OvertheCounter
    Twitter LinkedIn
    • Email Newsletters
    • Magazine Subscriptions
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    Twitter LinkedIn
    CPD Log-In
    OvertheCounter
    • News
      • Dairy / Beef
      • Sheep
      • Pigs / Poultry
      • Equine
      • Companion
      • Retail
      • Training
    • Magazines
      1. March 2025
      2. January 2025
      3. November 2024
      4. September 2024
      5. July 2024
      6. May 2024
      Featured

      Over the Counter – March 2025

      By Simon KingMarch 19, 2025
      Recent

      Over the Counter – March 2025

      March 19, 2025

      Over the Counter – January 2025

      January 13, 2025

      National SQP Awards Supplement 2024

      November 5, 2024
    • CPD Training
      • AMTRA CPD Modules
        • Frontline Academy
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Equine CPD modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
        • Are you a Gold Standard SQP?
      • VETPOL CPD Modules
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
      • Earning CPD points with overthecounter.news
      • CPD Log-In
      • Wormstock 2023
    • National SQP Awards
    OvertheCounter
    News

    Keep pets safe as temperatures set to rise to 30 degrees

    Simon KingBy Simon KingJune 8, 2023No Comments4 Mins Read
    LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

    The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take extra precaution this weekend to protect their pets from heat-related illness as temperatures across parts of England are set to hit 30 degrees.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a new heat-health alert from Friday, June 9, until Monday, June 12, and as the mercury rises, pets can be at risk of a range of heat-related conditions such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties.

    New statistics from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey showed that during last year’s record-breaking heatwave, where temperatures soared to in excess of 40 degrees, half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness.

    Dogs were the most common animal seen with heat-related conditions, reported by 51% of small animal vets in 2022, followed by rabbits (9%) and cats (6%).

    British Veterinary Association junior vice president Anna Judson said: “Here in the UK we get very excited by the promise of a bit of lovely, sunny weather but we mustn’t forget that animals can struggle when temperatures heat up.

    “These new figures are a stark reminder to pet owners to take extra precautions this weekend, to ensure their pets are cool, hydrated, and safe from the sun. Make sure pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times and call your vet immediately in case of any concerns about their health.”

    Dogs need extra care
    Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They can struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. For some, a very short walk in the middle of the day or being shut in a hot car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal.

    Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their flat faces can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool their body temperature.

    Ms Judson added: “Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving dogs who require treatment for heat-related conditions. Dogs won’t stop playing and running because it is hot, so owners need to take action to prevent them overheating.

    “This includes making sure pets aren’t walked or exercised during the heat of the day or left inside a car, caravan or conservatory, even for a little while, as ‘not long’ can prove fatal.

    “Early signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.”

    Rabbits
    Ms Judson outlined some of the signs of heat related illness in other pets: “Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.

    “If you’re worried that your pet has overheated, take them to a cool, well-ventilated place, give small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink. Seek immediate advice from your vet.”

    BVA’s top warm weather tips for pets

    • Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation, and shade from direct sunlight at all times. This includes the living environment of birds and rabbits. Provide extra shade to guinea pigs and rabbits by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels.
    • Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
    • Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk; if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
    • Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
    • Flystrike is a life-threatening risk for rabbits and guinea pigs in the warmer months, Check their bottoms twice daily to see if they are clean and to spot early signs of fly eggs or maggots. A ‘sticky bottom’ is not only at much higher risk of flystrike, it may be due to a problem with your rabbit’s teeth or digestion. Speak with your vet for advice on how reduce the risk of flystrike.
    • Some breeds of cats and dogs, particularly those with lighter-coloured or finer fur, may also benefit from pet-appropriate sun cream, especially on the ear tips, which are prone to sunburn.
    • Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.
    Share. LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
    Previous ArticleNew welfare strategy launched by the UK dairy industry
    Next Article Mole Valley Farmers invests in £4m upgrade of Lifton Feed Mill

    Read Similar Stories

    Expert reveals environmentally-friendly solution to prevent ants from destroying patios

    Rewards from regenerative farming system to be showcased at NSA Sheep South West

    Jollyes: Could cats overtake dogs as the UK’s most popular pet?

    Most Read

    Expert reveals environmentally-friendly solution to prevent ants from destroying patios

    May 13, 2025

    Rewards from regenerative farming system to be showcased at NSA Sheep South West

    May 12, 2025

    Jollyes: Could cats overtake dogs as the UK’s most popular pet?

    May 9, 2025

    Any animal medicine advertising or promotion should conform to the ‘code of practice’ of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).
    For full details contact the publisher or www.noah.co.uk.

    Lewis Business Media Ltd endeavours to make articles and statements as accurate as possible.

    © 2024 Lewis Business Media. All Rights Reserved.
    Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL

    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions

    The OTC "tick" mechanism is the copyright of Lewis Business Media Ltd ©2024

    • Pet Business World
    • Pest

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    Powered by CookieYes Logo