Summer typically brings high temperatures that can significantly impact the well-being of our four-legged friends. It’s essential to adopt certain precautions to ensure dogs and cats face the heat safely and without consequences. In particular, diet and management play a key role during this time of year and can alleviate the discomfort associated with high temperatures.
Hydration is a Priority When Temperatures Rise
During the summer months, hydration becomes a priority for the health of dogs and cats, just as it is for humans. Therefore, you must ensure your pets always have access to fresh, clean water. You can encourage fluid intake by offering wet food, such as pâté or mousse, which has a higher water content than kibble. You should also absolutely avoid leaving the water bowl in the sun, as it would quickly heat up, making it less appealing.
Prefer Cooler Hours for Meals
Higher temperatures can reduce pets’ appetites. For this reason, it is advisable to offer them meals during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening. This promotes better digestion and avoids overwhelming their system, which can happen during the hottest hours. It’s a good idea to adjust portions based on the animal’s physical activity, reducing them if you notice a decrease in appetite (read our guide on highly palatable foods for cats for more on this).
Avoid Peak Hours for Physical Activity or Walks
Physical exercise is important for the well-being of dogs and cats, but it’s crucial to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Walks and outdoor play should be scheduled for early morning or late evening when temperatures are milder. It is advisable to avoid places where there is only asphalt, which typically becomes scorching hot and can damage their paw pads. We also suggest always carrying a bottle of water to offer your pet the opportunity to hydrate during physical activity.
Sun Protection: Pets Can Get Sunburned Too
Although fur offers some protection, certain areas of a dog’s and cat’s body, such as the nose, ears, and abdomen, are more vulnerable to sunburn. You can use specific pet-friendly sunscreens to protect these areas, especially if your pet has short fur or spends a lot of time outdoors. As a general rule, it’s best to avoid prolonged sun exposure during the middle of the day.
Recognize Heatstroke and Act Promptly
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can have very serious consequences for dogs and cats. Typical symptoms include labored breathing, increased heart rate, weakness, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, you must act immediately by moving the animal to a cool place, wetting them with cool (not ice-cold) water, and contacting a veterinarian immediately. Also, never leave your pet locked in a car in the sun, even for short periods.
Home Environment: Ensure Coolness
Maintaining a cool and well-ventilated home environment is essential for the well-being of dogs and cats during the summer. Using fans or air conditioners to maintain a comfortable temperature can be a good solution. At the same time, you must ensure your pet has a cool place to rest, such as a tiled floor or a cooling mat. You can also cool the environment by misting cool water.
Discover the Benefits of Naxos Wet Products for Summer
Especially during the summer, Naxos wet products for cats are a valuable ally in ensuring proper hydration and a balanced diet even during the hottest months. Our recipes, available in delicious pâté and mousse varieties, are designed to be not only highly palatable but also rich in water, thus helping to maintain the right fluid intake. Formulated with selected natural ingredients, without artificial colors or preservatives, Naxos wet specialties are ideal for stimulating the appetite of even the most demanding cats during the summer.
