Hot Dog Weather!

It's official, this week is set to be a scorcher and at Animal Assistance we are working hard to make sure our customers' animals do not become casualties of the heat. We asked our local vet Ian McConnell's for their top tips for helping our dogs stay healthy when the weather turns tropical. 

•  DO NOT lock dogs and cats in conservatories in sunny weather
  
• Try to avoid walking dogs at the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm)
• Carry plenty of fresh water with you and a fold-up water bowl or plastic bag that you can roll down.
• DO NOT leave pets in parked cars in warm or sunny weather (not even with the windows open).  This video will tell you why you shouldn't 
• Take extra care with brachycephalic short-nosed breed dogs (bulldogs, pugs etc)
• If you can't put your hand on the floor for more than five seconds, it might be too hot for your pet's paws

If you think your dog might be overheated there are things you can do to help cool them down:

• Place the dog in the shade
• Ensure they have plenty of fresh clean water to drink
• Use cool (not cold) water to gradually reduce temperature by:
   
• Placing moistened cool towels over them
• Spray cool water onto their coat and gently rub it in
• Spray cool water onto their tongue
• Get veterinary advice soon

Let's hope the only over-heated hot dogs this year are those on the barbecue. Enjoy the sunshine, keep your animals safe.