Keep your dog (and Cat) safe during the hot weather and what to do if you see a dog left in a car in hot weather!

** DOGS **

• Provide fresh water to drink

• Provide adequate ventilation

• Provide adequate shade from the sun
• Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest part of the day
• Avoid walking dogs on hot tarmac – this can cause pad/foot burns
• Be especially careful if your dog is older, overweight, a flat-faced breed (brachycephalic), or have known heart or lung problems
• Walk dogs during the early morning or late evening or skip altogether if temperatures are high
• Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car call 999
• Watch out for early signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination
• If you think your dog has heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take to a cool, well-ventilated space, give them small amounts of cold water to drink, and pour cold water over them to cool them down. [Note: While earlier advice suggested using cool or room-temperature water, new research shows that cold water helps bring down your pet’s body temperature more quickly, without posing any additional risks.]
• Call your vet for advice immediately if you’re concerned

*** CATS***

• Provide fresh water to drink
• Provide adequate ventilation
• Provide adequate shade from the sun
• Use a 30 SPF or above pet-safe sunscreen on pale ears and noses
• Provide a cool mat, fan, or frozen water bottles covered in towels
• Don’t shut cats inside, they tend to be good at staying cool and will seek out a cool area
• If your cat has thick or long hair consider trimming their coats to make them more comfortable. Talk to your vet or groomer about trimming the hair
• Make sure they have access to cool areas in their home