- Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they're enjoying the warm weather so they can stay cool.
- Don't leave pets in parked cars for any period of time. Every summer, thousands of animals left in parked cars even with the windows open, suffer from heatstroke.
- Pets can get sunburned too. Your may need to apply sunscreen to your pet’s nose and ears. Pets with light-coloured noses or light-coloured fur on their ears are particularly susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.
- Keep animals indoors, when applying fertiliser and insecticides.
- Don't take pets to busy summer events such as concerts or fairs. Loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets.
- Pay extra attention to grooming by removing loose hairs and keeping your pet’s coat free of tangles to help it feel more comfortable in the heat. Grooming will also give you a chance to have a close look for any wounds, thorns, fleas or ticks pets may have picked up whilst roaming the countryside.
- Annual vaccinations and regular worm treatment are vital during summer. Ask your vet for advice about treatments.
- If you're planning a summer holiday you'll need to sort out pet care while you're away. Choose a licensed kennel or cattery with a good reputation and try to book early. If you plan to take them with you, check that pet’s are welcome.
Phil Loney, managing director, Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: “Come the
warm weather, pets love to spend time outdoors soaking up the sun and roaming
the countryside. However, pets are just as susceptible to the hazards that the
heat can bring as we are.”
He added: “Following these tips will help owners to keep their pets safe
and cool in the sun. It’s also vital to ensure that you have adequate
pet insurance cover just in case your pet does fall ill or have an accident.
That way you can spend time enjoying the sun rather than spending time and money
at the vets with poorly pets.”
For more information on pet insurance or get a quote.
