Advice from March vets on looking after pets in the heat

Hot weather is something many of us really look forward to as the summer approaches, but it can bring with it some challenges both for humans and animals alike.

Please remember to pay extra attention to those who are young, elderly or infirm as they will struggle the most. For our pets, brachycephalic breeds (short faced) are also at significant risk of suffering with overheating in warmer weather.

Taking your dogs for a walk at dawn or dusk is ideal… certainly try to avoid any midday sun.

Pet-safe sunblock is great to use on white cats' ears if they love to sit in the sun – they can be prone to developing skin cancers on their ears.

Check rabbits and outside small furries daily to check for signs of flystrike, which can happen within hours on a hot day. This would be a medical emergency if it was found. Daily bottom checks and keeping hutches clean and dry will help to prevent flystrike. Please keep hutches out of direct strong sunlight.

Cooling mats, enrichment toys and frozen treats such as frozen yogurt on a Licki Mat are great boredom busters when it is too warm to go for a long walk.

If you have any questions on how to protect your pets in warm weather, please don't hesitate to call your local veterinary team.