Summer heat can be ‘ruff’ on our furry friends! Keep your precious pet cool this summer with these helpful tips, advice and pet care products to help you and your pet beat the heat this Summer.
As the heat goes up, so does the discomfort for our pets. But going out and about, and enjoying the summer with your pet, doesn’t have to be a problem as long as you know how to make sure you keep them safe and protected from the worst of the summer sun.
This handy guide has plenty of helpful tips and tricks to keep your pet cool and comfortable all season long. And, of course, at JML we have a great range of pet care products to help you and your pet have a great, safe and comfortable Summer.
The Importance of Keeping Pets Cool in Summer
Overheating is the number one problem that our pets suffer in the hotter months. Born with a fur coat that they can’t take off, the need to cool down and keep their core temperature regulated becomes extremely important.
Signs of Overheating in Pets
For dogs and cats, there are some signs that they may be suffering in silence in the heat. These include:
- purple gums or red skin
- collapse
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- excessive panting
- dribbling
General Tips for Keeping Pets Cool
If your pet exhibits any of the above, or becomes lethargic, unusually tired, starts excessively licking their limbs or just appears to be suffering in the heat there are things you can do to help:
- Making sure pets have access to plenty of fresh, clean water Our clever magic bowl, is a non-slip and spill-resistant bowl that keeps their water clean all day long and makes sure your pets have access to essential, clean drinking water throughout the day.
- We all know the importance of exercise for our dogs, but sometimes it’s best to take it easy. But, if you do go on a walk in the heat of the day make sure to keep water on hand. Our aqua dog on-the-go water bottle is a great ‘no-mess’ dog bowl that lets your dog drink on the go without leaving puddles and wasting that precious water.
- Ideally though, your pets should just be allowed to rest in the shade and control their body heat with as little movement as possible. Our Chillmax pet mat provides a cooling, relaxing and comfortable resting spot for pets during hot weather.
- Brushing long-haired pets can also help by allowing cooler air to pass through their coat as you lift and separate the hairs and letting all that trapped hot air escape at the same time. Our True Touch Grooming Brush is ideal for that.
Other Risks of Hot Weather
Hot cars: When it’s 22°C outside, the temperature in a car can reach up to 47°C in just a few minutes. So, while leaving your dog in the car for only a minute may seem harmless, it can quickly become fatal. Ideally you should leave your dog at home on hot days but, if you must take them along, make sure you keep fresh air circulating by leaving a window open enough to let them cool down, also leave water in the car too and keep the alone time to an absolute minimum.
Sunburn: While you may think that a fur coat protects your dog from UV rays, all dogs are at greater risk of sunburn during the Summer. But breeds with light fur coverage or light skin are particularly susceptible. Areas with little to no fur – such as the bridge of the nose, belly and groin – are the most likely to get burnt. Look out for:
- red or pink skin
- dry or cracked skin
- ears that curl at the edges
Bugs: Bugs and creatures that bite usually thrive in the Summer. Fleas, ticks, bees and wasps are the main culprits of bug bites during the summer. Make sure to look out for signs including excessive scratching swelling or general discomfort.
Summer can be a fun time for both you and your pet, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers of hot weather. By following these tips and using JML’s pet care products, you can help your pet stay cool and comfortable all summer long. So, keep your pet in mind when it’s hot, invest in some helpful, cooling solutions, and get ready for a fun-filled summer with your furry friend!
If you want to see more pet-friendly products for happier, safer and healthier pets, why not visit the JML website for great ideas for you and your beloved pets to get the most our of those hot Summer days?