When the temperature rises, it is vital to help our pets to stay cool.
For pink skinned/ white coated animals we must consider the risk of sunburn – animal sunscreen is available to buy but sensitive children’s sunscreen can be equally effective. Protect ear tips of cats and rabbits especially.
Burns on paws – hot paving, concrete, sand and stones can cause burns to dog’s pads in hot weather, just one reason why walking your dog in peak hours of sun and heat should be avoided.
Provide shade and water – all pets need to be able to get into the shade: pull down blinds indoors, put up a garden parasol, make sure guinea pigs in an outdoor run have a shaded area. And remember the shade will move with the sun through the day, so adjust for this.
Watch out for signs of heatstroke which include: Severe panting, increased respiratory effort, salivating and even vomiting and diarrhoea. If you are concerned about any of these, call us for advice.
