Nine ways to help keep your pets happy during the heatwave

WITH Britain in the midst of a heatwave, there are a number of things you can do to help your pets stay comfortable in the heat.

The heat can be fatal for pets, but here are some ways to make sure they stay happy and comfortable.

• Never leave pets in caravans, cars or conservatories. Even on a cloudy day the temperature can change dramatically. Heatstroke can be fatal for your pets.
• Provide plenty of fresh, clean water. Make sure you check several times a day that their bowl isn’t empty.
• Walk them in the morning or evening, not in the middle of the day.
• Use pet sunscreen. This is available at all good pet stores and should be used on animals with white fur or on pets with only a thin covering of hair. Protect vulnerable areas like the nose, or the tips of cats’ ears.
• Make sure your BBQ is tidy. Animals are liable to eat things left around with food on them and there have been cases of skewers being removed from dog’s stomachs, so be careful. Also, keep an eye on glass bottles and cups as they can easily be knocked over and smashed.
• Keep your pet’s fur trimmed and groomed. This is a great way to stop overheating.
• Take extra care when travelling. If you’re going away in the car, keep windows open. Make regular stops to offer your pet water. Never let your dog put their head out of the car window.
• Make sure their favourite spots are as cool as possible and make sure they have access to cool areas.
• Be aware of the signs of overheating. The signs of heat stroke start with excessive panting and can progress to fatal collapse, so it’s important to keep a sharp eye and keep your nearest vet’s phone number handy in case you need to contact them. If your pet does get too hot, wrap them in a cool damp towel, changing it regularly with a fresh damp one.