9 ways to help your animals this summer

• Drinks! Make sure pets always have plenty of fresh water to drink.
• Treats. Lickimats or ice cubes with frozen treats make a tasty way to cool our pets down and provide both enrichment and fun.
• Ventilate. Always give adequate ventilation, have windows and doors open and a fan to help keep them cool.
• Hotspots! Avoid exercising dogs in the heat of the day - this is especially important for older pets, brachycephalic breeds or animals you know have heart or lung problems.
• Mornings. Walking pets first thing in the morning or in the evening is best when the temperature is lower.
• Pavements. Check pavement temperatures with the back of your hand because if you can’t touch it for more than 5 seconds, your dog’s paws can’t either and they might get burnt.
• Shade. Provide shade from the sun during the hottest parts of the day. Having a cooling mat or a cooling bandana can also help them when they’re inside.
• Heatstroke. Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, restlessness and lack of coordination.
• Vehicles. Never leave dogs in vehicles - “not long” is too long.

Summer is a great time to be out and about with your pet but so take care and remember it is important that you contact a vet immediately if your animal does not respond to efforts to cool it down immediately.