Vet nurse shares advice for Hampshire pet owners as heatwave sets in
With temperatures soaring across the UK and another heatwave setting in, a Hampshire vet nurse has shared her top tips for keeping pets healthy in the heat.
“While we’re always happy to see the sun shining, the high temperatures can bring hazards too,” says Kate Foley, head surgery nurse at Ringwood’s Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists (SCVS).
Here are Kate’s top watch outs for pet owners this summer to keep those tails wagging safely:
- Avoid hot dogs - our flat-faced friends and heart patients are at extra risk of heatstroke. Keep cool, take shade breaks, and always have fresh water on tap for your pets.
- If you think your pet might be suffering from heat stroke – if they’re panting excessively, are extremely drowsy or lethargic, or are drooling more than usual – think ‘wet, then vet’. Soak them with water, get a fan on them if you can and get veterinary attention urgently.
- Walk pets at the coolest part of the day if you’re able to and avoid hot pavements – first thing in the morning, or last thing in the evening is best.
- Snakes in the grass isn’t just a saying! Adders love to sunbathe too, but a startled one could snap, and that means trouble for curious noses and paws. Keep your eye out while on walks, and your dog on a lead in areas known to have snakes. If your dog does get bitten seek veterinary assistance urgently.
- There are lots of ticks around this summer. Make sure your cat’s and dog’s tick treatments are up to date and be wary of letting dogs off the lead in long grass. It helps to keep a tick comb handy and check your pet carefully after walks.
- Sticks can be a real hazard for dogs and cause a lot of injuries during summer, especially with loads of warm weather zoomies in the park. Opt for pet safe throwing toys that won’t break in your pet’s mouth, putting them at real risk of harm.
Kate and the nursing team at SCVS are hosting a summer first aid workshop to help pet owners manage difficult situations over the next few months. Attendees will learn about heatstroke, CPR, how to apply bandages and how to build a basic pet first aid kit at home.
The session will take place at SCVS, a specialist-led referral hospital in Ringwood on Wednesday 9 July. Tickets cost £10, which is donated to charity StreetVet, and are available to purchase at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pet-owner-first-aid-course-tickets-1383525294399.
“Accidents happen,” says Kate, “and the only thing you can do as a pet owner is be prepared to act quickly.
“We want to help our local community feel more confident in handling pet emergencies when they arise. Whether that’s dealing with a summer-specific issue like an overheated pup or an adder bite, or managing small cuts and wounds, knowing even the basics of first aid or CPR can make a huge difference to your pet’s wellbeing.”
Another session will take place on Wednesday 17 September, with more dates to be announced in future via the SCVS website and social media channels. For more information visit www.scvetspecialists.co.uk.