Beat The Heat: Preventing Heat Stroke In Pets
Beat The Heat: Preventing Heat Stroke In Pets
As we welcome the South African Summer and the immense heat that comes with it, we need to start preparing for our furry friends! As much as we all love basking in the sun, it might just be a bit much for them! Heat Stroke in pets is a very serious concern during the scorching summer months, but don’t you worry! We’ve got the ultimut guide to keeping your pets cool all summer.
Hydration is Key:
Just like us humans, pets need to stay hydrated to keep their bodies cool. Make sure your pets always have access to cold, fresh water at all times! Adding ice cubes to the water on especially hot days will be appreciated!
Shady Spots:
As much as we love having fun in the sun, we all need a shady cool spot to take some refuge. Be sure to have a shaded area for your pets to rest and chill to prevent overheating or even sunburn! Yes, pets can get sunburn – especially light-coloured pets! Don’t worry there is sunscreen for pets, to keep them safe.
Keeping it Cool:
Shade is oftentimes not enough in our scorching South African heat, and it doesn’t just affect cats and dogs! Cooling mats have become quite popular in the last few years, but not only do you get cooling mats but cooling collars too. For our smaller friends such as rats, guinea pigs, and bunnies, we recommend putting in a ceramic tile or slate in their cages for a nice cool spot to chill – pun totally intended! You can even have a cold water bottle in the cage for them to lay against. These little creatures are very susceptible to heat stroke and the signs aren’t always clear, so be sure to take care of them too!
Make a Splash:
A kiddie pool isn’t just for the kids! Most dogs love a good swim and what better way to ensure a cool time while keeping their safety in mind, than with a nice dip in the kiddie pool! They work great for the less water-dynamic dogs such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Staffies. For our little kitties who aren’t so keen on the waterworks, provide them with a shallow water dish to dip their little toe beans in!
Don’t be surprised when we tell you that rats love water – a fun and enriching way to cool them off is with pea fishing – have a shallow tub with frozen peas for them to fish out and chow! For our feathery friends, you can place a shallow-ish dish with water for a splashing bird bath or spray them down with a spray bottle – see how they dance beneath the mist! We also love a good beach day!
Frozen Delights:
What pet can resist a treat – not ours, so why not make them functional? Homemade treats are so easy to do and a quick, not to mention super tasty treat! Freeze some plain yogurt with fresh fruit or even doggy peanut butter. There are millions of yummy recipes online to try! For cats, you can freeze their wet food for them to nibble on. Cold fruits are a great treat for our flighted and small animal friends!
Grooming Galore:
Having a well-groomed coat can aid our pets in regulating their body temperatures. Frequent brushing to remove dirt, debris, and excess fur can promote airflow. If you have a double-coated pet such as Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or Labradors, please do not shave them! We know it seems like all that fur could be really hot, but the double coat actually helps keep them cool! Never ever shave a double-coated animal unless absolutely necessary!
So now that we have covered ways of preventing heatstroke, let’s look at some general safety rules to keep to:
- Do not ever leave your pet in a parked car, not even for a few minutes! Temperatures in cars can skyrocket in a matter of minutes and turn the car into an oven! If you can’t take your pet inside with you, it’s better to leave them at home.
- When going for a walk, be mindful of the potentially scorching hot pavement or road! Opt for early morning, late afternoon, or grassy areas not sand, when going for walks! A general rule of thumb – if you can’t hold your bare hand on the surface for longer than 5 seconds, it’s too hot for their paws!
Early Signs of Heatstroke
- Heavy panting (more than usual) – can progress to distressed/noisy breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Increased heart rate
- Red gums/tongue
- Restlessness/pacing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If you see these signs, immediately try and cool down your pet and phone the vet.
Advanced Signs of Heatstroke
- Weakness
- Collapsing
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Seizures
If your pet has progressed to the above signs, take them to the vet immediately! Heat stroke is life-threatening and can very quickly become fatal. You can wrap your pet in a cold wet towel to aid while transporting.
With all these tips, you and your pets are ready to conquer the South African summer heat! Keep it cool, keep an eye out, stay vigilant, and enjoy the sunny days ahead! We love seeing your pets, so tag us in all your summer fun pictures!
