How to take care of pets in the heat

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. From heatstroke to skin damage – such as paw pad burns, sunburn, and possible skin cancers with prolonged excessive sun exposure – our pets have similar risks to us humans,” says veterinary surgeon Lily Richards, advisor to Trusted Housesitters. Things to avoid “Be careful to not leave pets alone with cooling mats, as if the mats are damaged and the contents ingested, your pet could become quite unwell,” explains Richards. “The message remains very simple – never leave a dog in a hot car because ‘not long’ is too long, and when it comes to walks, ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’.” Keeping cool indoors “Keep the house temperature cool by closing curtains and opening windows. “For small furries like rodents, guinea pigs or rabbits, consider supplying frozen water bottles for lying next to, which will help them cool off if they’re feeling the heat.” Signs that something is wrong “Excessive panting, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy are signs that your pet has been exposed to the sun excessively, and may be suffering from heatstroke.” Richards stresses.