H.E.A.T.
As temperatures soar, The Blue Cross has put together the essential guide for pets in the H.E.A.T.
H is for "Hot Weather"
If your pet has a white coat, or areas of sparse hair, use sunblock to stop your pet burning. You can get special sunblock for animals or unscented human sunblocks should be ok to use, but avoid those containing zinc or salicylates. Check with your vet if in doubt.
Just like humans, dogs and cats are also vulnerable to heatstroke and being overheated. Make sure your animal has shade, water and does not exert himself too much. Wet your pet?s coat, place in a cool draught and contact a vet immediately if you see your animal suffering from heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke include collapse, panting, and dribbling.
Water should be available to your pet at all times. Don?t forget your dog needs fresh water if you?re at the beach ? they can?t drink seawater. Some animals may need their coats trimming to help them cool off in hot weather ? see a professional groomer.
E is for "Early Planning"
Your pet?s needs should be considered as soon as possible whether he is coming on holiday with you, or if you are leaving him behind.
- Make sure you leave six months to arrange your pet?s passport for trips abroad. See this link for more information: BBC Pet Passports
- Check your pet?s vaccinations are up to date, and that you have your pet?s medicine to take on the holiday.
- Check that the accommodation you are staying in has adequate provision for pets: are they allowed in all rooms, is outside space secure, will you be able to get the food your pet is used to?
- Veterinary supplied tick and flea control may be needed to prevent some foreign diseases ? buy it and apply it in advance.
- Check out kennels or a cattery early as the best places get booked up far in advance.
- If you are not using a cattery, or have a small animal, book someone to feed your pet well in advance. Make sure they will also spend some time with your pet and have your contact details and the number of your vet.
A is for "Accommodation"
- Get a personal recommendation, from a vet or a friend.
- Check your kennel is licensed by the local authority.
- Visit the kennels without an appointment to look around.
- Dogs should be housed individually, and should not be able to make nose or paw contact with others, unless they are from the same household.
- Ask about insurance cover in case of a veterinary emergency.
- How many staff are there per dog?
- Kennels should be warm, secure, clean and dry with plenty of bedding.
- As with dog kennels, follow the advice above.
- All catteries must be licensed by the local authority, they will be guided by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
- A good cattery will insist on seeing up to date proof of vaccinations and will ask for lots of information about your cat.
- Make sure individual pens provide the cats with something to do like a scratching post.
- Cats should not be able to make nose or paw contact with others.
T is for "Travel"
Never ever leave your pet unattended in a car. It takes just minutes for a dog to die from heatstroke and a small animal will suffer faster. All vehicles should be well ventilated. If your animal is travelling in a carrying box then this must be made of wire mesh ? cardboard boxes trap heat and may kill your pet. Keep water available on all journeys. A dog should be restrained by a harness or barrier.
If you are stuck if traffic then an animal should be protected from direct sunlight by putting screens on the windows. Avoid travelling in the heat of the day, travel at night or in the evening or early morning. When you arrive, observe the area before letting your pet out. Is it secure? Is there a busy road or river? Are there lots of unfamiliar animals around?
For more information on other animal welfare issues and to support the Blue Cross please click here: www.bluecross.org.uk
