Summer health tips for cats and dogs

As the weather heats up, here are our top tips for looking after your dog or cat in the summer.

Dogs

1. Walk your dog early morning and late evening so they are being exercised in cooler temperatures.
2. Make sure flea and tick treatments are up to date – parasites love the warmer weather! If you need any advice on this then contact one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses using the Scratch & Patch Careline – 0333 332 1926
3. Don’t let your dog rest in direct sunlight – this includes inside conservatories, in front of windows, outside and NEVER in a car.
4. If you think your dog is overheating (panting, salivating, lethargic) then cool them down as soon as possible.  Use cool not cold water – let them paddle in it or drape soaked towels over them. Overheating can become a veterinary emergency quite quickly- if there is no improvement then contact a vet straight away.
5. Be aware of how hot the pavement is – if it feels hot for you to touch then it could be painful for your dog to walk on.

Cats

1. Give your cat access to indoors or a shady area throughout the day.
2. Make sure flea and tick treatments are up to date – parasites love the warmer weather! If you need any advice on this then contact one of our Registered Veterinary Nurses using the Scratch & Patch Careline 0333 332 1926
3. Try to avoid letting your cat rest in direct sunlight – this includes inside conservatories, in front of windows etc.
4. Cats that have white hair and pink noses are more susceptible to sunburn than other animals.  Ear tips are at particular risk of developing skin cancer so apply pet friendly sunscreen throughout the Summer months
5. Make sure your cat has access to fresh cool water at all times, if you think your cat is not drinking enough consider introducing a pet water fountain as they are usually more inclined to drink from running water.