Summer Survival Guide
Friday, July 03 2009
To make sure Britain’s pets enjoy the heatwave as much as their owners The Blue Cross has some essential summer safety advice:
To make sure Britain’s pets enjoy the heatwave as much as their owners The Blue Cross is issuing some essential summer safety advice:
- Always have plenty of clean water available, large dog bowls filled to the brim are best for cats. Don’t forget to take fresh water to the beach for dogs. A salt lick will help horses replace nutrients lost through sweating and give smaller pets pieces of apple or celery for added moisture.
- Keep rabbits and smaller animals and their homes clean. Warm weather means more flies and maggots can lead to ‘Flystrike’, a common but fatal condition in small animals.
- Help pets find shady spots – indoors and out. Pale coloured animals are prone to skin cancer if they spend too much time in the sun, just like people.
- Never leave pets in a car or enclosed warm spaces. Just a few minutes, even with an open window, can be fatal to animals.
Caroline Reay, Blue Cross chief vet says: “Spare a thought for your pets during the current hot spell. They love joining in the fun but remember that warm weather can be dangerous for them. Every year, Blue Cross hospitals treat animals affected by heatstroke and skin problems caused by too much sun, so follow our advice to make sure your pets enjoy the sunshine as much as you do.”
Dogs and cats
Dogs and cats with pale coloured fur are especially vulnerable to sunburn; particularly ears, noses and sparsely haired areas. Sun damage can lead to skin cancer which may require extensive surgery - even amputation in severe cases. The best prevention is to keep your pet indoors when the sun is strongest, between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Alternatively, cover vulnerable areas or regularly apply a non-toxic waterproof human sunblock or a product specifically for pets. Seek prompt veterinary advice if your dog or cat’s skin looks sore or develops crusting or scaling.
Animals can suffer from fatal heatstroke within minutes. Never leave your dog (or any pet) alone in a car - even with the windows open, and avoid exercising during the hotter times of the day. Signs of heatstroke include collapse, excessive panting and dribbling. If you suspect your animal is suffering from heatstroke, remove him to a cool place, soak his coat with running cool water, or cover him in wet towels and contact a vet immediately. Take care not to overcool, especially small pets.
Your pet needs plenty of clean water at all times. Older animals, particularly cats, are very vulnerable. Large sized water bowls, filled to the brim, are best. Don’t forget your dog needs fresh water if you’re at the beach - drinking seawater is likely to make your dog ill.
Keep dogs and cats well groomed - especially longhaired ones. A tangle free coat will help protect your pet’s delicate skin and keep them cool. Some animals may need their coats trimming to help them cool off in hot weather. Seek advice from a professional groomer.
Going on holiday
When travelling with your dog in the car make sure he is secured by a dog harness or barrier and that there is plenty of ventilation. Sun screens on the car windows will help protect him from direct sunlight if you are stuck in traffic. Try and avoid the midday heat by travelling early in the morning or late in the evening. You can use a misting spray to keep your dog cool but avoid spraying in the face.
If you are taking your pet on holiday with you check all vaccinations are up to date and that you have your pet’s medicine with you if appropriate. 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 buy the food your pet is used to?
If your pet is microchipped ensure your contact information is up to date. Make sure your dog’s tag has your mobile number or a local contact number for you on holiday.
If you are taking your animal abroad ensure you leave at least nine months to arrange for a pet passport, dogs and cats need to be microchipped and vaccinated first. A blood sample is then checked and pet passports are only issued six months after a satisfactory blood sample. Check your pet insurance policy covers your pet abroad and make sure you are familiar with all the requirements to bring your pet back into the UK on your return. Consult your vet about protection against other diseases that your pet may encounter abroad, such as Leishmaniasis from sandflybites.
If you are choosing a boarding kennel or cattery for your pet then here are some top tips to ensure they enjoy their holiday too:
- Get a personal recommendation, from a vet or a friend.
- Book early - the best places can get booked up far in advance.
- Check your kennel/cattery is licensed by the local authority.
- Drop in without an appointment and ask to look around.
- Check if animals are housed individually; they should not be able to make nose or paw contact with others.
- Ask about insurance cover in case of a veterinary emergency.
- Make sure the location is not prone to flooding.
- Find out how many staff there are per dog or cat in the kennels.
- Check that the living area is warm, secure, clean and dry with plenty of bedding.
- Make sure individual cat pens provide toys, a scratching post and a shelf where they can rest.
- A good kennel/cattery will insist on seeing up to date proof of vaccinations and will ask for lots of information about your pet, including their usual diet.
Rabbits and small animals
Flystrike or myiasis is a particularly nasty condition which rabbits are vulnerable to over the summer months. It occurs when flies lay their eggs on or near rabbits, which hatch into maggots and then feed on the rabbit - causing pain, severe shock and often death. Ensure you check your rabbits at least twice a day to make sure they’re clean and free from anything that may attract flies. Make sure their hutches are always clean and dry and disinfect them at least once a week. Repellents such as "Rearguard" may help protect your rabbit. Houserabbits are also vulnerable to flystrike and should be checked as regularly as hutch rabbits. If you find any maggots on or near your rabbit you should contact your vet immediately.
Hutches and runs for small animals should be kept in the shade all day during summer months - move them if the sun moves around. The best runs have a covered area to allow pets to shelter during the day. They should also be kept off the ground to improve ventilation. A ceramic tile can provide a cool spot to lie on; a frozen bottle of water can also provide a cool place inside a cage to lean on.
- Water should be available around the clock and kept topped up - remember that it will evaporate faster in hot weather.
- If you take your rabbit or small animal on a long journey make sure you give them a piece of apple or celery to eat, to give them added moisture.
Mist your rabbit with cool water to help them remain at a comfortable temperature. Brush out excess fur to keep your pet cool. If you have a longhaired rabbit you may want to consider having the coat cropped by a professional groomer.
Horses
Ensure that your horse has access to a shady area in the field.
Protect your horse from flies as much as possible. Long manes and tails offer natural protection but if you prefer your horse to have a pulled mane and forelock then you could use a fly fringe or mask which will help keep flies away from your horse’s face, watch out for rubbing though. You may also want to buy an anti-fly rug too; they are usually made from fine mesh and protect the majority of the horse’s body. Good quality fly repellent is also advisable.
You should monitor your horse’s weight all year round but be extra vigilant over the summer months when there is plenty of grass around. Use a weigh tape and keep a weekly chart. If you notice a weight gain then restrict grazing hours and/or use a well fitted muzzle for short periods. If your horse is eating hard feed then consider reducing it or cutting it out all together.
Horses sweat, which makes them lose water and become dehydrated so ensure they always have access to a supply of clean, fresh water. Give them access to salt licks to replace the nutrients they lose through sweat.
Horses feet can dry out in warmer weather so keep them well hydrated. Ask your farrier’s advice for the best products to use.
Horses may also suffer from sunburn, especially to exposed, unpigmented, white and pink areas of the skin, like the muzzle. Protect your horse with a suitable hypo allergenic waterproof sunblock cream, if you are unsure which to use ask your vet for advice.