Although there wasn’t much of a warm welcome into spring for some Aussies, we can now rejoice as the cloudy days and rain go away and the warm sunshine greets us once again.
With summertime comes many hours spent outdoors or in hot cars travelling – often with our furry companions. After all those chilly days spent under the covers, most of us are itching to get outside and spend some quality playtime with our favourite pets. However, as the temperatures rise, it’s important to look out for your cats and dogs who are not able to stay cool the way we do. Hotter weather means that they are at higher risk of overheating, getting sunburned, dehydration, and strokes.
It’s important that you are aware of the signs of dehydration and overheating in pets, so that you know what to look out for and how to best take care of them.
It’s just as important that our pups and kitties consume enough water on hotter days as it is we do. Water is one of the most important things for all mammals. It lubricates joints, aids digestion, improves circulation, and regulates body temperature – vital in the summer months! Panting and drinking water are the main ways that cats and dogs act to reduce their body temperature.
Some signs of dehydration to look out for in your pets include:
- Lower energy levels and fatigue
- Sunken, dry eyes
- Panting
- Dry gums
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of skin elasticity – this is one of the easiest ways to test if your pet is dehydrated. To do this, just gently hold a small section of skin around their shoulders, raise it up then let go and watch as it falls back in place. If your pet is hydrated, its skin will quickly spring back into place. If they are dehydrated it will take longer for their skin to return to place.
If your pet is dehydrated, they may be on their way to overheating too. Here are some signs of overheating to be wary of:
- Dehydration
- Excessive drooling or thick drool
- Fever
- Lack of urine
- Muscle tremors
- Vomiting and diarrhea
If your cat or dog appears to show signs of overheating, be sure to act quickly. Move them to a cool, shaded place, and provide plenty of water. It may be necessary to take your furry friend to the vet if you are particularly concerned.
Along with these risks, pet parasites are also notorious for coming about in the hotter months. No need to worry about this, however! With Pet Lovers Club, you can get your pets parasite protection delivered to your door and keep your pets safe and healthy. Try Pet Lovers Club for only $5 for your first month!
