On Ireland AM this morning, we discussed keeping pets cool in hot weather.
Ten simple tips for keeping pets cool
- Never leave any animal alone in a car, even for what you think is going to be “a few minutes”
- Keep your pet cool during car journeys as much as you can e.g. air conditioning, windows open for fresh air. If on a long journey, stop every half hour to check that your pet is OK.
- Make sure your pet always has a fresh supply of cool drinking water
- Never leave any animal – dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig – in an enclosed sunny place with no shade.
- Give long haired animals -dogs and cats – a short clip if they have long hair.
- Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening rather than in the full heat of the day.
- Consider taking your dog for a swim rather than the usual walk.
- Feed your pet 10% less food than normal: the digestive processes generate heat.
- For the same reason, feed your pet at cooler times of the day i.e. morning and evening.
- Carry a supply of water and a drinking bowl with you whenever you are out with your pet, so that you can offer regular top ups throughout the day.
On Ireland AM today, I brought in my own two dogs:
- Finzi – a black dog – who is especially prone to overheating in hot weather as her body absorbs heat from sun easily (white dogs reflect more sunlight).
- Kiko – a small dog who happens to be the right size to wear the cooling coat that I brought in
I also brought in some pet accessories that can be helpful to keep pets comfortable in hot weather.
- Water fountain €43.70
- Pet water bottle/ bowl combined
An easy way to carry water for your dog on walks or in car - Cooldog cooling coat around €30
Soak this in cool water then put on dog- evaporates gradually, keeping dog cool for hours - Road Refresher bowl €12
Allows you to have water bowl in car without it spilling during journeys - Animalarm – €135 – a temperature sensor that sends a text to your mobile phone if temperature goes above a set threshold. The idea is to use it in car but my worry that may encourage people to do this, which they shouldn’t do anyway in hot weather.
- Sun block cream to put onto areas of pets that are prone to sunburn. For most pets, child/baby block is fine.
Please note that I am unable to answer veterinary questions in comments. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health it is always better to contact your vet.