Heatwaves And Hotdogs

Ah the great British summer. It usually produces hazy cloud with a chance of sunshine so who would have thought we’d be facing tropical temperatures of almost 40 degrees! 

We don’t always get a good summer in Britain but when the temperatures do soar. It is important to take extra steps to keep your pets cool to prevent sunburn and heat stroke. Especially on holiday when we want to take our pets everywhere with us.   

Healthy pet food company, Vet’s Kitchen, are launching their Say No To Hot Dogs campaign in collaboration with Vet’s Klinic. A revolutionary veterinary practice set up by the Vet’s Kitchen team in 2012 to provide the best possible pet care and owner experience. Together they want to remind pet owners of the extra care they need to take. To keep their much-loved dogs cool over the summer, especially when travelling.  They have also produced a special limited edition car sticker. 

Here are Vet’s Kitchen’s top tips for keeping your pets cool in the hot weather:

• Avoid walking your dogs at the hottest part of the day. Walk early in the morning or late at night when it is cooler and avoid throwing balls and vigorous activities. Hot pavements can burn delicate paws. If the pavement is too hot for the palm of your hand, then it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
• Keep your dogs in the cooler areas of the house. Rooms with tiled floors, cooling mats or wet towels can be cool to lie on. Keep curtains shut to stop the sun heating up the room.
• Cool coats have become popular items for dogs but these only work if the coat is keep wet at all times. If it is allowed to dry out then the coat will simply be heating your dog. Draping a wet towel over your dog and sitting them in front of a fan can be a good alternative.
• If your pet is hot, wetting their ears and paws can help cool them down.
• Use ice cubes in your pet’s water bowl to keep the water cool and provide extra bowls in different areas around the house. Hydration is very important! To encourage your dog to drink, try adding some chicken stock to their water. 
• Freeze treats in ice cubes as a fun reward that will keep your dog cool, Vet’s Kitchen Little Stars are ideal for this.
• Get your dog a paddling pool! Instead of walking them, playing with toys in a shade-covered pool can be just as rewarding.
• Groom your dog. Removing dead fur helps to keep them cool by removing loose fur. Shaving your dog’s fur can actually make them hotter depending on their coat type.
• Pay particular attention to flatter-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs. Their skull shape and smaller airways means they are more likely to overheat in the hot weather and struggle to breathe.
• White dogs and hairless breeds can easily become sunburnt. Keep them protected with pet safe sun cream,providing plenty of shade and using protective t-shirts for hairless breeds. 

Adrian Caunter, Clinical Director at Vet’s Klinic in Swindon says. “Any breed can suffer from heatstroke, not just the flat-faced breeds and it can happen at any time of the day. If your pet is suffering, the sooner they are treated the better the outcome will be so please call your vet immediately for further advice. It is also important to stay alert on slightly cooler days when we can underestimate the temperature.”  

So let’s make the 2022 summer a safe and fun one for everyone, including our four-legged companions.