Pets and the sun
Created | Updated Jun 19, 2005
Most of the general public are well aware of the advice given about taking care of their health in the sun. Even though some choose to ignore that advice they are still able to follow should they choose to do so. There are also many products on sale, such as sun block, that can help.
But what about pets?
They do not know better and, just like humans, enjoy lying in the sun. If they are white this advice becomes even more important.
It is the owners responsibility to take care of their pet. Part of that responsibility is controlling exposure to weather conditions.
The following list is intended as a guide. Although it is aimed primarily at dogs it may also be of use to other pets too.
1. Always ensure that plenty of drinking water is available. If you take your dog out walking consider taking a water bottle with you. Reusing a ml mineral water bottle which is easy to carry is a good idea. Just make sure that you rinse it thouroughly and discard it after several uses, as you don't want to risk the build up of bacteria.
2. Provide shade and restrict access to areas exposed to the sun. Cheap awnings are available from D.I.Y. stores in the UK for as little as £10. They are reasonably easy to assemble and reuseable.
3. Walk your dog early in the morning or late at night. Avoid the midday sun between 12:00 and 14:00 when the sun is at it's strongest.
4. Try and walk your dog in woods or forrest where the air is cooler. If you don't have easy access to woods think about which side of the road provides the most shade and use it.
5. When walking near water remember the dangers of thermal shock! Both humans and animals can suffer shock when temperatures outside are high yet the temperature of the water is cold. This can be a killer, so don't be tempted to jump in after your dog unless you are absolutely sure of what you are doing. A pet dying is heartbreaking, a human dying is going to affect a lot more people.
6. Adding small amounts of sulphur to your pets drinking water helps the flow of fluids in their body.
7. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED IN A CAR, unless you are sure of adequate ventilation, a water supply and shade. Cars turn into cookers in direct sunlight and will kill your pet after even a short period of time. Always park in the shade and consider the movement of the sun, whats in shadow now may not be in 20 minutes. An extra couple of minutes walk for you is nothing compared to the well being of your pet.
8. Sun creams are available for dogs, but if you can't find them use a non perfumed, high factor baby lotion. Ears, especiallly the tips, are most vunerable.
9. If you must travel by car fit sun shades or tinted film to your rear windows (make sure you can still see through any film used). The sun is just as dangerous on the move. Keep windows/sunroof open to ensure air flow. Stop frequently to give your pet a check over. Preferably travel when the sun isn't out, early morning/late night. Keep plenty of water available (again used mineral water bottles are handy, as is a bowl). But remember, if your pet is drinking they will also need to visit the toilet. Several rules of thumb may help:
i) If you are hot so is your pet (and they have a fur coat and can only sweat through tongue and paws).
ii) An hours travel is fine but you must stop after 2 hours maximum. Utilise every oportunity to check on your dog (Traffic lights, queue) but don't ignore the Highway code)
iii) If in doubt pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. A wasted stop is better than a suffering pet.
iv) Fit dog guards or use dog seat belts. In an emergency stop your pet can produce enough force to kill you or harm themselves.
v) Always keep your dog under control on or near roads. Even the most well trained dog can become startled by unfamiliar or sudden noises. You do not want the death of your pet, or another human being on your concience.
vi) If you are planning a long trip make use of route planners (Mapquest, RAC etc)PUT LINKS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE. IF going abroad, consult your vet as soon as possible and at least one year in advance. Although Pet Passports have made things easier, there are several things you need to do well in advance of your trip. The earlier that you are aware of these, the easier it will be.
vii) Make use of local trafic announcements on the radio. The last thing that you need is to be stuck for several hours in traffic, with no hope of releif for your pet.
vii) Always carry some dried dog food with you. If you break down or get stuck in traffic at least your pet won't go hungry. Dried food is preferable simply because it is less likely to 'go off' in the heat.
One final note. If you have a mobile phone, make sure that you have your vets number in it and carry it with you always. In an emergency it can be a life saver. It is wise to look up the numbers of vets for areas that you intend to visit in advance of your trip (petownersonline?). Looking up numbers for local vets when you are in a blind panic is not recommended.
