I’m a vet – this is the one thing dog and cat owners MUST do this summer to protect their animals from harm if they have an artificial lawn
- Dr. Samantha Webster has warned owners not to leave pets outside in the heat
Pet owners are often warned about the dangers summer heat can pose to their beloved dogs and cats, and now veterinarians have issued a new warning specifically for households with synthetic turf gardens.
While the British summer has been disappointing for many in terms of sunshine and heat, warm weather could be on the way in September, with forecasters predicting the following month to be warmer than average.
But even temperatures well below those seen on the continent this month could be dangerous, a vet warned. Anything above 24 degrees means that sunstroke is a high probability.
Dr. Samantha Webster, a veterinarian at Joii Pet Care, has previously warned owners not to walk their dogs in the midday sun, with asphalt and other surfaces that can burn pets’ paws.
Now she has advised dog owners with synthetic turf gardens that letting their pet loose in their backyard can be just as dangerous as letting them out for a walk.
A vet has advised dog owners with artificial turf gardens that it can be just as dangerous to let their pet loose in the backyard as it is to let them out outside.
Dr. Samantha Webster, veterinarian at Joii Pet Care, gave new advice to pet owners this summer
Dr. Webster told The mirror that it is important for people to check the temperature of outdoor surfaces before allowing their cats and dogs to play outside.
“A common hazard for both cats and dogs in the summer is hot surfaces, which can quickly result in sore and burned paws,” she said.
“To test the temperature of the surface they’re likely to walk on, try holding the back of your hand against it for at least seven seconds — if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your furry companions.”
Although it doesn’t get as hot as asphalt or paving stones, synthetic turf can also pose a risk to your pet’s paws in the summer.
‘It is very important to know that if you have artificial grass in your garden, it will heat up very quickly in direct sunlight and so should be treated with the same care as paving.’
As homeowners increasingly turn to low-maintenance artificial turf, Dr. Webster said they are likely to pose a danger to more pets than ever this summer.
Natural grass stays much cooler, she said, but for people without grass, she suggested other methods of keeping surfaces cool.
She recommended creating shady areas in the yard, or laying out cool, damp towels for pets to rest on.
Dr. Webster with her cat. She has warned pet owners not to leave animals outside when surfaces are hot
The vet also said owners should avoid leaving pets outside uninhabited when it’s hot.
“Once the heat of the day is over and the temperature drops significantly, it’s safe to let them run free—but again, do the seven-second temperature check if you’re not sure,” she said.
Heat stroke is also something pet owners should be aware of. According to Animal Friends Pet Insurance, vet bills for its treatment topped £400 last year.
Extreme caution is advised in temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius or higher, said Dr. Webster, especially if dogs are large, very young or a flat-faced breed.
At 28 degrees Celsius, the heat becomes dangerous for all dogs, she said, and even life-threatening for these types of dogs.
“You should never walk a dog or let a dog sit in the sun when it gets to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. At this temperature, heatstroke is a major risk for all dogs, regardless of their condition, size or breed.’