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“Keep pets safe in the sun this summer” warns animal charity

24 July 2008

With schools breaking up for summer and temperatures set to soar this week, thoughts are turning to picnics, days out by the sea and going on holiday. But The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, is warning pet owners to take particular care to protect their animals from the risks that come with warmer weather.

Caroline Reay, Blue Cross chief vet said: “When planning days out this summer, spare a thought for your pets. They love joining in the fun but remember that hot weather can be dangerous for them. Every year, Blue Cross hospitals treat animals affected by heatstroke and skin problems caused by too much sun, so follow our advice to make sure your pets enjoy the sunshine as much as you do.”

The charity has this year devised a new guide to pet care in S.U.M.M.E.R:

Skin safety:	Pale and bare coated pets are vulnerable to sunburn which can lead to skin cancer. Keep them indoors when it is hottest or protect them with child safe sunblock.
Unclean:	Small animals like rabbits and their living spaces must be kept clean to prevent them being attacked by maggots and flies which can be fatal.
Making journeys:	Make sure cars are well ventilated when travelling and never leave your pet in the car because they can die within minutes, even with a window left open.
Moisture:	Make sure pets have lots of fresh, clean water at all times and give smaller pieces of apple or celery for added moisture when it is hot.
Early planning:	Allow at least nine months for a pet passport or reserve pet boarding spaces early, the best ones always get booked up first.
Rain:	British summers are unpredictable and heavy rain can be serious for pets in areas prone to flooding. Check the online ‘Pets and floods’ leaflet produced by The Blue Cross to be prepared.

The stark dangers of being exposed to the sun are evident in Summer, a nine-year-old white cat who received treatment at The Blue Cross animal hospital in South London after she was brought in as a stray. Too much sun had caused damage to her ears, which had developed into skin cancer.

Caroline Reay continued: “Sadly we had no alternative but to amputate both of Summer’s ears. She is a healthy cat now but her condition could have been really serious if the cancer had been allowed to spread. The drastic treatment she needed could have been avoided if she had been protected from the sun’s harmful rays”.

The Blue Cross advises pet owners who notice pigmentation to their pet’s skin should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

The charity also offers further pet care advice online. Download a free ‘Summer survival guide’ or ‘Pets and floods’ leaflet and listen to Caroline Reay’s ‘petcast’ at: www.bluecross.org.uk/summer

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Interviews with Caroline Reay, Blue Cross chief veterinary surgeon can be arranged. Contact the press office for more information.

Images of Summer the earless cat and pets staying safe in the sun are available. Please contact the press office.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

For more information visit www.bluecross.org.uk

Media contact

Louise Lee, 020 7932 4066 or louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk

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