Feeling Hot Hot Hot
With the weather set to soar over the next few days keep an eye on your pets! it goes without saying that you should never leave your dog in the car. But try to walk them early in the morning or late in the evening avoiding the heat of the day, and it won’t harm your dog to miss one walk. The same goes for your caged animals, keep their water topped up and keep their enclosures in the shade.
- Always have a fresh water supply available to your animal
- Avoid taking them out for activities (walks/ rides) in the middle of the day, go early morning or in the cooler evening
- Keep them in the shade, this might be in the house/ in a shelter out of direct sunlight or well ventilated stable
- Watch out for signs of dehydration or heat stroke and call a vet if you are worried
- For horses with pink noses applying suncream can help avoid sunburn
- With horses putting on fly repellent can keep them happier
Watch out for signs of dehydration:
- Dark urine
- Reduced urine output
- Reduced amount of poos
- Lethargy
- Dull Eyes
- Gums become darker rather than a healthy pink
The horse flies have started to come out in their droves so if you can keep your horses cool in their field shelters or in cooler stables out of the midday heat then it will give them some relief. There is some good advice out there on top tips for keeping your pets cool from various organisations such as the RSPCA and BHS to mention a few.