The Scottish SPCA has given advice on how to help pets handle the heat as temperatures soar in Scotland, with many pets expected to struggle with the conditions.
As people prepare to deal with the hot weather, the Scottish SPCA are reminding people on what to do to keep pets cool with the hot temperatures.
The animal welfare charity has reiterated that walking dogs during the peak time of the day is not a good idea and that walks should be done in the morning or late evening when it is cooler.
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Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn has offered some tips on how to look after pets with some homemade inventions being key to the solution.
He said: “Walk your dog first thing in the morning or last thing at night if it’s cool enough - remember if the pavement is too hot for your hand it’s too hot for their paws! If in any doubt, skip the walk and take part in some enrichment activities at home instead.
“Never leave your dog in a hot car – they can overheat and pass away in minutes. Leaving a window down is not enough. Keep outdoor enclosures for small animals out of direct sunlight - pop a wet towel over the enclosure without blocking the ventilation to keep them extra cool.
The chief superintendent, further spoke about how it is important to look after your pets and check for signs of heat stroke and if you suspect them to be suffering from it, you should contact the vets immediately. Pet owners are being advised to keep pets out of direct sunlight also to prevent them from getting too warm.
Mike Flynn has called on owners to look ahead over the next few days with temperatures expected to still be in the high 20’s, whilst also applying some pet friendly sun cream to animals to help protect their skin: “With extremely hot weather forecast for the UK in the next few days please remember to keep your animals safe.
“Make sure all animals, including any outdoor pets or farm animals, have access to ample water and shade. Change the water regularly to keep it clean.
“Give animals with pink ears and light fur or skin a regular top up of pet-friendly sunscreen. Wild animals need our help during hot weather too, you can leave water out for visiting wildlife.
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