Advice: Keeping Small Pets Safe in Summer

As the weather heats up take a look at our top tips to ensure your rabbit or guinea pig is safe and happy during warm temperatures:

• Always provide shade and fresh water at all times.
• Small animals can suffer from sunburn too so apply a pet friendly sun cream to sensitive areas or areas with sparse/ fine fur such as noses and the tips of the ears. Animals with areas of white fur are more susceptible to sun damage.
• Fruit and vegetables with a high-water content such as apples, celery and cucumber are a good way of keeping small animals hydrated but feeding too much can cause stomach upset.
• Avoid putting your rabbit or guinea pig in a run during the warmest parts of the day.
• Check rabbits and guinea pigs are clean and free from signs of fly strike twice daily during warm weather. Fly strike is caused by flies laying their eggs in dirty fur and the maggots attacking your pet. If you spot any signs of maggots on your pet contact your vet immediately.

Be aware of heatstroke

All pets can suffer from heatstroke and in severe cases the results can be fatal. Some animals are less able to regulate their own body temperature such as older or younger animals, or animals with thick, heavy coats. Some medications can also make pets more prone to heatstroke.

Signs that your pet may be suffering from heat stroke include:

• Dark red gums and tongue and ‘glassy’ eyes
• Lethargy, drowsiness or uncoordinated movements
• Collapsing, vomiting and diarrhoea

If you suspect your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, move them in to a shaded area, apply room temperature (not cold) water to their skin, encourage them to drink slowly and contact your vet immediately.