Charity wants pets to keep cool this summer

This summer, pet charity The Blue Cross is helping to reduce the number of animals who suffer unnecessarily from the effects of summer heat by producing a free summer care leaflet for pet owners.

Every year, The Blue Cross animal hospitals see animals with heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration, and fears that too many pet owners are still unaware of the devastating effects that heat can have on their pets. The free information leaflet will give pet owners a wealth of advice on everything from pet friendly sun block to how to keep your pet comfortable when travelling in the heat.

Caroline Reay, head vet at a Blue Cross animal hospital, said: The heat of summer holds a variety of dangers for any pet, but by following advice in the new Blue Cross leaflet, pet owners can learn how to avert suffering and even tragedy for their animal.

The Blue Cross would like to remind pet owners that:

• Pets with white coats can get sunburn just like humans.  Pet owners should apply sun block to their animal's ears and nose.
• Good catteries and kennels can be booked up to a year in advance plan ahead to make sure your pet is not forgotten when it comes to the summer holiday
• Small animals like hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs can die in a few minutes if not given shade during the hottest times of the day
• All animals can get heatstroke the best way to stop this is to avoid leaving animals
• in hot places. Have cold water available at all times - wet towels help cool off larger animals. Avoid excessive exercise during the hotter times of the day.
• Travelling in a car will raise the temperature of any pet. Make sure there is a breeze and give small animals celery or apple for added moisture.

Download our Summer Survival Guide.

Media contact: Su Crown
Direct line: 0207 932 4066
Mobile: 07880 781 637

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.