Top summer tips

Our 10 hot summer tips

1. Exercise your dog during the cooler parts of the day, early in the evening or late at night. Test how hot the ground is before you take your dog for a walk.
2. Prevent your pet from overheating by encouraging them to stay in shaded areas. Remove them from any environment where they appear to be hot.
3. Cool your pet from their paws and stomach. If your pet appears to be overheating try having them lie on a wet towel and offer them cool water but do not force them to drink it. Never use ice or very cold water, as cooling a pet too quickly can delay the internal cooling of their body.
4. Paddling pools and sprinklers (under supervision) are a fun way to keep your dog cool or you can treat your dog with an ice block (made from chicken or beef stock). Chew toys are also great for freezing!
5. Grooming is essential for your pet, particularly in summer. Regular brushing will help to rid your pet of excess fur which can contribute to overheating. Depending on the thickness of their coat they may benefit from a clip.
6. Like us, all pets can get sunburnt if they lie in the sun for too long particularly in areas where there is little to no fur, or fur that is very light in colour. Cover these areas in pet sunscreen when exposed to the sun. Only use pet sunscreen as regular sunscreen can be toxic to animals.
7. Provide fresh drinking water at all times. Carry a water bottle when you take them out and about. Pet water fountains are great for pets who like to drink running water. Wet food is also an easy way to increase their water intake.
8. Supervise swimming as not all pets are natural swimmers, they may need the help of a flotation device. Keep them safe with a life jacket if you choose to take them out on a boat. Never force your pet into the water and always rinse them off with clean water after a swim to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
9. Some types of decorative plants are toxic to dogs and cats. In some cases, only mild indigestion and discomfort will result, in other cases, the toxicity can lead to more severe health problems and even fatalities. If you are planning to bring holiday foliage into your home, ensure you know which plants are safe, and which should be avoided entirely. Common hazardous plants include Poinsettia, Lilies, Daffodils and Christmas trees.
10. Summer means barbeque fun for us but the food and drinks can be harmful to pets. Keep them well away from foods such as corn, onions and cooked bones. Learn more about hazardous food for pets here.

Car travel

• When travelling with your pet it is best not to feed them for 4-6 hours beforehand.
• For their comfort, make sure the car is well ventilated and the music is turned down.
• Take plenty of toilet breaks ensuring they are always secured back in the car with a dog harness.
• Never leave your pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes in a shaded area. Pets are unable to regulate their body temperature as well as humans, so even a few minutes in a car can cause irreversible damage.
• If your pet is prone to getting car sick, visit your veterinarian in advance as they may be able to help with anti-nausea ideas.