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Hot weather advice

Pool dog

Authored on: 25 July 2022

Having recently experienced the UK's hottest day on record, and with more high temperatures to come, we are continuing to share our hot weather advice to pet owners.

Never leave animals in cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day, even if it's just for a short while. When it's 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in these environments, which can be deadly.

You can also keep your pets safe by:
Using a pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet's skin
Making sure they have shade
Giving them constant access to fresh water
Putting ice cubes in their water bowl
Giving them damp towels to lie on
Walking your dog in the morning or evening when it's cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burnt paws

Some of the common signs of heatstroke include:
Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
Excessively drooling
The animal appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
The animal collapses or vomits

If you think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, it's important to act quickly. Move them to a shaded area and call a vet for advice.

 

We spoke to Derbyshire Live about how we kept our animals cool during the heatwave. Read more