Play It Safe In The Sun

With warm weather set to continue into the weekend, the RSPCA is urging pet owners to follow its advice about keeping animals safe in hot weather. Here are the RSPCA's top 10 tips to help keep your pet safe in the sun.

1. Never leave an animal in a car in warm weather On warm or sunny days cars heat up quickly and become like ovens - animals could be literally cooked alive in a matter of minutes. Be aware that conservatories, greenhouses and caravans can also become excessively hot.
2. Don't let your pet get sunburnt Animals can suffer from sunburn too! Owners should cover any white extremities, especially ear tips, with the highest possible factor sun cream before the animal goes outside.
3. Make sure all pets have access to shade and a constant supply of fresh drinking water All cages and enclosures should be kept in the shade. Watch out for warning signs of heatstroke. If in doubt contact a vet for advice.
4. Check your pets for fleas, ticks and mites Heat brings out nasty creepy-crawlies, so check pets regularly.
5. Check animals every day for fly-strike Flies like to lay their eggs in the faeces-covered fur of rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and cats. Animals' backsides and living areas should be kept clean and checked every day, and bedding should be changed every week.
6. Don't exert dogs in the heat During hot weather walk your dog in the morning when it will not burn its paws on the pavement or be at increased risk of heatstroke.
7. Keep indoor fish tanks out of direct sunlight Change the water regularly and keep them clear of algae. Outside, spray a hose over ponds to top up water levels and replace lost oxygen.
8. Don't leave pets home alone when you go away Make sure pets are left in the care of a responsible person, or better still, take them to a reputable boarding kennel.
9. Be wildlife-friendly in the garden Take care when using a lawn-mower or strimmer - both can be deadly to slow-moving animals, and keep toxic pesticides out of reach of animals.
10. Disturb bonfires before burning garden rubbish Lizards, grass snakes, hedgehogs and toads often seek sanctuary in heaps of garden refuse. Always check a bonfire heap for any signs of wildlife before lighting it.

For more information visit the advice centre

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