Summer is officially here and South Africa’s hottest month is just around the corner.  Here are a few tips to help your pet beat the summer heat…

Stay Hydrated

This goes for you and your pet! Keeping bowls of water in cool spots around the house is the way to go, you may be suprised how much water your pet will drink in summer so always make sure that there water bowls are filled.

Frozen Treats

Making a frozen Kong treat, homemade ice lolly or even keeping frozen marrow bones in your freezer for your pet will go a long way. The basic idea is to give your pet something cold to lick and entertain them for a while.  This not only helps to keep them cool but combats boredom at the same time. If its your pets first time with an ice lolly you might want to keep an eye on them to make sure that they dont try to gobble it all up in one go.

Shade

Alway make sure there is a shady spot for your pet to enjoy during hot summer days, especially for outdoor pets. A nice cool spot to lie in on a hot summers day is essential to keeping your pet cool.

Know the signs of dehydration

Look out for signs of dehydration in your pet such as loss of appetite, excessive panting, low energy/lethargy, dry gums and nose, sunken eyes or a loss of elasticity in the skin.

Sunblock

Noses, ears and bellies can be very sensitive to the sun.  Try using a pet sunscreen spray or ask your local veterinarian or vet shop about other options. These can help prevent skin cancer and/or sun-related tumors, especially on sensitive skin.

See you next week!

The Petpaw Team