Looking after your dog and cat in hot temperatures
Dogs react differently to heat than us and it can be very dangerous. They can’t sweat (except through their paws), so they rely on panting as their main way to get rid of heat but this does not always help. Dogs can get ‘heat stress’, ‘heat exhaustion’ or ‘heatstroke’ and develop heat related illness. A recent study has shown that a significant number of dogs were diagnosed with heatstroke when the temperature was only 16.9 degrees Celsius* which is not as hot as you might think, especially compared to the temperatures this summer.
Most cats know if they are getting too hot, but you can help make sure they stay cool and don’t overheat. All cats can get sunburn, in particular white or pale-coloured cats, cats that have unpigmented white noses or ears, and those with sparse hair on their ears, are most vulnerable. Ears and noses are where your cat is most likely to get burnt. Cats Protection provide advice below on protecting your cat from sunburn.
Our members all provide advice on dealign with heat and we have consolidated some of the most useful parts in these links and images below.
RSPCA Spotting and treating heatstroke
Blue Cross Video on how to keep your pet cool
Blue Cross Keep Your Cat Cool & Keep Your Dog Cool
Cats Protecting Advice on Protecting your Cat from Sunburn
