As temperatures continue to soar, pet owners are being warned to take extra care of their pets in the record-breaking UK heatwave.

Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in these high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, rendering them vulnerable to overheating. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are even more at risk, as their short noses can make breathing properly difficult, and therefore cooling down much harder.

Some breeds of cats and dogs, particularly those with lighter-coloured or finer fur, may benefit from appropriate sun cream in hot weather, especially on the ears which are prone to sunburn.  Consult with your local vet to ensure you are providing the right protection in the right place.

Rabbits should also be protected as they are often in a hutch or run that may become exposed to direct sunlight as the sun moves round through the day. Rabbits can also be affected by fly strike at this time of year so daily inspection around their back end and under their tail is essential. Seek veterinary advice immediately if your rabbit is affected. Likewise take care to ensure birds in cages or aviaries are not exposed to direct sun and have adequate shade.

British Veterinary Association President John Fishwick said:

“Many of us are struggling with the ongoing high temperatures but it’s important not to forget that many pets can suffer too. We’re advising owners to take some simple steps to ensure that their much-loved pets also stay happy and healthy this summer. Even relatively lower temperatures at the start and end of the day can prove uncomfortable for animals, especially if they are kept in direct sunlight without any shade.

“Vets know that dogs in particular won’t stop enjoying themselves and exercising because it is hot, so it’s up to owners to do all they can to prevent overheating happening – and be able to recognise the signs and act quickly if it does.

“If you’re concerned about your pet in the hot weather, we’d recommend contacting your local vet immediately.”

With more scorching temperatures forecast across the UK, BVA and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) are highlighting eight simple steps to help keep dogs and other pets safe as the temperature rises:

• Make sure pets always have adequate fresh water to drink.
• Provide adequate ventilation at all times.
• Avoid exercising dogs in the heat of the day: especially older dogs, brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems.
• Provide shade from the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, restlessness and lack of coordination.
• Never leave dogs in vehicles: “Not long” is too long.
• Contact a vet immediately if the animal does not respond to efforts to cool it down.
• If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, dogs should be taken to a cool, well-ventilated place and given water to drink while seeking immediate advice from their local vet.

ENDS/

Notes to editors

1. BVA is the national representative body for the veterinary profession in the UK. We represent the views of our 17,000 members on animal health and welfare, and veterinary policy issues to government, parliamentarians and key influencers in the UK and EU.
2. For further information this press release, or other animal health and welfare stories, please contact BVA’s media team on 07503 190247 or at media@bva.co.uk

Nina Rossi

BVA Media Manager

British Veterinary Association

7 Mansfield Street | London | W1G 9NQ

Tel: 020 7908 6337

Web: www.bva.co.uk

This communication and the information that it contains is intended for the person or organisation named above and for no other person or organisation and may be confidential and protected by law. Unauthorised use, copying or disclosure of its contents may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please contact us immediately on the numbers given above. This email and any attachments are believed to be free of any virus, or any defect, which might affect any computer system into which they are received and opened. No responsibility is accepted by BVA for any loss or damage arising in any way from receipt or use thereof. All emails sent and/or received by BVA may be monitored and/or stored for monitoring purposes.

British Veterinary Association is registered in England, company number 206456 at 7 Mansfield Street, London, W1G 9NQ.  VAT registration number 232 7441 80. 

Please find below a press release about a consultation that we will be launching next week about a framework for new post-registration qualifications for veterinary nurses which aims to enhance the veterinary nursing career structure.

Click here to view RCVS press release

This A4 DAERA poster can be downloaded HERE for display in your practices and on your website and social media channels.

Please help ensure that anyone who keeps birds are aware of the risk and actions they can take to protect their birds. Remember, advice from the Public Health Agency is that the risk to public health from the virus is very low, however the general public is advised not to touch or pick up birds that are dead, or appear to be sick or dying.  The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that Avian Influenza does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. Thoroughly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Further advice can be found on the DAERA website.