The heat has been steadily increasing over the past few weeks, so we can officially say summer is here with a bang! The rising temperatures and increased humidity can cause serious health issues for pets, such as dehydration and heatstroke. So we’re sharing a few key tips on how to keep your furry friends safe during these warmer months.
Stay Alert for Heat Stress
Young, elderly, overweight pets, as well as thick-coated and flat-faced breeds, are especially vulnerable to health issues during this time of year. It is important to understand the signs of heat stress and know how to respond quickly in these situations. If you notice symptoms such as:
- confusion,
- bright red or pale gums,
- vomiting or diarrhea,
- weakness,
- drooling,
- or unusual breathing,
immediately move your pet to the shade, begin cooling them gradually by placing wet towels on their body, and offer small amounts of water. It is important to contact your vet immediately – heatstroke is a medical emergency and can cause severe, potentially life-threatening damage.
Hydration Is Key
The first step to keeping your pet happy and healthy is proper hydration. Fresh, cool water should always be available; water fountains are especially convenient for this and are recommended for cats, as they often prefer moving water. You can also add water to dry food or offer wet food to help increase fluid intake. Pet-safe yogurt drinks and ice creams can be a great way to keep them cool and hydrated too.
Safe Summer Walks
Don’t forget to bring portable water bottles on walks as well. Avoid walking your pet during peak hours; the ideal times are before 8am and after sunset. It’s always best to check the pavement temperature with your hand—place your palm on the ground for about 10 seconds, and if it’ s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for them! To stay safe, you can also apply paw balm, and if your pet tolerates them, use dog booties for extra protection. Try to stay in shaded areas as much as possible for both your and your pet’s safety.
Pet-Friendly Beaches in Malta
Keeping your pet safe is important, but summer should be fun too! Malta has several pet-friendly beaches. According to the website of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare, these are safe spots to take our pets:
- Rinella Bay Kalkara,
- Xatt is-Sajjieda Marsaxlokk,
- Tigne Point – Under the Tigne Pedestrian Bridge,
- Ramlet It-Torri (Mellieħa),
- Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq – Behind Splash and Fun,
- Imgiebaħ Bay – Selmun,
- Dahlet Ix-Xmajjar – Armier,
- Zonqor Point – Marsascala,
- Marsascala – St Thomas Bay (Munxar side)
- Ċirkewwa -Ir-Ramla ta’Wied Musa,
- Mellieħa Ramlet il-Qortin,
- Birżebbuġia – Near Sailing Club,
- Gozo – Trejqet Mgarr ix-Xini – Ghajnsielem (Ras il-Ħobż),
- Gozo -Mġarr – Il-Bajja ta’ Gorgun,
- Gozo- San Lawrenz – Il-Bajja tad-Dwejra,
- Gozo – Żebbuġ – Il-Bajja tal-Qbajjar are all pet friendly locations.
For maximum enjoyment, don’t forget to bring floating toys, a life vest, pet-friendly sunscreen, and after-sun shampoo to keep your pet comfortable and protected both during and after a fun day at the beach. We wish you and your furry friends a wonderful summer filled with fun, adventure, and plenty of happy memories. From cooling mats and water fountains to life vests and pet-safe ice creams, you’ll find everything you need for a safe and enjoyable summer on our online shop or instore (Burmarrad & Zabbar).
