Summer pet tips

Dear easipetcare friends,

As we reach the height of summer, it's important to remember that our furry friends aren't as equipped for coping in heatwaves as we are. It's our responsibility as their owners to keep them safe, cool, healthy and happy during the Summer months so here are our 'Top Summer Tips' for your precious pet(s).

• Summer Haircut We humans don't walk about in thick fur coats when it's sunny - and with good reason! To keep your dog cool and fresh this summer! Why not book them in for an appointment with a groomer? 
• Frozen Treats Is there anything more satisfying than an ice-lolly on a hot summer's day? Why not pop your dog’s Kong in the freezer and give it to them as a cool and refreshing treat. Cats love an ice cube too and frozen water bottles pressed against rabbits and guinea pigs are a great way of keeping small furries cool too!
• Skin Protection Pets get sunburnt too! Light-coloured animals can be prone to skin cancer; to reduce this risk, be sure to apply sun cream (that's right, you can buy special sun cream for pets) to white and pink areas of their skin, particularly the tips of the ears.
• Hot Cars NEVER leave your dog in a locked car when it’s hot outside. This is one of the biggest health concerns for vets during the summer months. Even with the window cracked open, even if you’re just "nipping to the shop", temperatures in cars can rise to deadly levels very quickly… Quite simply, dogs die in hot cars! 
• Walks in the Sun Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day and on longer walks, always make sure you take plenty of water. Concrete and asphalt can heat up and burn your dog’s footpads when they walk on it. You can see how hot the pavement is by placing the back of your hand (or your bare feet) on it and holding for 11 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s most likely too hot for your dog’s paws!
• Paw Patrol Check your pet’s paw pads after walking in long grassy areas. If unnoticed, grass seeds or foxtails embed into pet's footpads; this often takes surgery to remove. If you notice any lameness, hot ears or head shaking, seek veterinary attention.
• Allergies During the summer months, we see a lot more pets who suffer from skin allergies as a result of the higher pollen count. To help ease allergies, make sure your pet’s fur is clipped short and wash them thoroughly after walks in long, grassy areas.
• Heatstroke Watch out for signs of heatstroke such as collapsing, rapid panting, excessive drooling and sticky gums. Be sure that your pet has constant access to fresh, clean drinking water and a shaded area they can go to when they're too hot. 
• Small Furries Fly Strike can occur very quickly in hot temperatures. To reduce the risk of Fly Strike and to keep your rabbits/guinea pigs protected, be sure to check their behinds for fly eggs and maggots - at least once a day. You should also change their bedding every day. Fly Strike treatments usually last up to 6 weeks.

If your pet is suffering from any of the conditions mentioned, you should seek immediate veterinary attention. I hope you find these tips useful and do not hesitate to contact a member of your team for any further information or advice :-)

With best wishes,

Judy.xxx

 Judy Walker B.Vet.Med MRCVS. Founder of easipetcare - find out more  about Judy here!