MOST of us know some of the problems this hot weather can cause for pets, but there are others that you may not be aware of.

PetShed of Swindon have put together a definitive guide to caring for your pet during the heatwave.

These hints mention dogs and rabbits, as these are the pets most likely to suffer, but can also be applied to any pets.

Dogs...

• Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle. You could run the risk of your pet being stolen, or getting hyperthermia - usually known as heat stroke, which can be fatal. Many people still leave their dog in the car thinking that parking in the shade with the windows open is enough to keep them cool, but this is still dangerous because the sun moves during the course of the day and temperature can increase very quickly. . Also do not leave your dog in conservatories, greenhouses or other small buildings with a large number of glass windows and no ventilation.

• When travelling with your dog always remember to have shade of some kind and have water available. If you take your dog to a beach or a day out, check in advance that your dog is permitted to be with you. Be extra careful with any dogs more prone to over-heating. This is usually dogs that are overweight, older or have lung or heart disease, as their respiratory system is already suppressed. Those of a brachycephalic (squashed nose) head shape such as bulldogs, pugs and shih tzus also need to be kept cool for the same reason.

• Playing and walks with your dog are best in the early morning or in the evening when the weather is cooler. Remember not to exercise straight after a meal. Do not over exercise dogs with longer coats or those who are prone to heatstroke such as those mentioned above. Make sure shady spots and drinking water is available.

• Keep longer haired dogs cooler by grooming them to get rid of excess hair, and clip long haired coats for this season. Do not shave the hair as this leaves the skin prone to sunburn.

• If you are having a barbecue keep items such as matches, lighter fluid, candles and left over bones out of harm’s way.

• Be careful of letting your dog stand on tarmac. This heats up very quickly in high temperatures and if your dog stays still on it his paws can be burnt.

• If you do keep your dog outside provide plenty of fresh water and shade. Make sure any housing for your dog is of the appropriate materials to prevent temperature build up and is well ventilated. Bring your dog inside to a cooler spot, at least during the hottest part of the day.

 

Rabbits... 

• Make sure bunny is out of the sun. If they are confined to a cage or small room for part of the day, be sure that there is plenty of shady space for the bunny to rest.

• ‘Mist’ the rabbit's ears. Rabbits dissipate heat through their ears and misting them will help keep the rabbit cool.

• Brush out excessive fur. Who wants to wear an extra fur coat in the summer? If you have a long haired rabbit, consider cropping your bunny's coat short for the summer months.

• Fill 1 or 2 litre drink bottles with water and freeze them. Once frozen, put the frozen water bottle in the cage so he can lean against it to keep cool. Keep a few of these on hand in your freezer.

• Be sure your Bunny is getting his fair share of veggies to help keep him hydrated.

• Be especially watchful of rabbits over 5 years old or ones who are overweight or incapacitated. These rabbits tend to be more sedentary and may not get up to drink water if they are too hot. This can quickly lead to dehydration which can lead to death or other health problems.

• If it's unbearably hot and your house is cooler than outside, bring your rabbits indoors if possible, and let them run around outside once the hottest part of the day has passed.

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