Vet shares urgent warning for dog owners to help keep them safe during the hot weather
AS much as we love when the weather warms up, the hot temperatures can be incredibly dangerous for pets.
That’s why it’s important to know exactly how to keep your furry friends nice and cool this summer.
Speaking to Homes & Gardens, veterinarian Dr. Shannon Barrett shared a few tips all pet owners should know.
According to Shannon, there are a few mistakes people make time and time again, which might seem harmless but can be deadly for your pooch.
Keeping pets in the garden
It might be the perfect temperature for a spot of gardening, or maybe you just want to put your feet up and relax outside – but you shouldn’t keep your dog outside with you.
“[Pets] are very susceptible to heat stroke, and the signs can be very subtle. They may not appear for hours after being outside,” the pro explained.
To keep your dog safe, it’s best to avoid “the hottest parts of the day, which depending on your location, can be from 10 AM to 3 PM.”
Keeping your pets food outside
Just because you love a spot of alfresco dining when it’s sunny doesn’t mean your dog does too.
In fact, veterinarian Paola Cuevas Moreno from petkeen.com explained why the high temperatures outside don’t mix well with pet food.
She suggested removing any leftover food after 30 mins, as well as washing their plates after they’re fed.
“Bacteria tend to thrive in warm conditions, increasing the chances of pollution,” she explained.
Leaving them in a room with direct sunlight
Dr. David Littlejohn, the Lead Veterinarian at Pawscessories, told Homes & Gardens that although pet owners might think it’s nice to leave their furry friend in a room with a big window and direct light, it could be really harmful.
“If they’re unable to leave that room, it can get considerably warm for them to the point of extreme discomfort,” he said.
If you do have to leave the house and keep your dog in one room, try and keep them in one without direct light, or keep the curtains closed so the room stays cooler.