Thank goodness, the warmer weather is finally here! Or have we spoken to soon? In anticipation for the glorious summer, we are about to have, Pennard vets have put together some tips of how to keep your pets cool and comfortable.
Rabbits
In the wild rabbits would normally run approximately five miles a day, therefore they require a huge amount of space, somewhere they can make themselves comfortable. We advise that they have a good area of shade, please don’t place them in direct sunlight where they have nowhere to hide. A good idea is to place tarpaulin over the top of a mesh run, this allows for plenty of shade and a cool breeze to still blow through the sides.
You may also notice your rabbits digging and laying on soil as a way of cooling down. Just be aware of how deep they dig and that they don’t escape.
Plenty of fresh water is a must along with unlimited access to grass or hay. Always remember never to feed your rabbit cut grass from the lawn mower as this ferments very quickly. Chewing not only helps to prevent boredom but also to keep teeth and guts healthy.
One final must with rabbits in the summer is to keep their bottoms clean and check twice daily for fly strike. This is particularly prevalent in the summer months.
Cats
Plenty of cool, fresh water is a necessity along with some cool, dark spots in which your cat can hide. If your cat likes to go outside in hot weather and there’s no plants to hide in, it may be worth making your own cool spots around the garden. Cats have the ability to cope with higher temperatures better than dogs.
Don’t leave any wet food out or flies will be attracted.
Grooming is another way of keeping your cat cool. Brushing tends to remove loose hairs which allows them to regulate their body temperature better. You may notice your cat in hotter temperatures grooming themselves much more frequently, saliva is spread across their coat which then evaporates cooling them down. If you have an older cat that cannot groom itself so freely, a cool damp flannel can be used to smooth the cat’s coat.
One final point, always always check your greenhouse or outdoor buildings for cats before shutting them.
Dogs
As with cats and rabbits, always make sure dog has fresh, cool water. Ensure your dog has the freedom to settle into a cool, shady spot that suits him.
My dog loves a sprinkler, it’s a great way of cooling down. He also loves it when the boys’ paddling pool comes out… although we’ve had several punctures! Just make sure it’s not too deep if you’re leaving the dog and the pool unattended.
Avoid long walks and strenuous activity. Don’t walk in the hottest points of the day, go either early morning or late evening. Always carry a water bottle too. Watch out for hot pavements, it’s easily done in seriously hot temperatures so it’s often kinder to leave your dog at home in the cool.
As with cats, grooming can be a good way to remove excess hair, allowing the dog to keep cool more efficiently. Bear in mind that the lighter haired animals can get sunburnt, so it may be worth discussing with your vet the best type of sun cream.
The beach can often be a cooler place in the summer, but always be aware, many beaches do not allow dogs in peak season. Watch your dog on the beach as they can drink too much sea water and make them ill. So please be aware that too much sea water can dehydrate your dog.
And one last very stern point…. Never ever leave any of your pets in the car during the summer. Even just to nip to the local shops. It’s extremely dangerous. Even if its 22⁰C outside, the inside of a car can reach 47⁰C within just 60 minutes.
By following our tips you should find your pet enjoying a cool and calm summer.
