Heat waves and record temperatures this summer have got people being very creative when it comes to cooling down our pets, from makeshift shelters to frozen towels.
What can you do to help support your fur-friends this summer?
For all animals careful preparation and forward planning is essential to ensure that they stay cool in the heat. Some tips include;
Ensure your animal’s have constant access to water.
With above average temperatures this summer, water consumption will be higher than normal. It is essential to make sure your animals have adequate water to last throughout the day. Putting an extra water bowl or trough out will ensure that they don’t run out.
Make sure they have shade all day long.
While shade given by trees or hedges may provide shelter for half of the day, as the suns position moves this shade may no longer be available. Ensure that you know your animal’s environment and add extra shelter where possible, or consider moving animals throughout the day to follow the shade.
Knowing the symptoms.
Knowledge is often the difference between successful and unsuccessful pet owners. Knowing and recognising the symptoms of heat stroke, exhaustion and dehydration can make all the difference to your pet’s wellbeing. Symptoms in dogs may appear as; excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid pulse, discoloured or strong smelling urine, and severe loss of energy. In horses symptoms may include; excessive sweating, diarrhoea, lack of alertness and focus, stumbling, colic, discoloured or strong smelling urine, and a severe loss of energy. Keep an eye out for symptoms or unusual behaviour and contact your local veterinary clinic if you have any concerns.
Grooming and covering.
Regular grooming helps to remove loose hair and allows the skin to breathe easier. Some long haired dogs may be clipped out to remove thick or woolly coats. However, it is important to check with your vet or groomer what is suitable for your breed to avoid causing skin irritation or damage to the dog’s coat. For horses a light “fly-sheet” of cotton sheet may be helpful to keep the sun from being directly on the skin, this is especially important for horses with darker coats as they tend to attract and retain heat.
Feeding for success.
Adding supplements to your animal’s diet can help take the edge off the metabolic stress caused by excessive heat. For both horses and dogs a general wellness supplement such as celery seeds or rosehips can be added to the feed to support metabolic functions. Celery seeds assist with natural calming and act as a urinary tract antiseptic as well as aiding with digestion and reduced appetite.Celery seeds can help support animals feeling run-down as a result of excessive heat. Rosehips may be especially beneficial for older animals as a natural source of biotin, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3, D, E and K, Omega6, bioflavanoids and many more. This supports the immune system and can have an antihistamine effect to relieve allergies and diarrhoeal symptoms.
Suncream.
Animals with exposed skin such as horses and dogs with pink noses may need extra attention in the summer months. Just like humans, animals can suffer with sunburn. Applying suncream to exposed skin will protect these vulnerable areas. It is important to ensure that the suncream is safe for animals and is water proof to avoid it being washed off when the animal drinks.
Planning your exercise.
While it is still important for animals to keep fit and stimulated during summer, ensure that exercise is adjusted to avoid causing too much stress or running the risk of heatstroke. Consider changing your routine and going for a ride or a run early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day, ensure to take more breaks than normal and keep exercise short to avoid excessive exhaustion. Always consider your animal’s health and fitness level when exercising during summer, elderly, overweight or unfit animals will struggle more in the heat.
