Prepare to Keep Your Pet Cool in a Heatwave
If you own pets, particularly dogs, you probably check the weather daily. You need to know when the best time to walk them is, you need to know if you should alter their food, daily exercise regime or even if you can hop it to the beach for a good long run. This is an essential part of animal care but I’m not here to preach.
Let me tell you a little story
As a family we have two long haired Weimeraners (see our TikTok for lots of lovely videos featuring these) and one pug cross. Barley, Wisp and Padfoot respectively. Padfoot is getting on a little now. Barley and Wisp are a little overweight (not sure how they run miles every day). Barley has a very fuzzy thick coat, while Wisp, being a rare blond Weimaraner (I swear we were conned and he has Golden Retriever in him somewhere, we got both brothers from Holsworthy) has a thinner coat but still long.
Now as the heat hit, my daughter, the owner of Barley, went to stay at her dad’s. Barley was struggling. We had all the kit, as I’ll show you soon but he had not stopped panting for an hour. I cut his hair. Big Mistake. I am no dog groomer. My daughter ignored me for days. He’s no longer Instagrammable but he is cooler.
I own the backend of Wisp (my older daughter owns the front) so I didn’t get told off for cutting his hair. He’s cooler too. Neither were cool enough until I used these tips.
Padfoot, being flat faced, double coated and old passed out in the garden. You’ll see here that he loves to sun worship. He’s owned by my autistic son. My son’s room was a furnace so he thought he’d be better in the garden with many pools of water, a sprinkler and a cooling vest from PetsatHome (shameful plug I know but I’m not getting paid for the mention, don’t worry) but he’s a little daft (Padfoot, not my son). He sat in the hottest place worshipping the sunshine until he passed out. We brought him inside, cooled him down and he’s now on the kitchen table in front of the only air conditioner we have, living his best life.
He’s also on our TikTok. Beware, while I think he’s beautiful, others disagree!
The point is, all dogs react differently and you know your dogs better than anyone.
How to Keep Cats Cool in a Heatwave
Cats are often overlooked, especially outdoor cats. This is because they are pretty smart and have a wider area to find the coolest spot. They hate water so this isn’t usually an option unless there is no other choice. Provide them with a cooling mat and they will find it, or they may prefer another, cooler spot. No one can predict a cat’s preference! The same applies to cats, as it does to dogs, on how to spot the signs of heatstroke.
How to Spot the Signs of HeatStroke in Your Pet
The signs of heatstroke in pets are very similar to signs of heatstroke in humans.
- Lethargy
- Excessive panting (although this isn’t always the case, Padfoot didn’t pant once before passing out)
- Upset stomach
- Inability to cool down
- Drowsiness
You should also check their paw pads to make sure they’re not sore and any exposed areas (ears, tummy, genitals) for any sunburn. It’s worth noting you can now buy sunscreen for pets. Do NOT use human sunscreen.
How to Treat Heatstroke in Pets
If you spot any signs of impending heatstroke try to cool your pet down as gradually, and quickly as possible. Don’t shock them with extreme temperature changes. Don’t throw them into a pool of ice water. Instead place a fan next to them, let them lay on a wet towel (not over them as this will trap heat), dowse them in cool (not freezing cold) water, avoiding the head.
It’s also a good idea to have animal electrolytes at hand in case they become dehydrated.
If you are still concerned, contact your vet.
How to Prevent Heatstroke in Pets
Like preparation, prevention is key.
Here’s how to prevent heatstroke in pets.
- Make sure your dog is groomed. Either with a very good shedding tool or with a haircut ( by a groomer if you want your family to still speak to you ).
- Have multiple bowls of water around, you can even add ice
- Make frozen treats for them to suck on. Barley and Wisp love their meat ice lollies. These are literally just venison legs from the Farmer’s Dog (again not paid) that we keep in the freezer. You’ll need to throw them away when warm though or flies will come. They also love a frozen carrot.
- Reduce the size of the morning meal so they’re not too full
- Let them have the fan or air conditioning unit
- Use a cooling vest but beware, not all are great. Some warm up once they dry out. Make sure you choose well.
- Use a sprinkler for dogs who don’t like to be fully submerged
- A freezer cooling mat can help
- Put their toys in the freezer for 15 minutes (you can now buy toys especially for this)
- Provide lots of shade in the garden
- Eliminate walks and just give them lots of attention instead
- Set up a drive through doggy ice cream parlour (see our TikTok)
Above all, trust your instincts, you know your pet better than anyone. Also don’t forget that while you’re cooling your pet down you need to take care of you too.
All products mentioned were bought at Pets at Home (unsponsored), they have a great affordable range for the heat in gorgeous colours and all of our dogs love them. Featured image credit to Pets at Home too.
