The Good Pet Home Summer Tips For Healthy Pets

Keeping Kiwi Paws Safe This Summer

November 25, 2019

We all love our kiwi summers but the long hot days can also present challenges and problems for our animals. Keep ahead of heat stress by following some simple tips.

Avoid exercising your pet during the hottest hours of the day – choose to do small morning and evening walks instead. Take extra care for our flat-faced friends such as bulldogs or pugs.
Have fresh water all year-round but even more when it’s hot outside. The “Thirsty Dog” Bottle is perfect for when you're on the go. The leak-free bottle makes it easy for your pooch to drink fresh water and stay hydrated.
Put ice cubes in an indoor bowl or make large ice balls with balloons for your outdoor bowl.
Half-fill a shallow easily accessible pool for your dog to bathe in.
Dog ice blocks – not only are they entertaining but they can be a healthy treat! Make your own or grab a Billy & Margot tub from VetCare Grey Lynn. With flavours like honey and banana, apple or strawberry.
Cooling mats can be very helpful for most animals, or stroking your pet with a damp cool cloth – focus on paws, bellies and outside of ears.
Brush your cat regularly – matted fur is like having a permanent pink batt on you! If you have a long-haired pet it may be more sensible to give them a shave (keep a full inch to prevent from sunburn) get a professional to do this to avoid clipping their skin.
For our white-tipped fur friends grab some sunblock from VetCare Grey Lynn. The Kiwi sun is relentless.
Remember the 5-second rule – if the pavement/sand is too hot for you, it is too hot for your pet's paws!
NEVER leave your pet in the car – on a 30∞C day, the temperature inside your car can reach 39∞C in less than 5 minutes – even when in the shade and windows are open.