Draft: Pets in Hot Weather

Keep your pets safe during the summer

Summer is here and temperatures are soaring. Year on year experts are observing higher heat levels worldwide, which leads to about what this means for our beloved pets.^1-3It is our responsibility to protect our animals from extreme heat by offering them ways to cool down and escape high temperatures.

In this guide, you will find helpful tips to ensure that both people and pets can enjoy sunny days without worry.

Dogs
Cats
Small animals

Dogs

At home and in the garden

Provide cool resting spots

Make it possible for your four-legged friend to lie cool. Cooling mats are a good investment.

Create outdoor shade

Create shady spots in your garden, on your patio or balcony. Your dog can retreat there and still be outside.

Constant access to water

§ Maintaining a proper fluid balance is crucial during hot weather, so it's essential to always have fresh drinking water available. When walking your dog, be sure to have enough water with you and take regular breaks. Especially older dogs are more sensitive to high temperatures and may be at increased risk of heat exhaustion due to their pre-existing condition(s).8

Play with water

§ Splash them with water from time to time if he likes it or set up a water sprinkler or dog pool in your garden. Cooling waistcoats, which can be moistened again and again are also a good help for dogs that overheat quickly.

Regular Grooming

§ Brush your dog regularly, especially if he has long, thick fur and therefore a lot of undercoat. This will help him regulate his temperature. Also, consider trimming his coat (not clipping it to protect him from sunburn).

Outdoor Activity

Reschedule active time

§ Move strenuous activities with your dog such as jogging and cycling to the cool morning and evening hours.

Shorter, slower walks

§ Ensure your dog has enough rest periods. If your dog is overweight, has a heart condition, or is a brachycephalic breed, consider walking shorter distances or taking frequent breaks in shady areas.9

Watch out for surface temperatures

§ Always be aware of the heat that stones and asphalt can absorb in the sun. When walking, opt for shady paths, and whenever possible, choose forest trails, meadows, or grassy areas.

(Link to asphalt page)

Be careful of sunburn

§ Pay particular attention to your dog on hot days. In addition to the risk of serious cardiovascular issues and potentially life-threatening heatstroke, dogs can also suffer from sunburn, particularly on hairless or less pigmented areas of their bodies. The bridge of the nose, the pinna, and the belly (if exposed to the sun) are particularly affected.4-7

Don't overdo playtime

§ Do not overdo it with playing. Your four-legged friend can quickly overheat and become dehydrated.10 Remind your children to give your dog plenty of rest.

Travel and Car Safety

Never leave dogs in cars

§ Be careful when taking your dog in the car on warm/hot days. If your vehicle lacks air conditioning, plan long journeys for the cooler morning or evening hours. In hot weather, traffic jams can become extremely dangerous for dogs. Never leave your dog unattended in the car, even for just a few minutes! The temperature inside the car can rise dramatically in that short time. Even a shady spot can heat up quickly, turning into a deadly trap for your pet.

(Link to publication)

Plan trips wisely

Diet

Provide cold or frozen treats

§ Make your dog happy with cold or frozen treats. They will have fun and you’ll be doing him a favour by providing healthy ingredients.

(Link to summer treats for dogs)

Monitor fluid intake

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