Keep your pets cool

Summer is a fantastic time to spend quality time with our four-legged friends, enjoying long walks, trips to the beach and eagerly-awaited holidays.

PDSA vet, Rebecca Ashman, outlines her top tips to keeping our animal companions fit and well when it’s warm outside. “Never leave pets in hot cars, conservatories or caravans, not even for a couple of minutes,” she says. “Even if the sun isn’t shining, temperatures can rise incredibly quickly.

“Provide lots of clean, fresh water. Check your pet’s water bowls or bottles at least twice a day and be on hand to provide plenty of refills.

“Exercise your pet at cooler times in the day. Keep walks to mornings or evenings, and give them constant access to cool, indoor areas throughout the day.

“Ensure your pet has access to shade. This is especially important if your pet lives outdoors. Indoor cages should also be kept away from windows to avoid long periods of direct sunlight.

“Check your rabbits for flystrike. This is a serious maggot infestation that can be fatal. During summer months, rabbits should be checked underneath at least twice a day for fly eggs and dirt.

“Protect your pet with pet sunscreen. These are available from all good pet stores and can be used on areas where pets have no, or sparse, fur.

“Keep your pet’s fur neat and trimmed as this can stop them from getting too hot. This is particularly important for dogs with very hairy feet.

“Take care when travelling. If you’re going on a journey in the car, make sure there is plenty of fresh air and the temperature of the car is cool. Make regular stops and offer your pet water, regularly.

“Watch out for signs of heat stroke – excessive panting, excitement, a bright red tongue and disorientation.”