11/07/2025
☀️ HOT WEATHER WARNING ☀️
With extreme heat warnings in place across the UK we are urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe in the hot weather and avoid heatstroke.
If you would like to reschedule an appointment, operation or procedure due to the hot weather over the next few days please contact one of our surgeries by telephone or email.
Heatstroke is life threatening.
ANIMALS AT HIGH RISK:
🏃♂️ Any animal at exercise
🐶Short nosed breeds
⚖️Overweight animals
😿Animals with underlying conditions
👵Elderly animals
☀️Animals without shade who cannot get out of the sun (especially dangerous are hutches, cages, runs etc.)
TIPS TO KEEP ANIMALS SAFE:
✔️ Make sure there is always access to fresh water
✔️ Keep in shade and avoid direct sunlight (including small pets, rabbit hutches, bird cages etc), close blinds/curtains if necessary
✔️Keep rooms well ventilated
❌ DO NOT EXERCISE dogs in the sun, avoid the hottest parts of the day, ideally wait until the evening or early in the morning. A dog will not die from missing a walk but one walk in hot weather could be fatal
🚗 If you need to travel use aircon if you have it or ensure good ventilation with open windows
❌Never leave any animals in a vehicle. If you see an animal in distress in a vehicle call 999
🖐️Test the tarmac with your hand, if it's too hot for you it's too hot for your pets paws
🦊 Please also spare a thought for wild animals and place bowls of water outside
SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE:
⚠️ Heavy panting
⚠️ Drooling
⚠️ Restlessness
⚠️ Bright red or very pale gums
⚠️ Lack of co-ordination
⚠️ Vacant or distant behaviour
⚠️ Seizures
If you are concerned about heatstroke take the animal to a cool well-ventilated area and give small amounts of cool water (not ice cold) to drink. Try to slowly reduce their temperature by gently pouring room temperature water over them or using cool wet towels for them to lay on (do not cover the animal with the towels) and seek immediate veterinary advice.
