Pets and hot weather

During the hotter months, our pets are at greater risk of heat stroke which can lead to death. Here are our top tips to keep your pets safe during hot weather.

Never leave animals in cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day, even if it's just for a short while. When it's 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C in these environments, which can be deadly.

You can also keep your pets safe by:

• Using a pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet's skin
• Making sure they have shade
• Giving them constant access to fresh water
• Putting ice cubes in their water bowl
• Giving them damp towels to lie on
• Walking your dog in the morning or evening when it's cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burnt paws

Some of the common signs of heatstroke include:

• Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
• Excessively drooling
• The animal appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
• The animal collapses or vomits

If you think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, it's important to act quickly. Move them to a shaded area and call a vet for advice.