Caring for animals in Summer

While you are enjoying the sunshine, your animals could be suffering from the effects of the heat.

All animals need a constant supply of fresh drinking water. Many domestic animals do not sweat to keep cool, so make sure they have plenty of water to help them cool down. If your dog pants quickly, looks very tired or collapses, it could be suffering from heatstroke. Put him in a shady spot and spray with cool water and give him a cool bath.

All caged animals should be kept out of direct sunlight. Check your pets regularly for fleas and other parasites. Check your rabbits, guinea pigs, cats and dogs daily in the summer for deadly flystrike.

Keep their rear ends clean to prevent the flies laying eggs, hatching and burrowing into the skin. Change their bedding every week in the summer but if your pet does become infested, take him to the vet straight away.

Fish can have just as many problems in warm weather as other animals - so all fish tanks should be kept out of direct sunlight.  Change the water in your fish tank and keep it clean of algae which spread much faster on sunny days. Fit a water pump with a filter in your fish pond to reduce the build up of waste products.
Watch out for wildlife and dispose of all your rubbish safely. Remove lids, tie a knot in plastic bags and cut the loops on drink can holders to prevent wild animals and birds being trapped.

Please leave baby birds alone - their parents are probably collecting food or waiting nearby and will not return until you have gone.

WARNING

Never, ever leave a dog or any other animal in a car on a warm day. Dogs have no sweat glands and can only lose heat by panting. During hot weather walk your dog in the morning or evening to prevent burnt paws and heat stress.

Every summer RSPCA Inspectors release dozens of dogs from scorching cars. Unfortunately some of the dogs die because their owners have not thought about them enough.

Animal Action Club

RSPCA Animal Action Club Members are an active bunch. There are thousands who raise money, write letters of protest to MPs, help animals in trouble and generally speak their minds about animal welfare.

Animal Action Club membership costs £11.00 a year. It is open to all young people up to the age of 13 who care about animals. Each new member receives six copies a year of their own magazine, called Animal Action, and when first joining, a folder, containing stickers and a membership card. A cute and cuddly Perfect Pet soft toy comes with the folder too.

To join, write to:

RSPCA,
Wilberforce Way,
Southwater,
Horsham,
West Sussex,
RH13 9RS.

You will need to send your name, address and date of birth with a cheque or postal order for £11.00

There are over 500 Animal Action Club members in the local branch of the RSPCA.

Leo - one of our past residents

Pets are Family too - Animals and Children - click here for more information