Pets and Heat: How to Cool and Care for Our Furry Friends in High Temperatures

Summer brings with it an increase in temperatures that can pose a significant challenge to the health and well-being of our pets, just as it can to ourselves. It's important to take preventative measures to protect pets from extreme heat. At Arquivet, we're committed to offering solutions for a safe summer with our pets. That's why we're sharing the main risks, tips, tricks, and products that can help make those days more bearable.

Heat risks for different species

Heat poses a particularly serious danger to dogs and cats, the most common household companions. Dogs, for example, are susceptible to heat stroke due to their limited ability to regulate their temperature through panting. Breeds such as boxers and bulldogs are especially vulnerable. Cats, although less likely to be kept outdoors, can also suffer from heat stroke if conditions at home are unsuitable.

Birds, reptiles, and fish, although at different risk, are not immune. Birds can be especially sensitive to drafts and sudden temperature changes, while reptiles require special care to ensure their environment maintains a constant temperature. Aquariums, on the other hand, may require additional measures to prevent overheating of the water, which can be harmful to fish and aquatic plants.

Basic prevention tips

These three tips may sound familiar to you; they are not far removed from what humans do in hot weather:

• Drink water . Keeping pets well hydrated is crucial. Always check that your pet's water bowl has clean water and place it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid exercise during hot weather . Scheduling walks and physical activity during the coolest hours of the day, at dawn or dusk, can prevent overheating.
• Find shelter and shade . Ensuring pets have a cool, shady place to escape the sun is essential. For animals that spend time outdoors, it's ideal to have insulated kennels or ones that can be placed in shaded areas. Cooling mats are also an option to help lower their temperature a few degrees and feel better.

Tricks to cool off

In addition to basic tips for surviving the heat, we offer some tricks to make the high temperatures more bearable:

• Flavored Ice Cubes . To keep your pets hydrated and cool, consider adding ice cubes to their drinking water or even creating ice cubes with broth (salt-free) for dogs and cats. You can also use them to prepare a treat, such as fresh meat , chopped and mixed with the broth to give it more flavor. This will encourage them to hydrate more and provide a refreshing activity.
• Cool, Damp Towels . Keep some towels in the refrigerator and use them to cool your pet on the hottest days. Gently wipe the towel over their body, paying special attention to their paws and belly, which are heat-sensitive areas.
• Build shaded areas . If your pet spends time outdoors, create additional shaded areas using old sheets or towels. Make sure they always have a place to hide from direct sunlight.
• Homemade Cooling Mats . You can make a homemade version of a cooling mat by filling a large pillowcase with plastic bags stuffed with wet sponge pieces. Freeze the pillowcase and place it in your pet's resting place to offer relief from the heat.
• Proper ventilation at home . Make sure your home is well ventilated, especially during the hottest hours of the day. If you don't have air conditioning, consider using fans to keep the air moving.
• Walks during cool hours . Limit walks and physical activity to dawn and dusk, when temperatures are lower. Avoid hot asphalt, which can burn your pet's paws.
• Pet Pools . A small pool or a large, shallow bowl of water can be perfect for your dog to cool off while playing. Make sure to change the water regularly to keep it clean and fresh. Arquivet dog pools are ideal to set up in any space and fill with water for your dog to cool off in.
• Avoid extreme haircuts . Although it may be tempting to shave your pet in the summer, a cut that's too short can expose their skin to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn. A moderate cut is preferable to protect their skin and keep it cool.

Arquivet Products for Summer

Arquivet offers a range of products designed to improve your pets' quality of life during the summer. You'll find all the products on the summer products page of the Arquivet online store . Get ready for the arrival of the warmer weather with us and enjoy the good weather safely.

Cooling mats Arquivet

Mats in different sizes, perfect for use anywhere and easy to clean. They're weight-activated and don't require refrigeration or electrical power.

Cooling mosquito repellent mats for dogs and cats Arquivet

These mats, in addition to providing relief from the heat, contain essential oils that repel mosquitoes (in no way do they replace the protection of a collar, pipette, or anti-parasitic medication).

Dog pools

Pools in two sizes, ideal for setting up in any space and filling with fresh water.