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AssetID: 41584280

Headline: Animal Charity Warns To Keep Your Pets Cool As UK Freedom Day Approaches

Caption: PICTURE SHOWS: Staff at RSPCA’s Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre, in East Sussex, have been keeping the seals cool with hoses. ... STORY CAPTION: The RSPCA is urging pet owners to keep their pets cool and safe as the weather hots up and lockdown ends. Temperatures are due to climb this week and the animal welfare charity is issuing a reminder to pet owners to keep their pets safe. RSPCA spokesperson and pet welfare expert Lisa Hens said: “Freedom Day (19 July) is fast-approaching in England and we’ll finally be released from lockdown restrictions so we can return to normal life. That means people will be out and about with their pets and, with the weather heating up, we want to make sure that everyone stays safe so we can all enjoy our freedom again. “Please take care when you’re taking your dog for a walk or exercising your horse and avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day. Remember that pavements can get very hot and could burn your dog’s paws. If you’re planning an outing please check that the venue is dog-friendly. Never, ever leave your pet unattended in a stationary vehicle during warm weather.” Nine-year-old husky cross Snowy, at RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey, has been keeping cool by playing in her paddling pool while Nala has been playing with the hose. At the RSPCA’s Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre, in East Sussex, staff have been keeping the seals cool with hoses too. Hot weather can pose risks for our pets, for farm animals, and for wildlife. Every year the RSPCA receives hundreds of reports of animals suffering from heat exposure, including dogs left in hot cars, pets with heat burns on their paws, dehydrated wild animals, grazing animals with no shade, and dogs over-exercised in the heat. Dogs and horses need exercise, even when it’s hot, but you should avoid exercising them in excessively hot weather. Walk or ride in the morning or evening when it’s cooler and remember; if the pavement is too hot to touch with your hand then it’s too hot for a dog’s paws. If temperatures are set to soar in your region this week and you’re planning to spend time outdoors enjoying the sun try to avoid the temptation to take your dog with you. Spending prolonged periods of time in the sunshine without shade poses a really serious risk to your pet. It may be better to leave them at home for short periods. Always ensure your pets or livestock have access to fresh drinking water and shady areas, and avoid transportation during hot weather. Ensure buildings housing animals are adequately ventilated and regularly monitored. Never leave pets in vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in the warm weather; they can overheat and die if left in a hot environment, such as a car.

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