Keep your pet safe in summer heat

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing is reminding pet owners of the important things to consider over the next few months to keep our beloved pets safe.

Garden safety, “We all love to spend time in the garden in the summer, and it’s especially loved by our four-legged friends,” explains Nina. “But our gardens can contain hidden dangers.

Pesticides
You should avoid pesticides wherever you can.

If they are necessary, make sure to use a pet-friendly alternative and cordon off areas that have been treated just to be sure.

Poisonous plants
There are lots of plants that are toxic to our four-legged friends, so it’s important to avoid any of these in areas your pets can access.

These include; Hydrangea, lilies, foxgloves and yew.

Cocoa shell mulch
Cocoa shell mulch, often used in soil, is poisonous to pets, as it contains high levels of theobromine and caffeine

Days out
“Days out are the perfect way to spend time with your furry friend. But there’s things to consider before you go,” Nina said.

A day at the beach
The beach can be a wonderful place for dogs, but it is important for owners to know how to avoid seaside dangers.

Be water aware
Lots of dogs love swimming and it’s a great way for them to cool down.

However, it’s important to pick the right swimming spot and know how to keep both you and your dog safe.

Many dogs love the sea to play in, but seabed shelves, strong currents and rip tides are among the water hazards.

Dogs can be taken by surprise and get in trouble quickly, so only allow them in shallow, safe stretches of the sea if you know they won’t go too far and will come to call.

Walks in the country

It’s important to keep the walk dog friendly by planning your route carefully, checking the weather forecast and making sure you have everything your dog needs for the day, and following the countryside code.

Always keep your dog on a lead when around livestock.

Heatwaves

“When it comes to heatstroke, prevention is better than cure,” said Nina.

1. Find the shade
If you have rabbits that live outside, it’s important you keep their enclosure out of direct sunlight.

Wooden hutches, sheds and runs can get hot in the sun, so remember to move them to a well-shaded area of the garden.

Cats can be tempted to sunbathe, while most will move themselves as they get a bit warm; older, unwell or younger pets may not realise they’re getting too warm, so move them out of the hot sun into a shaded area or take them back inside.

Dogs can enjoy a paddling pool and setting up a bed/den under the shade of a tree can be a great place for them to cool down.

2. DIY shade

If your garden doesn’t provide shade, parasols, sun umbrellas and DIY sun shelters make the perfect spots for dogs to sleep in.

3. Cold as ice.
A really simple way to help keep your bunnies or Guinea pigs nice and cool, is to fill a bottle with water and freeze it overnight.

Wrap it tightly in a towel or sock and place it in their home.

To find out more and prepare for the summer visit the PDSA website.