With the peak of summer finally upon us, the light evenings and warmer weather mean that we are spending a lot more time outdoors with our furry friends. Summer does bring its challenges for pet owners, and keeping your pets healthy and happy during the summer months requires a bit of extra thought. We have put together this comprehensive guide to help your pets have a fun, safe summer.
1. Hydration is key
Just like with us humans, keeping hydrated during the summer months is incredibly important. Dehydration can have devastating consequences in pets, leading to heatstroke which requires veterinary attention. Here are some ways to keep your pet hydrated:
- Ensure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water and refill their bowl regularly.
- If you are exercising your pet, make sure you carry water with you.
- Make hydrating treats for your pets - ice cubes scattered with frozen fruits have become increasingly popular in recent years (for both horses and dogs!).
2. Preventing heatstroke
Dogs and cats are incredibly susceptible to heatstroke, so it is important to recognise the symptoms so they can be treated early should the worst happen. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, weakness and eventually collapse.
One of the best ways to prevent heatstroke is to not exercise your pet during the hottest parts of the day. Make sure your pet has access to shady areas so they can get out of the sun if they need to as well.
3. Sun protection
Pets are also susceptible to sunburn, particularly if they have light-coloured fur or pink areas of skin. Filtabac cream is perfect for horses, dogs and cats and provides ultra protection from sunburn. It acts as a barrier, preventing the skin from being exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
4. Pest control
Summer unfortunately is a prime time for ticks, fleas and other parasites so prevention is key here. There are lots of different flea and tick preventatives available, in the form of topical treatments, collars and oral medications. After your pet has been outside, take the time to check them over for ticks and fleas - particularly in their ears and paws.
5. Keep up with grooming
You should be grooming your pet all year round to maintain optimal skin and coat health. In the summer, keeping your pet well-groomed will help them stay comfortable during the rising temperatures. Brush their coat regularly to avoid matting as this will allow the air to circulate. If your pet has long hair, trim it to a more manageable length but don’t shave them completely as this will provide no protection against the sun.
6. Safe outdoor activities
Summer is a great time to take your pet on new adventures, but remember to stay safe. If your dog enjoys swimming, make sure they are supervised at all times in case they become tired quickly. Avoid walking your dog on hot pavements - a good test to see if it is too hot is to place the surface with the back of your hand… if it is too hot for you, it may burn your dog’s paws.
7. Diet and nutrition
You may need to adjust your pet’s diet during the summer months, particularly if you have a horse who is a good-doer. Try giving them Recovery Mash after strenuous exercise to help replenish any electrolytes they may have lost.
With dogs and smaller pets, give them light meals which are easy to digest and include water-rich foods in their diet where possible. All pets should be fed during the cooler parts of the day, as this allows for better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
8. Mental stimulation
During the summer months it may be hard to provide regular exercise for your pets, so keeping them mentally stimulated is really important. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders are a great way to keep their minds active. Regular training sessions to teach your pet new tricks will also help, just remember to keep these short and sweet.
Keeping your pets healthy and happy this summer does need some pre-planning. By making sure they stay hydrated, protected from the sun and mentally active, you can help your pets make the most of the summer months.