But what about pets?
They do not know better and, just like humans, enjoy lying in the sun. If they are white this advice becomes even more important.
It is the owners responsibility to take care of their pet. Part of that responsibility is controlling exposure to weather conditions.
The following list is intended as a guide. Although it is aimed primarily at dogs it may also be of use to other pets too.
1. Always ensure that plenty of drinking water is available. If you take your dog out walking consider taking a water bottle with you. Reusing a ml mineral water bottle which is easy to carry is a good idea. Just make sure that you rinse it thouroughly and discard it after several uses, as you don't want to risk the build up of bacteria.
2. Provide shade and restrict access to areas exposed to the sun. Cheap awnings are available from D.I.Y. stores in the UK for as little as £10. They are reasonably easy to assemble and reuseable.
3. Walk your dog early in the morning or late at night. Avoid the midday sun between 12:00 and 14:00 when the sun is at it's strongest.
4. Try and walk your dog in woods or forrest where the air is cooler. If you don't have easy access to woods think about which side of the road provides the most shade and use it.
5. When walking near water remember the dangers of thermal shock! Both humans and animals can suffer shock when temperatures outside are high yet the temperature of the water is cold. This can be a killer, so don't be tempted to jump in after your dog unless you are absolutely sure of what you are doing. A pet dying is heartbreaking, a human dying is going to affect a lot more people.
6. Adding small amounts of sulphur to your pets drinking water helps the flow of fluids in their body.
7. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED IN A CAR, unless you are sure of adequate ventilation, a water supply and shade. Cars turn into cookers in direct sunlight and will kill your pet after even a short period of time. Always park in the shade and consider the movement of the sun, whats in shadow now may not be in 20 minutes. An extra couple of minutes walk for you is nothing compared to the well being of your pet.
8. Sun creams are available for dogs, but if you can't find them use a non perfumed, high factor baby lotion. Ears, especiallly the tips, are most vunerable.
9. If you must travel by car fit sun shades or tinted film to your rear windows (make sure you can still see through any film used). The sun is just as dangerous on the move. Keep windows/sunroof open to ensure air flow. Stop frequently to give your pet a check over. Preferably travel when the sun isn't out, early morning/late night. Keep plenty of water available (again used mineral water bottles are handy, as is a bowl). But remember, if your pet is drinking they will also need to visit the toilet. Several rules of thumb may help:
i) If you are hot so is your pet (and they have a fur coat and can only sweat through tongue and paws).
ii) An hours travel is fine but you must stop after 2 hours maximum. Utilise every oportunity to check on your dog (Traffic lights, queue) but don't ignore the Highway code)
iii) If in doubt pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. A wasted stop is better than a suffering pet.
iv) Fit dog guards or use dog seat belts. In an emergency stop your pet can produce enough force to kill you or harm themselves.
v) Always keep your dog under control on or near roads. Even the most well trained dog can become startled by unfamiliar or sudden noises. You do not want the death of your pet, or another human being on your concience.
vi) If you are planning a long trip make use of route planners (Mapquest, RAC etc)PUT LINKS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE. IF going abroad, consult your vet as soon as possible and at least one year in advance. Although Pet Passports have made things easier, there are several things you need to do well in advance of your trip. The earlier that you are aware of these, the easier it will be.
vii) Make use of local trafic announcements on the radio. The last thing that you need is to be stuck for several hours in traffic, with no hope of releif for your pet.
vii) Always carry some dried dog food with you. If you break down or get stuck in traffic at least your pet won't go hungry. Dried food is preferable simply because it is less likely to 'go off' in the heat.
One final note. If you have a mobile phone, make sure that you have your vets number in it and carry it with you always. In an emergency it can be a life saver. It is wise to look up the numbers of vets for areas that you intend to visit in advance of your trip (petownersonline?). Looking up numbers for local vets when you are in a blind panic is not recommended.
