Pet Insurance

With record temperatures being recorded we can at last confidently cast aside jumpers, jeans and umbrellas and reach for sun cream, summer dresses and short-sleeved shirts.

However, we must spare a thought for our animal companions, who cannot discard their thick fur coats.

Pet insurance provider, Petquote , have analysed the claims received for problems relating to the hot weather. The message from animal welfare organisations, do not leave pet’s in hot cars, certainly seems to be hitting home as claims of this nature only represent 1% of the total claims received at this time of year.

Petquote has come up with some hot tips for keeping pets cool this summer:

- Never leave a pet in the car – even if the window is partially open. Cars can heat up to well over 100 degrees in less than 5 minutes.

- Choose exercise times carefully. It is better to walk a dog early in the morning or late in the evening when the days heat has subsided. It is a good idea to restrain a dog to lead exercise as this prevents over exertion and potential over heating. This also prevents damage to pads as the pavement becomes excessively hot.

- If your pet is to be left in the house during the day, try to leave a window open. A tiled floor is ideal as this tends to be cooler than carpet. If a pet is outside in the garden ensure that there is plenty of shade available.

- A fresh supply of cool water should be readily available.

- Some pets, particularly white cats, can be prone to sunburn which can lead to skin cancer. Put high factor sun cream on any visible pink skin and on the tips of white cats ears.

- Keep the pet well groomed – it is a good idea to have long haired breeds trimmed in the summer months to keep fur to a minimum.

- Now that pets can travel abroad with their owners under the PETS Travel Scheme, extra care must be taken by owners with the more extreme temperatures.

Dr E Jackson, veterinary advisor has listed the signs to look out for if your pet is suffering from heat stroke:

Early Stages

Heavy panting
Rapid breathing
Excessive drooling
Bright red gums and tongue
May be standing 4 square, posting or spreading out trying to maintain balance

Advanced Stages

Gums may be white or blue
Lies down, unwilling to move
May defecate or urinate uncontrollably
Difficult or noisy breathing
Shock

What actions to take:

- Place a wet towel or shower the animal with tepid water.

- Get the animal to a veterinary surgeon as quickly as possible.

- NEVER shower or immerse the animal in freezing cold water as this can drop the body temperature too quickly and lead to shock.

For comprehensive pet insurance please visit www.Petquote.co.uk