How to protect your pet in the warm weather
We’re heading into the warmest weekend of the year so far - with temperatures across Britain set to push 30C. And, if you can avoid the forecast thunderstorms, it should be a lovely weekend.
Dr Scott is here to make sure our four legged friends enjoy it as you do. He’s here with his top tips to keep them cool, healthy and happy all summer long.
What should we do with our dogs during a thunderstorm?
Exercising your dog beforehand - This will help to reduce their energy that could otherwise be placed into worrying.
Make your pet familiar with thunderstorms - Start to play the noise quietly and only increase the volume when your dog does not show any reaction to the sound.
Reward your dog's positive behaviour - Reward your dogs positive, non-reactive behaviour at the sight and sound of a thunderstorm with a treat or their favourite toy.
Use a thunder shirt - it is a snug fitting coat for your dog that simulates a hug and rewarding behaviour.
Play games, and be positive.
How to keep your dog cool in hot weather?
If they're out in the sunshine for too long, dogs can easily suffer from heat stroke. They may show signs such as excessive panting, drooling, distressed breathing and an increased heart rate.
Ahead of the heatwave, the RSPCA warned against taking dogs for a walk in the sunshine as they can burn their paw pads and suffer from sunburn, dehydration and an increase in insect bites.
Will our pets will show us symptoms if they are overheating?
Dogs and cats may exhibit slightly different symptoms if they are overheating:
You should look to cool and hydrate your dog immediately if you notice excessive panting for more than five minutes, and sweaty paws.
Cats do not regulate their temperature by panting, but may experience breathlessness and disorientation.
How can you keep your cat safe in the heat?
Cats are often less active than dogs and tend to find shaded areas to lay down, so are less likely to develop heat stroke.
But, The Blue Cross has said cat owners should avoid opening unprotected windows to prevent their feline friends from falling and hurting themselves.
They have recommended putting a safety mesh on the window, so you are still able to open it for the fresh air.
How do other pets react to the heat?
While cats rarely suffer from heat stroke - other pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs can get very hot in a closed hutch.
Make sure to move the hutch to a shaded cool area if possible. If you have a safe garden space, Dr Scott recommends letting your pets out.
For pet fish, lizards and birds tanks and cages should be kept away from direct sunlight and any water changed regularly to stop them overheating.
What should we avoid doing with our pets in the heatwave?
It is not recommended to travel with your pet during hot weather days.
Never leave your pet in the car with no air flow, even opening the window slightly will still create an uncomfortable environment for them in the heat.
If you do need to travel with a pet, make sure to open two windows or have the air conditioning on. Try to avoid public transport such as trains, as these can get very hot and uncomfortable for animals.
Dr Scott's top tips for keeping your pets cool:
Always provide fresh water for your pet (you can put ice cubes in their water bowl
Limit exercise with your pets on hot days. (Watch out for how warm the pavement is. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws)
Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from the sun and plenty of shade (avoid walking dogs in the middle of the day when it is usually hottest)
Tree shade is ideal because it doesn't obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat - in fact, it makes it worse.
Whip up a batch of quick and easy DIY 'pup-sicles' for dogs.
Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool - not cold water over them.
Trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog - the layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.