Some like it hot - but not dogs!

With a three day heat wave just starting it is time for the "scary summer heat and pets blog post". A quick look at how the heat can affect your pets.

Keeping Your Cool

You'd hope that relentless campaigning has made everyone aware of the risks of leaving a dog in a car during the summer. But even a moderate (to us) rise in temperature on a walk, in the garden or in the house can be have a significant effect on your dog. These elements are amplified by your pet's physical condition (are they obese, dehydrated or recuperating?), their age (the very old and the very young are most at risk) and even their breed (eg the brachycephalic breeds can struggle). So give full and honest consideration to how the heat can affect your pet.

Is Your Journey Really Necessary?

In all honesty it is probably kinder to leave your pet at home on very hot days, and if you do then ensure they have access to plenty of water (pop some ice cubes in their drinking bowl as you leave) and open windows for ventilation or switch on the air conditioning. If you must travel with your pet, ensure they have constant access to cold water and open windows for ventilation or switch on the air conditioning. Sound familiar? And even if you leave your car in a shaded area the sun will move and the temperature will rise rapidly; so there is no such thing as "just five minutes", simply never leave dogs in a hot car.

Hot Dog

A dog regulates body temperature primarily through respiration as they cannot sweat like we do, so they can easily over heat. Warning signs of this include excessive panting, a fast heart rate and a muddy coloured gums; without treatment this can become very serious indeed. A dog's normal body temperature is 38.6C (101.5F) but if a dog’s body temperature reaches 40.5C (105F) it is difficult for them to regain control. If their temperature exceeds 42.2C (108F), cellular damage can start to occur. So suspected instances of heat stroke must be treated as an emergency which requires veterinary assistance. So on a hot day if you spot any of the symptoms described above, call your vets immediately, and be ready to initiate first aid. Don't worry about looking silly or think that you are over reacting. You probably are, but as you are potentially saving your dog's life, who cares!

Not Cool For Cats

You may not realise it but sunburn commonly affects cats and some dogs with white ear tips and white or pink noses. Leave this unchecked for a number of years and you'll see reddened looking skin. This can develop into solar dermatitis or the forming of scabs. Applying a waterproof, sensitive, sunblock daily will help prevent this. So just like you would for a human, make sure that you apply a suitable sun cream regularly and carefully - we've got sun screens for both dogs and cats.

Don't be too afraid

Now all the above makes it sound like we should just batten down the hatches, turn the AC up full and hide in the cellar until autumn, but that would miss out on dog walks without three coats, wellington-free excursions to the park and or sitting in the garden to the puzzlement of the cat who thinks it their own personal fiefdom! Enjoy the summer with your pet, just be aware of the dangers of hot days.

Looking after your cats while you are on holiday.

The summer can be a traumatic time for cats. They face trips to the cattery, cat sitters invading their house twice daily or disruption to their routines when the kids are home all day. The Pet Drugs Online vet looks at some solutions to your questions on how to help cats cope with the summer time blues.

Q: While we’re on holiday our cat is going to a local cattery. Is there anything we can do to help her cope?

A: Taking your cat the cattery is very traumatic for both you and your cat. The change of location is compounded by the travel to and from the cattery. To help minimize the distress you can use calming and stress relief products like Zylkene or Feliway Spray. Zylkene is a milk-based food supplement that mimics the enzymes found in their mother’s milk when they were a kitten, so cats feel safer and protected. Given for about a week before any change of situation, it can gradually help put them at ease. Pheromone sprays like Feliway can be used directly in their carrier, the car and their cattery bed to offer an instant additional calming boost.

Q: We have cat sitters come in and feed our while we’re away, but she often misbehaves or sprays. Is there anything I can do?

 A: Cats absolutely hate change or disruption to their routine. It feels like they’re saying “how dare you go on holiday!” when what they're really feeling is insecure. There are steps you can take to help them adjust. Zylkene (as suggested above) can be added to their food. Perhaps even more effective is the use of a pheromone diffuser like Feliway. This fills the room with calming scent that makes them feel safer. Start this a week or so before you go away, so that it is normal by the time you leave. We do also sell a range of cleaners and disinfectants though – just in case!

Q: Is there anything we should treat our cat with before sending them the cattery?

A: In an ideal world you should always keep your cat wormed and treated for fleas – although, let’s be honest, we all lapse at times. But if you know your cat is going to the cattery, it's absolutely essential they have up to date flea treatments, as itching and scratching will only compound any distress felt by your cat during their stay. It may also be worth getting a quick health check from your vet so they can make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

 View our range of cat stress relief products.