Vet leaders advise on risks of heat

PET experts are warning owners to be extra vigilant should a summer heatwave return.

Incidents of animals being taken to vets due to heat-related conditions rose last year and reports of pets suffering from too much sun have made headlines this year, including here in Hinckley.

Now the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is reminding people of the simple, and obvious precautions to take, including always having water available, ensuring adequate ventilation, provide shade, don’t take dogs for walks during the day - as well as the sun, hot pavements can injure paws - and never leave any animal in a car.

Flat-faced dogs like French bulldogs and pugs are more at risk, as their short noses can make breathing properly difficult, and therefore cooling down much harder.

Contact a vet immediately if the animal does not respond to efforts to cool it down. If heatstroke or any other heatrelated condition is suspected, dogs should be taken to a cool, well-ventilated place and given water to drink before seeking immediate advice from their local vet.