A South Derbyshire-based vet has given her key tips and advice on how to spot if your pet might be getting a bit too hot and what you can do to save them and protect them from harm in the future.

Figures released by the British Veterinary Association have claimed that almost 50 per cent of vets across the West Midlands took care of animals being affected by heatstroke last summer.

Clear signs of a pet overheating is that they will start panting a lot more than usual, particularly in dogs. Animals like rabbits and hamster will start breathing quicker as they will not pant. Your pet might be hot to touch and may have bloodshot eyes, which are both clear signs of overheating.

In serious cases, pets will vomit from getting too hot and if you believe your pet might be overheating, take the following advice to help cool them down and ring your local vets as they will always know the best course of action.

Katie Woods, head nurse at Bright Side Vets in West Street, Swadlincote, has given her top tips for keeping your pet cool this summer and claims that all pets need to be handled in different ways to keep them cool.

She said: "It's so important making sure they stay cool because it can become serious quickly. There's plenty that can be done to help but making sure they have shade and have plenty of cool water is always the best way, and its sounds so simple."

Mrs Woods has also given detailed advice to owners to make sure pets stay cool and healthy through the hot, summer months.

These include:

  • If you think your pet is overheating, you need to cool them down slowly, not quickly otherwise they may go into shock
  • Always walk dogs either first thing in the morning, or late at night. Avoid midday walks when the sun is at its highest, therefore at its hottest
  • Try to keep cats inside when it is warm and make sure plenty of water is available to them
  • If you own any hutch animals, like rabbits, freeze a water bottle filled with water and put it in the cage, to cool the space and the animal down
  • A paddling pool filled will cold water is perfect for letting dogs cool their paws; this is where dogs sweat from
  • Ice cubes can be placed in the water bowls of cats and dogs to make sure the water does not heat up through the day
  • Some dog toys, particularly plastic ones, can be frozen to give your dog something cold to play with, while also being familiar and..
  • If a pet does start to overheat then cooling jackets can be bought. Alternatively place a damp, cold towel on the pet, but keep rotating it to make sure the towel does not warm up

Any owners who need advice on protecting their animals in the heat can visit Bright Side Vets during opening hours from Monday to Saturday or can call on 01283 617020.