Summer holidays are on the horizon… Which means lots of outdoor fun for you and your pet! However, it also means intense heat waves and summer pests which can cause your four-legged best friend some serious discomfort. Here’s how you can help and make sure this is the best summer for your furry best friend yet:
Did you know that fur babies with flat faces, like pugs or Persian cats, are more prone to heatstroke? They battle to cool themselves effectively when panting. The same goes for senior and overweight pets, so make sure you pay extra attention to them in summer and consider switching on the aircon for them!
Help your four-legged best friend stay cool by ensuring they have access to plenty of fresh, clean water and a cool, shaded area inside and outside. While you’re here, check out our range of dog and cat bowls.
Sometimes despite your best efforts, your pet can overheat. Understanding the warning signs can help ensure they make a quick recovery. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Trouble breathing or raspy breaths
- Heavy or excessive panting
- Bright red gums
- Weakness or collapsing onto floor
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive drool
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Warm skin (warmer than normal)
- A high temperature
- Seizures
It’s important not to panic if your pet has heatstroke. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Get your pet out of the sun and into a cool, shady environment - preferably air conditioning. Alternatively, turn on a fan and direct the airflow at your fur baby.
- Take their rectal temperature and record it for your vet.
- Wet towels and place them on your fur baby’s neck, groin, and pits.
- Gently sprinkle their ear flaps and paws with cool water.
- Contact your vet for an emergency appointment.
Did you know that it can take than 10 minutes for your pet to develop heatstroke in a hot car? It’s important to never leave your fur baby in a parked car in summer - not even for a few minutes. Instead, why not use one of our dog leashes and take them with you?
While your dog might be pool trained, they might not be a great swimmer. It’s important to never leave your pets to potter about the pool without your supervision. Older dogs have been known to fall in and panic. If your pup isn’t pool trained, check out our tips on teaching your doggo how to swim, here.
Also, make sure to wash your fur babies after a swim as this could irritate their skin. Take a look at our range of doggie shampoos. We’ve even got a solution for pets with sensitive skin!
The December holiday season can mean lots of yummy food and drink for humans. Unfortunately, a lot of this food can be poisonous for pets - but still extremely tempting! Make sure to keep these foods and drinks out of reach as they are toxic to dogs and cats:
- Grapes
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Xylitol or foods containing it
- Onions
- Alcohol
Why not distract them and give them their own festive treats to chew on? Browse our range of dog, cat, small animal or bird snacks and treats!
Did you know that experts recommend not shaving your dog during summer? The reason behind this is their fur protects them against overheating and sunburn. It’s always better to just give them a trim. That’s something our doggy grooming range can help you out with!
If you’re a cat owner, your furry friend could benefit from being brushed regularly as a build-up of hair can cause them to overheat.
If the road is too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for your pets. Did you know that a hot sidewalk can burn their little paws? To avoid any sort of injury or overheating, keep walks to cooler times of the day.
While fireworks are fun for humans, most pets aren’t big fans of the loud bangs. In fact, many dogs become so scared that they run off and become disorientated. The best way to prevent this is to try and make your four-legged friend feel more comfortable. Here’s what we recommend:
- Stay home with your pet or have someone they trust pet sit them.
- Keep your fur baby indoors, close the curtains or blinds and turn on the aircon, fan or TV to drown out the noise.
- Make a safe space for your four-legged friend where they can hide if they feel scared. Try one of our dog or cat beds. Or, if they have a crate, try covering it with blankets.
- Use snacks and treats to distract them and soothe them. A good place to start is with our range of dog, cat, small animal or bird snacks and treats.
Ticks and fleas are around all year, but summertime is when they are most prolific! Keep your fur baby pest-free by treating them regularly for ticks and fleas. We’ve got a whole host of cat and dog tick and flea solutions you might like to look at. Want a little more info? Read our top tips on tick and flea control, here.
And that’s a wrap! We hope that this list helps you and your fur babies enjoy a wonderful pet-friendly summer and festive season. For more pet care tips, why not check out our blog?
