Summer heat waves can take a toll on your beloved pets' health. Whether you're a pet parent or care for stray animals in your locality, we've got your concerns covered.
Here are 6 tips to keep your furry or feathery friends safe and cool during those scorching summer heat waves:
1) Prevent dehydration in pets
Dehydration is a serious condition that occurs when your pet loses more fluids than they take in.
Summer heat, illness, and even vigorous exercise can all contribute to dehydration in pets. It can lead to organ failure and even death if left untreated.
Imagine a cat lethargic and refusing food. Their gums might be dry and sticky, and their skin might be less elastic when pinched. These are all signs of dehydration.
Taking steps to prevent dehydration is crucial for your pet's health. Make sure they have constant access to fresh, cool water.
Consider adding ice cubes or frozen treats to their water bowl to entice them to drink more. Additionally, incorporating wet food with higher moisture content into their diet can help.
2) Keep the house cool for your pets:
With rising temperatures, pets can struggle to regulate their body heat, leading to overheating and heat stroke. Unlike humans, pets can't sweat effectively to cool down. This is especially true for breeds with thick fur like pugs and persian cats.
A pug on a hot day might be panting excessively, drooling, and lethargic. These are signs of heat stress. If left unchecked, it can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition.
A damp towel rub or a cooling mat with shades in room for your pet provides a safe haven to regulate their body temperature and prevent overheating.
It's a simple way to keep them comfortable and healthy during hot weather. You can also mist them with cool water (avoid their face).
3) Look for a pet-specific sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Sunburn, like for us, can hurt pets. Especially on light fur or hairless skin. Sunburns raise their risk of skin cancer. Frequent sun exposure can lead to squamous cell carcinoma in cats with light ears or noses.
So sunscreen is necessary to protect your furry friend, keeping them cool and healthy for playtime.
Note: Never use human sunscreen on your pet, as it can be toxic.
4) Summer Grooming is key!
Summer grooming involves regular brushing, occasional baths with pet-friendly shampoo, and strategic trims (depending on your pet's coat type).
- Brushing: Removes loose fur that traps heat next to your pet's skin, promoting air circulation and keeping them cooler.
- Bathing: A cool bath with pet shampoo can remove dirt, debris, and sweat that can also contribute to overheating and itching.
- Strategic Trims: For single-coated pets, a shorter summer haircut can help them stay cooler.
5) Use preventive medication to control fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Fleas, ticks, and other pests can make your furry friend miserable with constant itching and irritation. This stress can lead to restlessness and hinder their enjoyment of the outdoors.
The good news? Preventive medication can keep your pet itch-free and comfortable. While specific needs may vary, veterinarians overwhelmingly recommend preventive medication for all pets.
They understand the risks these pests pose and have seen firsthand the benefits of prevention.
6. Regular Vet checkups, ideally once a month during the summer.
Hotter weather and humidity can worsen skin conditions and ear infections. Head shaking is the classic sign of ear discomfort. Dryness in skin is due to walking on hot pavements and rough terrain. While signs such as licking the paws, cracked skin are the ones to watch for, early detection through checkups prevents discomfort for your pet.
Be aware of the signs of heatstroke in pets, which include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and glazed eyes. If you suspect your pet is overheating, take immediate steps to cool them down and seek veterinary attention.
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