How To Protect Your Pet This Summer

As temperatures are rising and records are breaking, a lot of us are stocking up on the ice cream and basking in air con, but as we soak up the sun, it's important that our four-legged friends are also well protected. Here at GiftPup, we've created a helpful guide to help you keep your pets cool and safe in the summer.

OUR TEN TOP TIPS

Provide Plenty Of Shade

Many animals will actively seek the shade themselves, whether that is by settling into a cool area in the home, or finding a shaded area outdoors. Help out your furry friend by making a special shaded space just for them in your garden.

Make Fresh Water Available At All Times

In the same way that we as humans get dehydrated, so do out pets, so it's important to ensure that wherever they go, there is always fresh, clean water available to them. A great way to do this is by positioning a couple of bowls inside and outside of the house, and perhaps providing them with a small water fountain.

Protect Their Paws

Animals spend a lot of their time outdoors on their feet, therefore, it is important that their paws are protected from the heat. If you hold your palm to the ground for 5 seconds and it's too hot, it's too hot for your pet. Keep walks to grassy areas, and check the condition of their paws when they come indoors.

Keep Flea And Tick Treatments Up To Date

The summer is an excellent time for the breeding of fleas and ticks, and your pet is much more likely to come into contact with them. Spare them the added discomfort by ensuring that all of their flea and tick treatments are up to date, and act quickly if you think they may be suffering.

Check For Toxic Plants

A lot of summer plants can be toxic to animals, check areas that your animal often roams, such as your garden or your walking route, and remove any dangerous plant where possible. A handy list of these poisonous plants can be found here.

Watch When You Walk

Much like with humans, it's best to keep animals out of the sun when it is at it's highest, so try and time walks for the early morning or the evening when the weather is hopefully cooler. It is always important to shorten the length of your walk, as excessive exercise in the heat can be fatal.

Give Them A Groom

Many pets shed their fur during summer, help them out by regularly grooming them to ensure that they are not getting any hotter. This being said, for double-coated breeds, it is advised not to trim their coat, as it is designed to both heat and cool depending on the weather.

Apply Sunscreen

Just like with humans, our animals can get sunburned, this is particularly common on their ears and noses where the fur is at it's thinnest, but for animals with thin or no hair, it is important to keep them protected. Use an animal-friendly sunscreen or a formulation that is suitable for babies.

Watch Out For Heat Stroke

Key signs to look our for in dogs are; excessive panting, drooling and collapse For cats you should watch out for glazed eyes, vomiting, drooling, extreme distress, rapid breathing, and agitation. If you suspect your pet is suffering, move them to a cool place, provide plenty of water, and call your vet.

NEVER LEAVE ANIMALS IN HOT CARS

This one should go without saying, but don't leave any animal in a hot car. The saying goes that 'not long' is too long, and if you see any animal stuck in a hot car this summer, call 111 and get help.

GiftPup is part of the 3P Direct group of companies, based in the East Midlands. Established in 2014 it has won several national eCommerce awards and manufacturers both personalised gifts and photo products in-house.