Warning to pet owners

The Blue Cross is urging people not to leave their pets in the car after having to give emergency treatment to a dog that overheated.

The dog had been left in a car by its owner for just 15 minutes but the outcome could have been tragic.

Chief vet Richard Green says: “The dog had become so distressed that it tried to escape through the small crack in the window, becoming trapped and strangling itself in the process.”

Richard adds: “Owners should be aware that animals can overheat in a very short period of time so should never be left unattended in a car, it's just not worth the risk.”

To make sure your pet enjoys the warm weather as much as you, here’s some advice:

Always have plenty of clean water available, large dog bowls filled to the brim are best for cats. Don’t forget to take fresh water to the beach for dogs. A salt lick will help horses replace nutrients lost through sweating and give smaller pets pieces of apple or celery for added moisture.

Keep rabbits and smaller animals and their homes clean. Warm weather means more flies and maggots can lead to flystrike, a common but fatal condition in small animals.

Help pets find shady spots – indoors and out. Pale coloured animals are prone to skin cancer if they spend too much time in the sun, just like people.

Never leave pets in a car or enclosed warm spaces. Just a few minutes, even with an open window, can be fatal to animals.

For more advice, have a look at our Summer Survival Guide.