Keep your pets cool
AWIDNES- BASED vets is warning people not to underestimate the risks that pets face from overexposure to both the heat and direct sunlight.
White Cross Vets is concerned that a worrying number of animals which have been sunburnt or suffered from heatstroke following the record breaking temperatures seen at the end of last month.
As long-range weather experts are now predicting more weeks of unbroken sunshine and high temperatures over the coming months, pet owners across the area are being urged take precautions so their animals avoid unnecessary suffering.
Vet Archie Cummings from White Cross Vets in Widnes said: “There are a number of straight forward precautions that most pet owners would usually take during the hotter summer months, like making sure there is always plenty of fresh water available, and not letting their pets stay in the sun for prolonged periods.
“We would also advise people not to walk their dogs during the hottest part of the day, as the hot road surfaces can burn their paws and it’s vitally important to remind people to never leave their dog in a car, even for a few minutes, as a dog can quickly overheat and get heatstroke.”
Signs of heatstroke in dogs include very heavy panting and drool that becomes stringy rather than watery.
Archie said: “In severe cases, a dog might collapse and its tongue will turn blue.
“Dogs suffering from heatstroke should ideally be checked over by a vet immediately and encouraged to cool down gradually using cool, rather than very cold, water whilst sitting them in a well-ventilated and shaded area.
“What most people don’t know is that a dog can die within just 15 minutes of being left in a hot car.
“If it’s 29 degrees outside, within 30 minutes the inside of a car heats up to 51 degrees, and leaving a window open or parking in the shade won’t necessarily help.”
White Cross Vets is also encouraging owners of pets with fair skin or very thin coats to apply specially formulated sun cream, as pets exposed to long periods in the sun can often suffer from sunburn in the same way that humans do.
Archie added: “In recent years we’ve seen a surge of sunscreen products introduced to protect cats, dogs, horses and even smaller pets like rabbits against sunburn, and these are particularly effective for breeds that have light skin, especially around their ears and noses, or short, fine fur.
“We’re often asked whether human sunscreen can be used on pets, but generally it should be avoided because some of the ingredients can be toxic if the pet licks it off.” ●