Pets: Advice for owners
WAVES is a short acronym Veterinary Ireland has constructed to remind pet owners to keep their dogs and cats “safe and healthy” throughout the summer.
The representative body for veterinary practitioners in Ireland has said that WAter, VEntilation and Shade are three essential things that pets require during the summer months.
Peter Bishton, Veterinary Ireland’s deputy chief executive, explains more.
Having adequate drinking water available for your pet at all times is of prime importance.
Ensure you keep water bowls topped up, and when out, have a separate water bottle available for your dog.
A pop-up camping bowl is also useful to ensure that your dog can take in adequate water.
Short drinks regularly are better than one long drink, and make sure that the water is not too cold.
While most people would know that keeping a dog in the car during a hot spell is dangerous, it is equally important to ensure that rooms, such as a bedroom, kitchen, or especially a glazed conservatory, are well ventilated, shady, and kept at a comfortable temperature for your pet.
Ventilation for pets
Ventilation is a major factor in keeping your pet comfortable in summer, and provides not only a cooling breeze, but also assists your pet to breathe and cool down.
Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat through the skin, but cool down through panting. Panting is not as efficient as sweating, and so dogs can find it difficult to cool down as quickly as humans when it is hot.
Providing a cool, shaded space for your pet to rest, either at home or when out, is also essential.
Shade is critically important, as pets can also suffer from sunburn. While sun protection products are available from your vet, ears, noses, paw pads, and areas where the fur is thinner, such as on the stomach, can still get sunburn.
The best action is to create a shady spot at home, or if out, find a cool spot under trees or bushes, or carry a light shawl with you to create a sun shelter with ventilation and water.
Vet
For any aspect of care for your pet, at any time of year, your vet is the best person to contact with any questions or to seek specific advice.
Keep the veterinary practice’s number in your mobile, and do not hesitate to call.
Do not forget that it is essential to provide plenty of freshwater, adequate ventilation, and cool shade for your pet, whatever it is doing.
So, ensure you give your pet dog or cat plenty of WAVES this summer!
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