The weather recently may not have been the warmest, especially for July but we are due for a bit more summer before autumn sets in! Most people and pets enjoy a bit of warm, sunny weather and a few simple measures will ensure your friends stay safe and sound when the temperature rises.
Hot weather can cause problems for pets because their smaller body size makes them particularly susceptible to heatstroke they can’t tell us when they’re too hot! So it’s up to us to spot the signs and ensure they remain happy and healthy in the heat!
• Don’t let pets sit out in the hot sun or leave hutches, runs or cages in direct sunlight. Make sure there is always access to shade
• Make sure pets have access to plenty of clean, fresh water at all times and change water regularly throughout the day
• Know the signs of heatstroke – excessive panting, extreme salivation, distress and collapse. If this happens, gradually cool your pet’s body temperature. You can do this by wrapping them in wet towels (cool, not freezing) that you change frequently, and call your vet asap
• If you have a long-haired pet, get them trimmed for summer to prevent over-heating
• Walk dogs in the morning or evening – before 8am and after 5pm is best. Not only will this prevent them overheating in the daytime sun but road surfaces and pavements can burn paws when hot
• Rabbits are prone to maggot infestations (known as flystrike) in the summer. Flies are attracted to dirty fur and lay their eggs, which hatch in to maggots. To prevent this life-threatening condition, check a rabbit’s bottom at least twice daily for dirtiness and maggots. If you spot any maggots call your vet as soon as you can. If their bottom is dirty, clean it gently with a damp cloth
• Food can go off very quickly in the heat, so discard any leftovers quickly
• If you have a small furry pet, such as a hamster or gerbil, put a nearly full plastic bottle of water into your freezer and, when frozen, wrap it in a towel and place by the side of the cage, next to the sleeping area, to keep it cool. It’s not a good idea to put the bottle in the cage as it can cause leaks and make the pet too cold. Putting two in the freezer means you’ll always have one available. You can also put these frozen bottles in rabbit and guinea pig runs and hutches to keep them cool
• Take extra care if transporting pets in hot weather – keep windows open and use air conditioning if you can
• Fishponds and aquaria can get very hot in the summer – check regularly and make sure the pond has a shaded area
01.08.2017 By Lisa
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