Who said cats and dogs can’t get along?
Whether you’re a cat person or a dog person, Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have put their differences aside to assist owners with how to care for their pets during extreme weather.
With heat warnings issued due to the ongoing heatwave in the UK, health advice has been provided to ensure the safety of humans. However, what measures are in place to protect our cherished animals?
Look no further as the two charities have developed a checklist to assist pet owners in ensuring the safety of their cats and dogs during the summer months:
- Be sun safe: In hot weather, both cats and dogs can sustain serious injuries. Dogs walking on hot tarmac may get painful paw burns, so it's crucial to check the ground's temperature by using the hand test (holding your hand to the ground for five seconds – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog). Cats can also suffer from sunburn and skin cancer, especially those with white ears. Consult your vet for advice on cat-safe sunscreen.
- Keep cool: Heatstroke poses a serious threat to both cats and dogs, with potentially fatal consequences. To prevent heatstroke, it is advisable to keep pets indoors between 10am and 3pm on hot days and wait for cooler temperatures in the evening before walking dogs or allowing cats outside. Exercise is a significant factor leading to heatstroke in dogs, even in mild weather conditions. Brachycephalic breeds (pugs or Persian cats) , are particularly vulnerable due to their flat faces, which can cause breathing difficulties and hinder their ability to regulate body temperature. Kittens, puppies, elderly pets, and those with underlying health issues are also at higher risk of heatstroke.
- Signs of heatstroke: Pets experiencing heat stroke, whether cats or dogs, require immediate veterinary care. Signs to watch for include heavy breathing, excessive drooling, diarrhoea, confusion, restlessness, vomiting, drowsiness, and collapsing. If you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet promptly.
- Water and shade: Just like humans, cats and dogs can easily become dehydrated in hot weather, so make sure they have plenty of fresh water. Pop an extra water bowl in the garden if your pet is outdoors a lot, and make sure pets always have access to shade.
- Be plant aware: Certain garden plants, such as lilies, can be extremely toxic to pets. It is important to inspect your garden for any potential hazards that could harm your pet, as even a small amount of pollen from lilies can be fatal to cats.
- Garden hazards: Ensure your pets' safety in the garden during warm weather by regularly inspecting the area for potential hazards like broken fences, sharp edges, and toxic substances such as chemicals, engine oils, and antifreeze.
- Never leave pets in cars: Pets should never be left alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. As cats and dogs can’t cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them. If you see a dog in distress, call 999 immediately.
In a statement Alison Richards, Head of Clinical Services for Cats Protection, said: “We’re a nation of pet lovers and whether you’re a cat person or a dog person – or maybe a bit of both – you’ll want to keep your pet safe this summer. Many pets love to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s important to bear in mind that very hot weather can put them at risk of illness and injury.”
For more information on how to care for your animals during hot weather, visit Cats Protection and Dogs Trust.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
RSPCA. This is the leading animal welfare charity in the UK, and they specialise in animal rescue & furthering the welfare cause for all animals. Find out more here.
The WildLife Trusts. This is a charity body composed of 46 regional wildlife trusts. Together they work to look after nature reserves and protect wildlife across the UK. Find out more here.
WWF. This charity is the world’s leading wildlife conservation organisation. To ensure the survival of the environment and living things, WWF partners with many groups to meet this goal. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Life On Land, Partnerships For The Goals.
