At this time of year, there are lots of opportunities for our pets to be outside, having a nice time. Here are some top tips for keeping them safe in the height of summer.

Don’t leave pets in vehicles
Although there is increasing awareness that pets can die in hot vehicles, sadly incidents still happen. This is usually because people are unaware of how hot cars become – even when there isn’t full sun, even if the windows are left open, even if their pets are not left for long. The best rule of thumb is just please do not risk it.

Walk dogs at cooler times of the day
Shorter nosed breeds of dog – ‘brachycephalics’ like Pugs, French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs – can find it much harder to regulate their body temperature in the heat, as they cannot pant as effectively to cool themselves down. They are much more vulnerable to heatstroke, especially if also overweight.

It is important not to walk these dogs during the hottest parts of the day, or even at all on some days during really hot spells. The same is true for all dogs, actually, as pavements can get too hot for their paws. Make sure they always have access to shade, cool water to drink and even paddling pools if they like them!

Pet-safe sun protection creams
Many animals love to bask in the sun. Sadly, some can be prone to certain skin cancers, just like humans who are exposed to lots of UV light. Cats with very light-coloured or white ear tips are especially at risk for this, so it is worth asking your vet about pet-safe sun protection creams you can use on them.

Look after small animals
Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs can suffer in the heat too. They often have very thick coats and cannot perform their natural behaviours like burrowing underground to keep cool. Ensure plenty of shade over hutches, extra drinking water, and something like a frozen water bottle wrapped in a tea towel for them to sit next to. It is also very important to protect against, and monitor for, ‘fly strike’. This occurs when flies lay their eggs in fur (especially if soiled or matted), and the resulting maggots feed on the pet.