Keeping your pet cool in the summer
Fact – Malta summers are a killer. They’re tough on even the fittest and most sensible among us, let alone on our fur babies who probably have no idea why they suddenly feel like their energy packed up and went on holiday.
Add climate change to the mix, and we’re suddenly looking at a pack of parched and pooped pets. It doesn’t have to be that way, of course. Here are our top tips for keeping your pet cool in the summer.
Schedule your dog walk very early or late in the day
This can be a bit of a pain, especially if you’re used to an energising walk as soon as you clock off work. Trust us when we say that the 5PM Maltese sun is no place for a pooch. This holds even more strongly if you have a WFH arrangement and you’re thinking of a lunchtime stroll. Wait until after sunset, or bite the bullet and get a quick run in right after your morning coffee.
Put some ice cubes in their water bowl
Don’t you just hate ‘room’ temperature water that’s been sitting in a hot space? Chances are, so does your pet. Drop in a couple of ice cubes to keep the water fresh to help them lower their body temperature. And do make sure they have continuous access to fresh water as, in the hot months, most pets will need to drink more.
Air-con too expensive? Use wet towels
This simple trick is safer, and more environmentally and budget friendly than leaving the fan or the air-conditioning on. Dip a couple of towels in cold water before you leave for work and leave them lying around in the room where your pet usually hangs out.
Freeze one of their favourite toys
This might sound like a weird one, but it works. Leave the toy in the freezer for a few hours and then hand it over and watch them chew. There’s a double benefit to this technique – besides keeping them cool, it also keeps them entertained for an hour or so.
Don’t leave your pet trapped in a small space
Locked cars are an obvious no-no, even for five minutes as things escalate pretty fast thanks to the greenhouse effect. If you’re leaving your pet in a yard or a garden, make sure there is adequate shelter from the sun at all times, as well as access to water. If you’re leaving your pet alone at home you will also need to ensure that there’s a fresh passage of air.
Finally: Use your common sense
If you’re feeling too hot, chances are your pet is feeling even worse. A smidgeon of sensibility goes a long way!
