The Heat is on in Essex – How to Keep Your Pets Cool
June 21, 2024
The sun is blazing and the heat is on in Essex. While we humans have various ways to beat the heat, our furry friends often need a little extra help staying cool when the mercury soars. Fear not, pet parents, for we’ve got you covered with some cool tips to keep your beloved companions comfortable and safe on those scorching summer days.
If your pet is not coping well in the heat, contact our team at Edgewood Vets for advice.
The Art of Keeping Pets Cool
Whilst most of us look forward to a hot summer in Essex, it can get too hot for our pets and affect their health. Here’s our advice on how to keep your pet’s cool:
- Hydration: Keep water bowls filled up, ensuring your pet stays refreshed and revitalised.
- Cool Spaces: Create cool havens indoors, avoid hotspots like porches & conservatories.
- Shady Retreats: Offer shady spots for your pet to relax in away from the sun’s glare.
- Outdoor Comfort: Design outdoor areas & enclosures with shade and consider bringing pets indoors on very hot days.
- Heat-Free Zones: Keep pets away from outdoor hot spots like greenhouses & sheds.
- Cool Runnings: Plan outdoor activities for cooler times of the day to prevent overheating.
- Car Safety: Never leave pets in hot cars, ensuring they’re always safe and cool by your side.
- Water Watch: Supervise pets around water features, ensuring they play safely.
- Vigilant Monitoring: Watch for signs of heatstroke like panting & vomiting, and act quickly.
- Emergency Care: Seek vet help immediately if your pet shows signs of overheating.
If you would like any further advice or your pet is struggling in the heat, contact our team at Edgewood Vets.
Now, for some more pet tips & treats!
Dogs:
Treat your dog to a splash in the paddling pool or set up a shady spot with a wet towel or cooling mat for them to lie on. Frozen treats like doggy ice lollies made from pet-safe ingredients (such as strawberries) are also a paw-some way to keep your canine companion cool and satisfied.
Got a favourite doggy ice-cream hot spot in Essex? Let our followers know on Facebook!
Cats:
Provide plenty of fresh water for your cat to drink, add ice cubes to keep it cold. Create a cat-friendly chill zone indoors with closed curtains, a fan, cooling floor tiles or even a damp cloth straight from the freezer. When trying something new, introduce it slowly and monitor your cat’s response.
Rabbits & Small Furry Pets:
Fluffy furballs like rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters can quickly overheat and need cool retreats. Our vet nurses in Purleigh suggest frozen water bottles wrapped in towels or a ceramic tile that’s been chilled in the fridge make excellent cooling spots. For rabbits, you can lightly mist their ears with cool water, but don’t leave them too wet & cold.
Remember, pet parents – when it comes to keeping your pets cool on a hot day, a little extra TLC goes a long way. So, break out the frozen goodies, set up the shade, and let’s keep our pet pals happy!
For more heat-related pet advice, contact our experienced team at Edgewood Vets.
