July News Round Up

🐾 A Warm Welcome from Becca, Our Founder

Hello dear Friends for Pets community!

I’m Becca, the founder of Friends for Pets, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to our latest newsletter. I recently had the absolute pleasure of speaking on BBC Radio about keeping our pets safe in the heat (which we’ve been having a lot of recently!)

🎙️ Listen In!

Catch the interview around the 27-minute mark to listen! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002f8bv

Our Little Sister Company, The Pet Academy has big news!

The Pet Academy, who we set up in 2019, to provide training for our pet carers to up skill and gain more knowledge about the pets in their care, has recently had a couple of courses approved by iPET, an Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual, CCEA Regulation and Qualifications Wales. We are so very proud! To see courses available to pet businesses and owners please see https://thepetacademy.co.uk/

Top Tips for Hot Weather

Here’s a list of top tips for keeping pets safe in hot weather:

☀️ 1. Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car

Even with windows cracked, cars heat up fast—becoming deadly in minutes. This is one of the most common causes of heatstroke in pets.

💧 2. Provide Constant Access to Fresh Water

Keep clean, cool water available at all times. Add ice cubes on very hot days and bring water with you when out and about.

🏖️ 3. Avoid Walks During Peak Heat

Walk early in the morning or after sunset. Hot pavement can burn paws—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet.

🏠 4. Create Cool Spaces Indoors

Keep pets inside with fans or air conditioning. If you don’t have A/C, use damp towels, cooling mats, or frozen water bottles wrapped in cloth.

🏡 5. Give Shade When Outdoors

Ensure shaded areas are always available if pets must be outside. Trees, tarps, or pet-safe umbrellas are better than a doghouse, which can trap heat.

🌬️ 6. Use Cooling Products

Try cooling vests, mats, or bandanas made for pets. Freeze pet-safe treats like yogurt or broth in ice cube trays for a cool snack.

🐾 7. Watch for Signs of Overheating

Look for heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or collapse. These are signs of heatstroke—move the pet to a cool place and call a vet immediately.

🧴 8. Protect Against Sunburn

Light-colored or thin-coated pets can get sunburned. Use pet-safe sunscreen on ears, nose, and exposed skin if they’ll be in the sun.

🐕 9. Limit Exercise

Keep physical activity light in hot weather. Overexertion can quickly lead to heat exhaustion—especially in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs.

Thank you so much for being a part of the Friends for Pets family. Together, we’re creating lasting connections one wag, purr, and cuddle at a time.

With love and gratitude,
Becca
Founder, Friends for Pets