When the heat is on...
Wednesday, May 07 2008
Summer is the ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors with your pet. But while you’re slapping on the sunscreen, don’t forget your four-legged friends need protection in hot weather too.
Dogs and cats
- Never leave your dog (or any pet) alone in a car, even with the windows rolled down. Sunlight can raise the temperature inside a vehicle in a matter of minutes, causing an animal to suffer from heatstroke. Overweight, elderly, very young or ill dogs are most at risk, as it takes more effort for them to regulate their body temperature.
- On hot days dogs and cats may drink more than usual, so regular access to fresh, clean water is essential. Take plenty of water with you if you’re travelling with your pet.
- Dogs and cats with light-coloured noses and fur are vulnerable to sunburn, so try to keep them out of the sun between 10am and 4pm. When they do go outside, rub a bit of non-toxic sunblock on unprotected areas like the tips of ears and the tip of the nose.
- Keep dogs and cats well groomed - especially longhaired ones. A tangle-free coat will help protect your pet’s delicate skin and keep it cool in the sunshine.
- Dogs enjoy being active and it’s great for their health, as well as yours. On very hot days, try to venture out either early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is more comfortable. Never force your dog to run in hot, humid weather.
Horsing around
- Always ensure that your horse has access to a shady area in its field. This could be provided by a tree or by a field shelter.
- Offer your horse as much protection from flies as possible. Letting the mane and tail grow long will offer natural protection, but if you like to keep your horse’s mane pulled then buy a fly fringe as a substitute. If your horse is extremely sensitive to flies you might need to buy an anti-fly rug, too. These are usually made from fine mesh and protect the majority of the horse’s body. A good quality fly repellent is also advisable.
- It is important for your horse’s health that you don’t let it get too fat during the summer months, when there is lots of grass around. Keep an eye on your horse’s weight by using a weigh tape and keeping a weekly chart. If your horse does start to put on weight, you will need to cut down on any hard feed or restrict its grazing.
- Always make sure that your horse has access to a supply of clean, fresh water.
- Use a good quality hoof oil on your horse’s feet, both inside and out, to prevent them drying out in hot weather and then cracking.
- Horses can be prone to sunburn. If your horse has pink skin on its nose or around its mouth then sun cream should be applied in sunny weather.
Bunny care
- Rabbits are sensitive creatures and do not handle high temperatures very well. The best tip is to keep your rabbit indoors with you. If this is not possible, ensure your rabbit has a well-ventilated hutch, above ground level and out of the sun.
- In very hot weather, place a circulating fan near its hutch (not blowing directly on to it). To increase the fan’s effectiveness, place a damp towel over part of the cage to create cooler air.
- Use a ceramic or marble tile in a favourite place to provide a cool spot to lie on.
- Rabbits vent heat through the ears, so misting them with water will help them cool down.
- Brush out excess fur - if you have a longhaired rabbit, consider cropping its coat short for the summer months.
- Keep water bowls topped up, and take extra care of rabbits over five years old and those that are overweight or incapacitated. They are likely to be more lethargic and may not get up to drink water if they are too hot. This can quickly lead to dehydration and health problems.
- Fresh vegetables such as lettuce and cucumber can be a great source of water.
For further information see the Blue Cross leaflet, Summer survival guide (SS1).