With summer fast approaching, please ensure that your pets are kept happy and healthy by following these tips.

• Make sure all animals have a constant supply of fresh drinking water.
• All animals should have access to a cool, shady spot. Remember to keep caged animals, like rabbits and guinea pigs in hutches and runs in the shade and indoor caged animals should be kept out of direct sunlight.
• Heat brings out all sorts of bugs,- make sure that you check your pets skin and fur regularly for fleas, ticks and mites. Seek veterinary advice on the prevention and treatment of such problems.
• Fly-Strike is a painful and unpleasant disease that affects both small animals and cats and dogs when flies lay their eggs in the animals fur, the eggs hatch and burrow into the animals skin. Keep your animals clean and check them daily for signs of infestation.
• Ensure that you keep an eye on fish ponds and tanks to prevent a build up of waste products and ensure that indoor fish tanks are kept out of direct sunlight and kept clean. Contact your local aquatic specialist for advice.
• During hot weather, walk your dog in the morning and evening, when it is cooler to prevent burning its paws on the pavement.
• Never leave an animal in a car on warm or sunny days, cars heat up very quickly and become like ovens and can kill animals in a short period of time.