also not with the windows open or just for a moment. The temperature in the car can rise super-fast, and that can be really fatal. If you still have to travel with your dog, turn on the air conditioning, put a cooling mat in the car, provide drinking water and regularly stop for a walk under the trees. Always pay close attention to your dog or he does not get overheating symptoms.
On vacation? Book a pet sitter
Are you going on vacation this summer and can't your pet come along? Book a lovely pet sitter in your area at Pawshake. Your pet can stay out or the sitter visits your pet at your home.
Enjoy the summer and keep it cool!
