Helping animals keep their cool
NOW that summer is here, we should remember that animals suffer and die in hot weather.
Already, Animal Aid has had to call the police to smash the window of a car and release a dog who was sweltering inside.
Other animals suffer, too. Rabbits must not be left in a hutch in the glaring sun or inside a sweltering garage or shed.
They need a cool, shady place where the air circulates, and to be able to move freely.
In summer, their water should be refreshed twice a day.
A hot rabbit can be kept cool by applying cold water gently to his ears.
Should your rabbit become listless, or start breathing hard through an open mouth or go limp, get him to a vet immediately.
Rabbits must also be checked daily throughout summer months for signs of flystrike.
Smaller animals, like hamsters, rats and gerbils, can be kept cool by opening windows and closing curtains, using a fan (but not pointing it directly at them), refreshing water and providing a frozen water bottle, wrapped in a towel so that it cannot be chewed.
Kate Fowler,
Animal Aid,
The Old Chapel,
Bradford Street,
Tonbridge,
Kent.
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
