Stockport Independent Issue 175

7 MAY 2024 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Independent PETS SUMMER is on the way, and as the days get longer (and hopefully warmer), it’s important to make sure our pets stay safe. Pets can develop heatstroke when their body temperature goes above a normal range. Symptoms of heatstroke include dry, pale gums, a bright red tongue, panting, agitation, drooling, vomiting and increased heart rate. You can prevent it by giving your pet access to fresh water, avoiding exercising your dog during the hottest times of day, taking water with you on walks and never leaving your dog in a hot car. If you think your pet has heatstroke, cool them down with a cool shower or hose and contact your vet immediately. Excess or matted fur can also lead to heatstroke, so keep your pet well-groomed. White-haired pets and those with fine, thin or no hair are at greater risk of getting sun- burnt, and it’s important to remember to protect exposed areas such as the ears, nose and tummy on all pets. Hot pavements can hurt paws, so walk your dog at cooler times of day, walk them on grass where possi- ble and check and clean their paws regularly. We all love a summer bar- beque, but you should keep hazardous foods (anything with bones and seeds, grapes, raw garlic and onions, rai- sins, corn on the cob, choco- late, alcohol, tea and coffee), scalding surfaces and sharp skewers out of reach. If you think your cat or dog has consumed any fertilisers, pesticides or poisonous plants such as elderflowers, lilies, foxgloves, geraniums and hydrangeas, you should also contact your vet straight away. If you’re planning on intro- ducing your dog to water, opt for a shallow children’s paddling pool first, and use a flotation device if they move onto slightly deeper water. Watch out for poisonous algae, make sure your dog doesn’t drink from standing water and rinse them thoroughly after swimming to remove any bacteria or chemicals. For further advice on keep- ing your pet safe throughout the summer months, contact your local vet practice. Don’t get burnt by these summer pet hazards