Alexandra Ferguson

(CNN) – Staying cool in hot weather is a challenge for humans. And for our pets?

In the UK, where temperatures hit record highs on Tuesday, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) recommend taking the following steps to ensure the safety of your dog, cat or other pet in the heat. .

What not to do

Don’t walk your dog in the middle of a hot day. Dogs have difficulty staying cool in high temperatures and are prone to overheating. This is because they cannot sweat and rely on panting to cool their body temperature. Flat-faced breeds, such as English or French bulldogs and pugs, are at greater risk, as they have short muzzles that can make breathing difficult. Limit walking until morning or evening.

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Never leave a dog, or any animal, in a car, trailer, greenhouse, or shed on a hot or even comfortable day. Being cooped up in a car for even a few minutes can be deadly for pets.

Do not place the cage or cage in direct sunlight any time of the day. Rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool them down.

To do

Try asphalt. Place your palms on the floor for five seconds before walking the dog. If it feels too hot for your hands, it will become too hot for the dog’s paws.

Make sure your pet has adequate shade. Provide additional shade for your guinea pig by covering the top of the wire mesh cage with a damp towel.

Give all pets constant access to fresh water. You can even put ice cubes in the bowl.

Provide a cool place to rest. This could include a wet towel to lay on, but don’t place a wet towel on top of your dog as this can trap heat.

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Use sunscreen. Some dog and cat breeds, especially those with lighter or finer coats, may also benefit from sunscreen, especially on the tips of the ears, which are prone to sunburn.

“The BVA recommends avoiding sunscreens with zinc oxide to avoid zinc poisoning. If pet-safe products are hard to find, hypoallergenic or baby products may be appropriate.

It is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the correct sunscreen is applied in the correct places,” wrote Justine Shotton, president of the BVA, on the association’s website.

Watch for the first signs of sunburn. In dogs, these include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, red or very pale gums, and incoordination. Signs of heat stroke in rabbits are drooling, drooling, lethargy, short and shallow breathing, red hot ears, runny nose, and seizures.

If you suspect your pet has heatstroke or another heat-related condition, move it to a cool, well-ventilated area. Give him some cold (not icy) water to drink, and pour in some room temperature water to cool him down. Seek immediate advice from your veterinarian.

How to stay cool without AC

Check sheds and greenhouses before closing them. Cats like comfortable places, but they run the risk of becoming too hot or dehydrated if trapped.

Take care of your cat or dog regularly. Regular grooming in hot weather can help remove dead or excess hair, leaving your cat or dog with a lighter coat, which will help keep them cool.

Follow your dog’s usual diet. Fruits like watermelon and blueberries make for a snack from time to time, the British Veterinary Association said in response to a question from CNN, but their shells can be a choking hazard.

“We strongly discourage the sharing of ice cream or other human food for animal and human health reasons. Obesity is currently one of the biggest health problems veterinarians see in practice.”

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