We’ve been getting quite a lot of warm weather recently which is fantastic, but on the other hand, we need to take extra care of our pets, read on for more information from Regans Veterinary Group.
Especially at this time, the weather attracts fleas and ticks, makes sure your pet is protected. Get in touch with Regan Veterinary Group for more information.
Keeping your pets cool
Firstly, it’s important to keep your dog’s cool, especially in cars! If it’s 22 degrees outside, then it can reach 47 degrees inside a car within an hour! Dogs will try to cool down by panting which is letting the heat out of their mouths, when they breathe in again they will be breathing the warm air back in. Keeping windows open just won’t be enough.
Your dogs can suffer from heatstroke, just like us and it can be fatal. Here’s some of the symptoms to look out for:
If your dogs are showing any signs of heatstroke, move them straight away to a shaded and cool area, keep them hydrated with cool water (not cold) to lower their temperature gradually, and ring your vet immediately.
Don’t forget, both dogs and cats can get sunburn, especially those with light-coloured noses and fur on their ears. Speak to Regan Veterinary Group about pet safe sun cream!
Flystrike for Rabbits
If your rabbit has temporary loose stools or urine and faeces stuck to them, flies can strike at any time. This means the flies will lay eggs on the rabbit which will then hatch into maggots that will eat the rabbit’s flesh.
It is a really horrible condition for rabbits, and within 24 hours your rabbit can become critically ill.
To prevent this from happening, check on your rabbit daily to check there is no soiling, if it needs be, clean the area with a cotton ball dipped into water, do not bathe or wet the rabbit as this can cause hypothermia or shock.
Trim the rabbit’s hair with scissors, especially around the back end, clean the cage regularly to prevent funny smells attracting the flies. Speak to Regan Veterinary Group about a product called Rearguard which can protect your rabbit from flystrike for up to 10 weeks.
Travelling abroad
If you’re travelling within the EU with your animal, your pet must be microchipped, must have a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before ravelling and must have a pet passport issued by an official veterinarian. If you’re returning to the UK with your pet, it must have treatment for tapeworm between 1-5 days of return to the UK, carried out by a vet and recorded in their passport.
If you’re travelling to countries outside of the EU, the requirements in each country differ. A good idea would be to contact the embassy of the country you are travelling to and to contact DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
