Valley Vets

25/06/2026

Some fantastic advice from International Cat Care! 🐱

25/06/2026

☀️Extreme heat - Safety information☀️

With temperatures forecast to reach over 30 degrees again today, it's important to remember that heatstroke can affect pets really quickly.

Pets at higher risk are Flat-faced breeds, puppies, elderly dogs and overweight pets - but all pets are still at risk!!

To help keep your pets safe:

💧 Ensure fresh water is always available
🏠 Keep pets indoors during the hottest part of the day
🚗 Never leave a dog in a vehicle, even for a few minutes
🐶 The safest walk for your dog during these extreme temperatures, is NO walk at all.

⚠️ If your dog is excessively panting, struggling to breathe, drooling, lethargic, vomiting, or collapses, follow our ‘Wet then Vet’ advice and call us immediately.

Heat stroke is a sudden onset, life threatening emergency which can lead to major organ damage and in the worst case scenario, death.

24/06/2026

Rabbits' fluffy, dense coats make them vulnerable to overheating. They also can't sweat or pant to help cool themselves down.

During hot weather it's very important they have access to shade, plenty of water and that their housing is well ventilated.

Take care not to completely cover housing with blankets or weather shields as this can cause rapid temperature increases inside the hutch/run.

Signs of overheating include:

⚠️ Rapid and or open mouth breathing
⚠️ Poor coordination
⚠️ Restless behaviour or lethargy
⚠️ Seizures

If you are concerned your rabbit has overheated, please contact us straight away.

24/06/2026

If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke - quickly wet your dog with cold water or as close as you can get (not freezing cold).

If not available, any water that is cooler than their skin feels. Wetting your dog will promote cooling through evaporation.

Avoid using wet towels as they can trap heat.

Once you’ve wet your dog contact us immediately.

24/06/2026

☀️As temperatures continue to rise, it's important to remember that heatstroke cases are more common than many people realise.☀️

Sadly, many dogs develop heatstroke after being exercised during high temperatures.

This week, the safest walk for your dog might be no walk at all. With temperatures reaching up to 38°C in some areas.

Prevent heatstroke by only walking your dog when it's safe to do so.

Please contact us immediately if you think your dog may be showing signs of heatstroke.

23/06/2026

With temperatures rising across the UK this week, now is the time to make sure your rabbits are prepared for the heat.

Unlike us, rabbits can't sweat to cool themselves down, making them especially vulnerable during warm weather.

When temperatures rise:
☀️ Provide plenty of fresh water
☀️ Ensure access to shade at all times
☀️ Offer cool surfaces such as ceramic tiles or wrapped frozen water bottles
☀️ Keep indoor spaces well ventilated
☀️ Check your rabbits regularly for signs of heatstroke

Signs of heatstroke can include panting, lethargy, drooling, weakness, or collapse. If you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet immediately.

For more hot weather tips and advice, read our full hot weather guide here: rabbitwelfare.co.uk/welfare-need/hot-weather-care/

23/06/2026

Think very carefully before you take your dog on a walk this week. With a rare red heat warning being issued in parts of the UK, hot pavements and high temperatures can quickly put dogs at risk 💔

Please share this post to reach more dog owners.

Hold the back of your hand to the ground for several seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Walk dogs during the coolest times of the day, such as early morning or late evening. On exceptionally hot days, it may be best to avoid walks altogether and instead focus on enrichment activities and keeping your dog cool and comfortable at home.

More tips: https://bit.ly/4jKtQnW

[Image description: This infographic highlights some of the warm weather advice that is listed on our website and in the caption of this post.]

22/06/2026

22° outside. 47° inside the car!

Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat through their skin, and they can overheat incredibly quickly so NEVER leave dogs in a hot car, even for a few minutes.

RSPCA have an excellent guide on what to do if you find a dog in a hot car: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/dogsinhotcars

22/06/2026

22/06/2026

☀️HEATWAVE ALERT – KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE THIS WEEK☀️

With temperatures expected to rise significantly over the coming days, we would like to remind all clients to take extra precautions to keep both themselves and their pets safe during the hot weather.

🌡️ Very hot conditions are forecast throughout the week, with temperatures potentially reaching the mid to high 30s°C. Warm overnight temperatures may also make it difficult for pets to cool down.

To help keep your pets safe:
💧 Ensure fresh water is always available
🌳 Provide plenty of shade and cool resting areas
🚶 Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening
🚗 Never leave pets unattended in vehicles, even for a few minutes
🐾 Be mindful of hot pavements, which can burn paws
🐰 Keep small pets and rabbits out of direct sunlight and ensure good ventilation

📅 If you have a non-urgent appointment this week and would prefer to rearrange due to the hot weather, please let us know and our team will be happy to assist.

If you have any concerns about your pet during the heatwave, please contact us for advice.

Stay safe and keep cool🐾