Vet warning over hot weather

Tuesday 22 July 2014

As temperatures continue to soar Islanders are being urged to take extra care of their animals, and to make sure that they don't leave dogs in hot cars.

The States Vet is also warning people with rabbits and sheep to keep them clean to help prevent fly strike - an infestation which can cause considerable pain and even kill them. It’s caused by flies laying eggs in the animals’ fur and wool which hatch into maggets, eating through their skin and flesh.

Linda Lowseck says Islanders should check their animals’ bodies every day so that they can spot when something is wrong.

She said: “In warmer summer temperatures, everyone with responsibility for animals is reminded to be especially vigilant about fly strike and to be sure their animals always have a plentiful supply of clean drinking water which animals can easily access.”

Mrs Lowseck says animals should be exercised and driven around in the early morning or evening so they don’t overheat and shouldn’t be left alone in a hot car.

She said that leaving car windows open and a bowl of water is not enough for dogs who cool down through their tongue and paw pads and can’t react quickly enough to cope with the rapidly rising heat inside a car.

There is more advise on how to travel with pets, particularly on long journeys off-Island on the States website.

Here’s some tips from the British Veterinary Association (BVA) on how to keep dogs safe in warm weather:

• Don’t leave dogs in vehicles

• Make sure they always have adequate water to drink

• Provide adequate ventilation at all times

• Avoid exercising dogs in the heat of the day

• Provide shade from the sun in the hottest part of the day

• Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting

• Contact a vet immediately if the animal does not respond to efforts to cool it down