☀️ Hot Weather & Pet Safety: Tips from Thornberry

Summer is officially here, and while we all enjoy the sunshine, it’s important to remember that hot weather can be dangerous for our furry friends. At Thornberry, we take extra precautions to keep our animals safe and comfortable — and we want to help you do the same at home.

Whether you’re heading out for a walk or chilling in the garden, here are our top tips for keeping your pets safe in the heat:

. Avoid Walking Dogs in the Heat

Hot pavement can burn paw pads and high temperatures can quickly lead to heatstroke.

If it’s too hot for your hand on the pavement, it’s too hot for their paws.

Walk early or late: Stick to early mornings or cooler evenings when the ground has cooled.

. Hydration Is Everything

Make sure pets have constant access to clean, fresh water. If you’re out and about, take a portable bowl or pet bottle with you.

• Add ice cubes to their water bowl
• Offer pet-safe frozen treats (like banana, carrot, or doggy ice cream!)

. Never Leave Pets in Cars

Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a car can reach deadly temperatures within minutes. It’s simply not worth the risk.

If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999 immediately.

. Keep Them Cool at Home

Here at the sanctuary, we use a few tricks to help our animals beat the heat:

• Damp towels to lie on
• Cool mats and shaded areas
• Paddling pools (with supervision!)
• Frozen enrichment toys like filled Kongs or stuffed cardboard tubes

. Don’t Forget Cats & Small Furries

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and cats can also suffer in the heat. Make sure their hutches and enclosures are:

• Out of direct sunlight
• Well-ventilated
• Stocked with frozen water bottles wrapped in towels to snuggle up to

. Know the Signs of Heatstroke

If your pet shows any of the following, call your vet immediately:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Red gums
• Lethargy or unsteady walking
• Vomiting or diarrhoea

🐾 Stay Safe & Enjoy the Summer

We hope these tips help you and your pets enjoy the sunshine safely. At Thornberry, we work hard to keep our animals cool and comfortable — and your support makes that possible.

If you’d like to donate towards cooling mats, paddling pools, and pet-safe treats, you can do so here. Every little helps!

Need more advice? Drop us a message or visit during appointment hours — we’re always happy to help.

#PetSafety #SummerWithThornberry #AnimalWelfareTips