East Midlands animal lovers urged to think of pets and wildlife in the heatwave

With a heat health alert in place across the East Midlands and temperatures expected around 30°C this week, we're being reminded to consider the needs of our pets, and other wildlife.

The soaring temperatures can pose huge risks to pets, wildlife and farm animals, and amid predictions from forecasters of these high temperatures, many pet owners and animal lovers may be concerned about keeping animals safe during the heatwave.

Carrie Stones, Campaign Manager at the RSPCA said: “Over the next few days, many parts of England and Wales are set to experience temperatures up to and beyond 30 degrees celsius, which is great for many of us, but for our pets, it can be a different story.

“It’s important we do everything we can to keep them cool and comfortable while the heat is here, and we’re urging animal lovers to share our best tips to help, and remind people that while it’s so hot, if in doubt, don’t go out.

“It’s also a really helpful idea to support local wildlife too, by popping out some bowls of water to help birds, foxes and other wildlife.”

RSPCA's top tips for pet owners in hot weather:

• Have a go at making some frozen dog treats to keep your pooch cool
• Watch the RSPCA’s video on how to keep cats cool in hot weather
• Don’t let your pet get sunburnt - use pet-safe sun cream.
• Empower yourself with the knowledge to spot the signs of heatstroke in pets
• Ensure animals have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times. For animals that are kept outside, remember that as the sun moves during the day so too does the shade. Somewhere that was shaded in the morning could be in full sun by the afternoon.
• Keep guinea pigs cool and hydrated by making them a fresh vegetable treat
• Check small animals, poultry and other pets twice a day for flystrike.
• Keep fish tanks out of direct sunlight.
• Keep pesticides out of reach of animals.
• For horses stabled during the day out of the heat, try making them our horse and pony boredom buster treat
• Wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for your pet to lie on.
• Encourage pet chickens to stay in shaded areas by hanging up a homemade vegetable garland for chickens
• Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly for your dog from pet-friendly ingredients.
• Freeze your dog’s water bowl or kong, or add ice cubes to your pet’s bowl.
• Fill a paddling pool or spray a hose for your dog to play in - but always supervise them around water.
• Make sure that pet snake enclosures are kept secure - and locked if necessary - when unattended, as snakes become more active during hot weather and can be excellent escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid to make a break for it.
• Sign up to join one of the RSPCA’s interactive and accessible ‘Cool Dog Summer’ workshops online to get savvy, and clued up, as the temperatures soar.

The animal welfare charity also says to never leave animals in cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day, even if it's just for a short while. When it's 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C in these environments, which can be deadly.

Learn more about how to look after different animals in the summer on the RSPCA website.

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