Summer is a fun season because it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy activities with our pets. It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities and adventures with our furry friends.

Dogs are known to cool down differently than people do – dogs pant to keep cool and sweat through their paws, cats clean and lick themselves as a method to cool down with their saliva.

• Provide enough water: fresh drinking water should always be available. Water can also be provided by way of ice cubes, be creative and make an ice-pop for your dog or cat as a fun treat or toy.
• Provide access to cool places, shade and shelter. There are special cooling mats for pets, but simple cooling tricks such as popping a plastic water bottle in the freezer for them can also help.
• It might seem like a good idea to be outside in the fresh air, but  in the hottest moments of the day, beaches or open parks are not always a good idea as there is no shade.
• Avoid intensive exercise during the day. Dogs suffer faster from heat than people, so schedule exercises in the early morning or late evening. Dogs often do not know their own limits and will keep on playing fetch with a ball until they overheat.
•  Brush your dog or cat regularly, but do not shave them! Their fur is a protection against the cold but also against the heat, as it works as an isolating layer.
• Short-haired breeds can get sunburned, so use a pet-safe sunscreen. Not sure if your pet needs sunscreen? Ask your vet! Be extra careful if your cat has white ear tips as there is a link between sunburn and malignant tumours in cats. In these cats the use of sunscreen is a must.
• Pay extra attention to their paws! A hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws, so it’s always better walk on the grass or in the shade.
• Pay extra attention to hygiene. Warm weather makes Bacteria and Algae grow rapidly. So be careful with water in puddles or ponds. And don’t leave open pet food packs outside the refrigerator for too long. Always remember to thoroughly clean their food and water bowls daily..
• In summer we also see more parasites like ticks and fleas: ask your veterinarian to advise you on the best protection products for your pets as they are the experts.
• Lastly, but very importantly: NEVER leave pets alone in parked cars, even when you leave the window cracked open! The inside of a car can quickly reach dangerously high temperatures. If you see a pet in a closed vehicle, try to contact the owner of the car or the police to save the pet.

Keep an eye on water levels

It can be hard to know exactly how much water your pet is drinking, paying attention to how much has gone each time you refill their bowls can help. It can harder for cat parents, so you will need to be extra vigilant to see if they’re drinking enough.

All pets need more water during the hotter months of the year. So remember to always bring water with you when you take your dog for a walk, leave an extra bowl in your rabbit’s hutch and if your cat likes to venture outside, make sure to leave a bowl in your garden or on your terrace.

It’s also important to be mindful of the activity levels or your four-legged friends. Really active pets will drink more water than calmer pets and may need more water available.

Keeping your pet hydrated in hot days

• Have multiple water bowls of fresh water around the house to give your furry friend plenty opportunities to stay hydrated
• Some animals, particularly cats, prefer to drink running water, so automatic water fountains can stimulate them drink a bit more.
• Make them frozen treats! Ice cubes or frozen treats not only help keep them hydrated but also cool them down, great for really hot days.
• Consider wet food or add a little bit of water to their dry food. Including water in their meals or treats will also increase their daily intake and help keep them hydrated throughout the day.
• Giving you pet rabbits fresh vegetables that are rich in water also does the trick. But remember, only 15% of their daily food should be vegetables.

Watch out for these signs of dehydration

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Loss of energy
• Excessive, ongoing panting
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken, dry eyes
• Dry, sticky gums
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Urinating less frequently

If you have any concerns or worries always contact your vet for advice.

Hydration is Key:

Just like their owners, it is important to stay hydrated in the Summer heat.  Pets must have access to clean, fresh water at all times. One tip is to leave multiple bowls of water around your home.

Avoid Over-heating:

Some pets find it hard to regulate their body temperature and keep cool.  It’s important to keep them in calm and comfortable surroundings.  Also, limit your pets’ outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you have a dog, choose cooler times of the day such as early mornings or late evenings for walks.

Provide Shade:

Ensure your pets have access to shaded areas both indoors and outdoors. You can use fans or air conditioning to create a comfortable environment. Cooling mats or damp towels can also help.

Watch out for Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes:

Parasites are more prevalent during the summer months. Make sure your pets are protected with the appropriate flea and tick treatments. Small mammals such as Guinea Pigs can suffer from infestations in the heat, so do take care and consult your vet for any advice or treatment.

Plan your holiday pet care:

If you are planning a Summer holiday, make sure you have appropriate pet care sorted.  Make sure your sitter is briefed on your pet’s usual routine, pet food and vet’s contact details.

Research if travelling with your pet:

If you are travelling abroad, you need to do some research as requirements will depend on destination.  Always consult your vet and it is likely there will be paperwork and possibly quarantine requirements. Ensure that your insurance covers your pet’s holiday and locate the nearest veterinary practice. If you are staying closer to home, do your best to stick to your pet’s usual routine to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

The rules for travelling with pets in the EU

Travelling within the EU and to the EU (i.e. 27 EU countries + Norway and Northern Ireland) with your pets is relatively easy, especially if you own a cat, dog or ferret. To travel to or within the EU, your pet needs to:

• Have been micro-chipped or have a clearly readable tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011,
• Have been vaccinated against rabies,
• Have had treatment against the Echinococcus multilocularis, where your destination area is free from this tapeworm (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland),
• Have a valid European pet passport when travelling within the EU. This document contains a description and details of your pet, vaccination records and contact details of the owner and the vet who issued the document.
• Have an EU animal health certificate when travelling to the EU if you do not reside in a Member State. This document contains specific information about your pet including identity, health, and rabies vaccination.

Travelling by car

There are several ways to ensure safe travel with your pet by car. While dogs may like to move about in the car, the safest way for them to travel by car is in a crate that has been fastened to the vehicle with a seat belt. Similarly, cats should also not be allowed to move freely around the car and, therefore, they should stay in a carrier while travelling. Furthermore, remember not to leave your pets alone in the car, especially during hot weather as high temperatures could be fatal for them.

Travelling by airplane

Travelling by airplane is a more challenging option for your furry friend. However, if transporting your pet by air is your only option, the safest way for your pet to travel would be in the cabin with you. If this option is not possible, here’s a few tips for having your pet travel in the cargo of the plane:

• Use direct flights to avoid any mistakes or mix ups during airline transfer.
• Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded into the cargo hold and unloaded.
• When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is travelling in the cargo hold.
• Don’t ever ship brachycephalic animals such as Pekingese dogs, bulldogs or Persian cats in the cargo holds.
• Fit your pet with a collar that can’t get caught in carrier doors and affix a travel label to the carrier with your contact details.
• Do not feed your pet for four to six hours before the trip.

Travelling by ship or train

Travelling by ship within or to the EU with your pet is relatively easy as there are many pet-friendly ferry companies around the continent. When boarding the ferry with your furry friend, make sure to arrive in advance in case authorities need to check the documents for your pet. Furthermore, if you are travelling with a dog, they may be required to stay in a ship kennel. For more info on pet-friendly ferry companies from the UK to the EU, click here, and for more info on those within the EU, click here.

Similarly, travelling by train with your pet in the EU is relatively easy. Generally, small pets are allowed to travel on European trains for free while bigger pets need to be muzzled and kept on a leash and can usually travel for a reduced rate. More information on specific EU countries and the UK can be found here and here.