February might be the hottest month in South Africa, but March is a close second! If you’re struggling in this hot weather, did you know that pets have an even tougher time staying cool? Unlike humans, dogs and cats only have sweat glands in their paws and around their noses. This can make it hard for them to regulate their temperature. Are your pets struggling with the toasty temperature? Not to worry, we’ve got a few tips to help.
ALL PETS
- Make sure your pets have enough fresh water. Ensure there are water bowls scattered around your house and garden – just in case one gets knocked over!
Take your pick from our range of dog bowls, cat bowls and small animal feeding accessories.
- Make sure your pets have cool or shaded places to relax out of the heat.
Browse our varied range of cat beds, dog beds or small animal housing and bedding.
- If your pet remains indoors during the day and/or night, ensure that their room or spot is comfortably cool and well-ventilated.
- Protip: If your pet is really struggling with the heat try wetting their feet to cool them down. Another option is to use a water mister to lightly spray them every so often.
DOGGIES
- Walking your dog? Avoid going out during the hotter parts of the day: between 10am-4pm. This can help prevent heat stroke and will save precious paws from being burnt by hot pavements!
While you’re here, take a look at our dog collars, leads and harnesses.
- Whether you’re headed to the dog park, taking a walk or having a beach day, always remember to take plenty of water with you for your pup.
- Most doggies love to swim! If you have access to a pool, allow your pup some supervised swim sessions.
KITTES
- Cats sleep a lot! But when it’s hot, they sleep even more to conserve their energy. Ensure they have a cool and comfy spot to retreat to in the heat, like our cat tunnel.
RABBITS/BUNNIES
- Make sure your pet rabbit or bunny has an elevated hutch for better ventilation.
- When deciding on where to put your pet’s hutch, make sure it’ll be in the shade all day long or it’ll be too hot for your fur baby in summer.
- While it’s important to provide your fur baby with lots of fresh drinking water from a drinking tube, water-rich fruits and veggies are also a great way to help hydrate them! Try celery, lettuce, cucumber or apples!
BIRDIES
- Most birds love to bathe! Make sure your feathered friends have access to loads of clean drinking water as well as a nice spot to rinse off in the heat. Check out our bird cups.
FINAL WORD
Last but not least, always be on the lookout for signs of heat stroke in cats and dogs. Should you notice any of these common signs of heat stroke, call your vet immediately:
- Fast and heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Increased pulse and heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Dark-coloured (red or purple) gums or tongue
- Excessive thirst
- Very high body temperature
- Weakness, unsteadiness or collapsing
- Seizures or unconsciousness
