Your pet's body temperature can rise sharply after prolonged exposure to the sun. — Photos: Freepik
For furry animals, the rise in temperatures can be much harder to handle.
Dogs, cats, and other small pets are more sensitive to rising temperatures, which means a little extra care goes a long way in keeping them safe and comfortable.
Pets don't fare any better in hot weather than we do. Their body temperature can get just as high, if not higher, than ours.
As a result, it can rise sharply after prolonged exposure to the sun. If this happens, you may find your pet panting.
They may also show signs of agitation and stick out their tongue.
Dogs and cats use their tongues to regulate body temperature, albeit in different ways. Cats lick to moisten their whole body, while dogs use their breath to dispel heat.
Either way, if you see that your pet is hot, take action. Put them in a cool, shady spot. And don't hesitate to spray them lightly with cool water.
Concentrate on the belly area for dogs and cats, as well as on the paws, as paw pads are very sensitive to high temperatures. Make sure the water is not too cold, however, to avoid thermal shock.
Cats lick to moisten their whole body to dispel heat.
Your little furball may grumble at the thought of being sprayed with water. Instead, you can put a damp cloth on the floor for your pet to lie on if they get hot.
You can also place a bottle of frozen water in their cage or kennel to create a pleasant cooling sensation.
If you're going to be out during the day, don't forget to take precautions. Draw the curtains or blinds to protect your home from the heat.
Don't close the bathroom and toilet doors: animals often like to take refuge there, attracted by the coolness of the tiles.
Make sure your pet's bowl or water fountain is well filled. Your pet is definitely going to need to drink throughout the day!
You can help your pet stay hydrated by modifying their diet. You can make their food more moist by wetting it slightly throughout the day, for example.
But be careful, as this doesn't always work!
So, in scorching heat, opt for wet food rather than dry kibble. You can also give them small bits of water-rich fruit and vegetables, such as melon, watermelon, apple or cucumber.
But don't force your pet to eat. It's not unusual for animals to have a reduced appetite in hot weather, just like us.
Keep a close eye on your pet's weight, and if you notice any significant weight loss, take them to the vet.
Try to keep car travel with your pet to a minimum in hot weather. — AFP
Just because it's hot doesn't mean that pets, especially dogs, don't need to go out. You shouldn't neglect walks, but instead choose the right moment.
That means taking your pooch out at times of day when it's still cool, ie, in the morning before 9am and in the evening after 7pm.
And don't take them just anywhere. Sand and asphalt can burn your dog's paw pads, so take your pet into the woods if you can.
Wherever you go, keep car journeys to a minimum. It can get very hot, very quickly in a car in hot weather, even with the windows open.
In very hot weather, it may be tempting to shave your pet's fur to keep them cool. But in reality this isn't a good idea. Hair protects dogs and cats from the sun's rays and helps them dissipate heat.
Shaving them would therefore be counterproductive. However, it is recommended that you brush your pet thoroughly to remove dead hair and aerate the skin. — By CAROLINE DRZEWINSKI/AFPRelaxnews
