Keeping small animals happy, healthy and comfortable through hot summer weather can be challenging. No matter whether your furry friend is a rabbit, cat, dog, or guinea pig, thinking about their welfare is even more important in the sun.
Not sure about the best ways to help them keep their cool? See our top tips for summer below. And if your little pal needs urgent medical attention, look for the best vets in Liverpool to help you out.
Tips for keeping small animals safe in summer
1. Limit their time in direct sun
You should always provide lots of shade. Making sure that your furry friend can escape the worst heat of the day means they’ll not only feel more comfortable and relaxed but should have a much lower chance of any heat-related effects too.
You need to learn and be able to recognise the signs of heatstroke in dogs, which is an incredibly serious condition that can get worse very quickly. During a heatwave, try to only walk your dog at the coolest time of the day, or just before their bedtime.
And if you have a cat, you’ve probably seen them stretched out in the sun behind the window – but that doesn’t mean that they can tolerate high temperatures. If you spot drooling, panting, or a bright red tongue, make sure to get your cat to a vet quickly.
2. Keep them nourished and hydrated
No matter the weather, ensure that your furry friend has access to lots of water and keeps eating a healthy diet. Cool snacks and berries frozen in ice cubes work well for dogs while feeding hay for rabbits and small animals should be continued throughout the day.
When you feed your small animals at regular intervals, you’ll get a better chance to check in on how they’re doing. This is particularly important in hot weather since they could start to feel hot unexpectedly.
If you notice that your guinea pigs or rabbits seem lethargic, have lost their appetite, or feel hot to touch, they could be suffering from heatstroke. But providing them with clean, fresh water and sufficient grazing snacks helps them to beat the heat.
3. Never leave them in a hot car
Whether you’re nipping to the shops or running errands with your animal, leaving them in the car unattended is an absolute no. Temperatures rise so quickly inside a locked car that your animal could overheat and become seriously ill. Dogs can die in hot cars within minutes.
If you need to take your furry friend on a journey with you, you should make sure that the car is cool before you set off. Before getting your animal ready to travel, leave the air conditioning running and check the temperature inside.
4. If they need it, keep grooming them!
Lastly, you should never forget that your furry friend is likely to feel much hotter than you if they’re covered in a thick coat! For long-hair breeds of dogs, cats, or even smaller animals like guinea pigs and rabbits, you can help them keep cool by brushing away their coat.
Some animals shed through the summer naturally, but grooming helps to accelerate this natural process. Your furry friend might even find it relaxing!
Overview
Looking after your furry friends through the summer just takes a little bit more care and attention. If you’re seeking advice on animals and welfare, it’s crucial to use a source that you can trust. But above all, as long as they’re comfortable, don’t forget to keep your animals happy and entertained!
