Heatstroke and Keeping Cool

You know it’s hot when the tortoises won’t come out of their house!

As the temperatures rise across the UK we need to watch out for signs of heatstroke in our small furry friends. It can be fatal. We believe that prevention is better than a trip to the emergency vet and a huge vet bill. So here are our tips on keeping them cool and how to spot heatstroke.

Remember heatstroke is an emergency and veterinary advice should always be sort.

Top Tips for Keeping Cool

  • Keep curtains and blinds closed.
  • Move them inside where it is cooler if possible..
  • If you can’t bring them inside move their hutch into the shade. If you can’t move the hutch or if no shade is available use parasols to create shade.
  • Provide them something cool to lie on. The cool pads for dogs/cats are good if they aren’t chewers! If they are chewers try a tile that’s been in the fridge or a damp towel.
  • Use fans and air-conditioning units to keep the room cool and to create air flow but don’t have them pointing directly at their hutch and make sure that they have enough space to move away from them.
  • Cool pods such as those by Scratch and Newton fit in snuggle safe fleece covers and are great for lying against. Alternatively you can freeze bottles of water and wrap in a towel.
  • Keep them hydrated. Offer plenty of fresh cool water and soak their veggies in water before feeding them

Signs of Heatstroke

  • Salivating and/or drooling
  • Weakness, sleepiness and lethargy
  • Panting or taking quick short breaths
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness
  • Fits

Remember heatstroke is an emergency and veterinary advice should always be sort.

If you are too hot then we can guarantee that your small furry friends will be feeling the same way.