Owners urged to keep pets healthy in hot weather

An animal welfare charity has advised pet owners on how best to care for their pets in hot weather.

The Jersey Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) said pets should never be left in cars in hot weather and should always have plenty of clean water available.

The JSPCA advised dog owners to walk their pets in the mornings and evenings when temperatures were lower and to check how hot the ground was for their pets' paws.

In the event an animal became overheated, the team stressed wet towels should not be used as they trapped the heat and owners should instead directly apply water.

The group said pale animals and those with little fur were more likely to be sun burnt and so should be kept in shelter and have pet sun cream applied.

They recommended frozen treats and ice cubes as ways to cool animals down together with paddling pools or trays of water.

Shade and water were essential to keeping animals healthy in the heat, they added.

Jersey's bird experts stressed the importance of making sure garden birds have access to clean and fresh water throughout the day.

Jersey Birds said birds also bathe at least once a day so clean full water bowls were essential.

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