Our Top Ten Tips for Summer Safety

Heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration - yes, animals can suffer from all these things too.

Here are our top 10 tips for happy, healthy pets in the sunshine:

• Always ensure that your pet has access to shade so they can escape the sun and heat. Where possible ensure that there is good air flow through this area.
• Even with the windows open, on a warm day a dog can die in a hot car in under 20 minutes! Always find an alternative to leaving any animal in the car. If you see an animal in a car on a warm day call the RSPCA 24 hour national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999 or the police on 999.
• Apply high factor suncream to exposed areas including cat ear flaps and horse muzzles. Talk to your vet about suitable suncare for your pet.
• Groom your pet regularly to get rid of any excess hair. Clip long coats to ensure they remain cool.
• Flies can be a real problem in summer months. Change wet food and litter trays regularly to avoid flies and check your pet regularly for signs of fly strike. See our website for more information. Use a fly rug on your horse to avoid any irritation.
• Always ensure your pet has access to water in various areas around the house and that it is regularly changed.
• Avoid walking or exercising your pet in the hottest point of the day (12.00 – 2.00pm).
• Use a lick for horses to help replace the nutrients lost through sweating in the field.
• If your horse is turned out all day, ensure there is plenty of shade or try swapping your schedule so they are turned out overnight instead.
• Put a sturdy paddling pool in the corner of your garden for your dog to have a paddle. Make sure it’s made of a material that can’t be easily ripped by claws.

Keep a watchful eye on your pet. Look out for signs of heatstroke which include: heavy panting, red gums and tongue, lethargy, lack of coordination, collapse, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Always contact your vet if you’re concerned about your pet’s health.