WITH heatwaves taking hold across the UK, vets are advising pet owners how to best care for their animals during the hot weather.

Heatstroke, pesky parasites and open water can all pose dangers to pets.

To help pet owners, vets have compiled a summer pet guide, full of information and tips on how to enjoy the summer with a healthy and happy pet.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “There is a lot that pet owners need to take into consideration throughout the summer months, which is why we’ve produced this summer guide.

“High temperatures can be very dangerous for many pets as hot weather can make roads and pavements too hot to walk on, particularly for pets’ sensitive paws and pads. So walking dogs at cooler times of the day can help avoid burnt feet.

“Owners must also remember to never leave their pet in a car, conservatory or caravan on a warm day. Even if it feels mild outside, the temperature inside can reach up to 40 degrees in just 30 minutes.

“To help keep smaller pets cool, including rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs, it is always best to move indoor cages out of direct sunlight and outdoor hutches into a shaded part of the garden or even inside the house.

“All pets should also always have a supply of fresh water, whether that is in the garden, on holiday, or in the car. This will decrease their chances of becoming dehydrated or suffering from heatstroke.”

Between January and June last year 55,733 pet passports were issued to pet owners who wanted to take their pets away with them on holiday abroad.

Dr Stacey added: “Before you travel anywhere, abroad or in the UK, you need to pack your pet’s essential documentation, have the local vet’s details for wherever you are staying, check your pet is microchipped and their vaccinations and treatments are up-to-date.”

The warmer weather throughout the summer acts as a breeding ground for parasites like fleas, ticks and maggots.

“Owners need to check their pets whenever they have been outdoors, particularly dogs and cats that have been wandering outside in longer grass,” Dr Stacey said.

“Flystrike is an unpleasant condition for rabbits, so hutches should always be kept clean and their bedding must be fresh and dry, so flies aren’t attracted into their hutch.

“Contracting ticks, fleas and flystrike can be easily prevented if owners keep their pet’s treatments up-to-date and their pet and its living area as clean as possible.”