Summer Safety and Your Pets

• Claws Paws & Pets, Features, Paws
• 4th July 2023
• Cumbria Guide

Summer Safety and Your Pets

Summer is the perfect time to get out and about with your animals, but it’s important to stay safe while enjoying the warm weather.

Here are our top 10 tips for happy, healthy pets in the sunshine:

1. Always ensure that your pet has access to shade so they can escape the sun and heat. Where possible ensure that there is good air flow through this area.
2. Even with the windows open, on a warm day a dog can die in a hot car in under 20 minutes! Always find an alternative to leaving any animal in the car. If you see an animal in a car on a warm day, call the police on 999 or RSPCA 24-hour national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.
3. You may need sun cream for skin with light pigmentation (pink skin), including cat ear flaps and horse muzzles. Talk to your vet about suitable sun care for your pet. 
4. Groom your pet regularly to get rid of any excess hair and clip long coats to ensure they remain cool.
5. Flies can be a real problem in the summer months. Change wet food and litter trays regularly to avoid flies and check your pet regularly for signs of fly strike (contact your vet or email [email protected] for more details). Use a fly rug on your horse to avoid any irritation. 
6. Always ensure your pet has access to water in various areas around the house and that it is regularly topped up.
7. Avoid walking or exercising your pet at the hottest point of the day, early mornings and late evenings are usually cooler. If your horse is turned out all day, ensure plenty of shade or swap your schedule so they are turned out overnight instead.
8. Put a sturdy paddling pool in the corner of your garden for your dog to have a paddle!
9. Use a lick for horses to help replace the nutrients lost through sweating in the field.
10. Try our Frozen Lickimat Recipe for your dog to keep them cool on a hot day which you can find on our website

For more hints and tips:

email [email protected]

or visit: www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk

If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, always contact your vet. 

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