We’re well into august and as expected, the beautiful sunshine is with us! However, with highs of 33 expected to hit us this weekend, it is going to be a bit more of a scorcher than any of us are used to! We can look after ourselves and probably even enjoy the sunshine, but here are some tips for looking after your pet in hot weather.
Stay Out of the Sun
To be honest, for most pets the advice is much the same as it would be for us – staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day is always recommended. If you have a dog then you may worry then they’ll suffer from a lack of a walk, but a day or two really won’t do any harm. You can do training inside the house and they can lay in the garden in the shade if they choose to, but being outside in the sunshine for long periods of time when the weather is this hot is not recommended. Pet shades are great for dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets in your garden to have somewhere to shelter from the sun.
Get Some Fresh Air
That said, it can be nice for you to both get out and enjoy the fresh air – once the sun has gone and it is cooler. Over the next few days, the evenings might be just as hot as the days so make sure you pay attention to the temperature and be sensible, but if it is cooler in the evening or very early morning then there is no harm in going for a short walk with your 4 legged friends.
Plenty of Water
Both you and your pets need to make sure that you stay hydrated, which can be tricky when the weather is very warm. Make sure there is plenty of cold water out for your pets and even freezing their favourite treats in water can help. Cats tend to love the sunshine but even they should be given plenty of water and fluids when the weather is this hot.
Of course, advice will depend on what animal you have and you should always speak to a professional for their advice if you are worried!