Essex's pet experts offer top tips to look after our animals in the heat
Pets can be prone to heat stroke
Local experts are warning the current heatwave could have deadly consequences for household pets if they aren't cared for properly.
Essex is set to see temperatures rise to above 30 degrees today - making it the hottest day of the year so far.
Whilst that might mean it's perfect weather for a barbecue, for our furry friends, it could be really dangerous.
Andrew Gillon is from The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT), which has a centre in Clacton: "Hot weather is dangerous for our pets in much the same way as it is dangerous for us.
"Some pets, particularly light coloured animals are at risk of sunburn, so it's really important that you get a free pet friendly sun block. Animals with pink noses and ears can be extremely at risk.
"Like ourselves, we are prone to dehydration and heat stroke, so it's really important for pet owners to keep an eye on their pets if they are in hot weather. People should make sure their pets have plenty of water and that they're keeping an eye out for signs of heat stroke."
Signs of heat stroke in animals
These are some of the signs of heatstroke in animals:
- Panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Tiredness - especially if they're usually playful and energetic
- Vomiting
- Excess drooling
- If you do notice any of the symptoms in your pet, Andrew says: "Get the animal inside, stop exercising them, give them a nice cool area to lie in and give them lots to drink.
- "If you are worried about anything then just immediately seek the advice of your vet."
Dog walking in the heat
- The NAWT recommends extreme caution when walking dogs during heat waves. Andrew suggests: "A basic rule is if you put your hand on the ground and it's really hot to touch, it's going to be even hotter for your dog's paws, so try to avoid really warm pavements and tarmac and get them out in the grass.
- "If you can find a place for them to enjoy a little dip in a river or in the sea, then that's even better for them."
- We spoke to Katie, a dog walker from Waltham Abbey, who runs Katie & Friends Pet Services, to get her top tips on caring for dogs, specifically during hot weather: "Take your dogs out early in the morning, before temperatures get too high, or late at night, when they've dropped."
- "Don't put them in direct sunlight."
- "Don't keep them in a vehicle - it can take under 10 minutes for a dog to die in a hot car."
- "Don't go on long walks. If you have to take them out, take them out for 5-10 minutes so they can go to the toilet."
- "Wet your dog's paws and fur to help them cool down."