The Cornish Vet August 2015
Getting out the deck chairs!
Some pets like the heat more than others – at this time of year, many a cat can be found in the
hottest and sunniest corner doing a spot of sunbathing and YouTube is full of clips of cats and dogs
following the rays!
But did you know…. for cats and dogs, as for all furry mammals, sunshine (or rather the ultraviolet
radiation from the sun) causes the skin to produce vitamin D. In humans the oil that has been
produced is absorbed directly back into our skin; for our pets, their fur prevents this re-absorption.
Instead the action of grooming – licking at their fur - allows the vitamin D to be ingested and then it
is available to their system where it plays an essential role in the production of calcium. So even
when doing nothing and lying in the sun, a vital function is being performed!
Be aware, though, that cats with white noses and ears can be vulnerable to sun burn and
subsequent skin cancer - an application of factor 50 sun screen can help to minimise this risk,
especially if you are not able to keep them out of the sun.
Dogs can find it difficult to regulate their body temperature in hot weather – avoid walking in the
middle of the day – opt for early morning before 8am and later after 5pm, especially for older dogs
or those with conditions such as heart disease. After 7pm (and before 7am) dogs are allowed on all
beaches which can give them a chance for a paddle and perhaps a cool down bathe – during the day
a paddling pool and blocks of iced water or frozen treats are an alternative cooling treatment!
Never leave a dog in a car in hot weather.
Rabbits and guinea pigs cannot pant effectively or sweat in order to cool down, so it is very
important that they are able to rest in the shade at any time. They also need cool water in a bowl
rather than a bottle to help prevent overheating.
Other summertime niggles: grass seeds from meadow grasses can be a problem if they get lodged in
dog’s ears or become embedded in feet or other areas. Regular grooming, especially after walks in
the fields, can help to prevent the seeds trapped in their coats causing issues later. Explorations in
long grass or on river banks may also cause your pet to return to you with ticks attached – another
good reason to maintain a regular grooming habit and keep a tick remover handy. For rabbits, flies
are the problem – keeping bottoms clean is very important to prevent flies from laying eggs: a daily
check is recommended. There’s an increased risk of bee and wasp stings at this time of year and
some pets can be allergic to them. Prompt veterinary care may be required in such cases. And did
we mention fleas??! Keep up your guard and maintain a thorough regime and remember the cooler
weather will bring some compensations!