Your pets must always have access to shade and fresh water. As cages are fixed make sure they too are always in the shade and that there is a canopy or trees for horses in their field. Cage birds and fish bowls, which are often put in windows, will become horribly hot so never leave them where summer sunlight can reach them. Change the water regularly and keep it clear of algae, which spreads faster on sunny days. If your fish are in an outdoor pond, spray a hose over it to top up water levels and replace lost oxygen.

Fleas, ticks and mites can cause real misery, and even illness, to furry pets. Lots of scratching is the first sign your pet has picked up some creepy crawlies! Give your pet a bath, using an anti-pest shampoo, and boil its bedding. Then use a flea spray on all fabrics in the house. Check, groom and de-flea your pet regularly to avoid this problem coming back. Household flea spray is available from pet and plant shops.

And did you know that flies also like to lay eggs in the fur of animals? Look out for this too when you are giving your pet a brush.

Dogs will still want to go out so take them for walks when it's cooler. And if they enjoy swimming rinse their coats when you get home.

Even with fur coats, pets can get sunburn, particularly cats, dogs, rabbits and horses. You should cover any pink or white points, especially ear tips with the highest possible factor sun cream at least once a day before the animal goes out.

If your dog pants quickly, looks very tired or collapses, these are signs of heatstroke. Put it in a cool spot and give it a cool shower or bath.

And, we're sure we don't need to remind you never, ever to leave your dog in the car, especially during summer!

Even with an open window the temperature can get dangerously high in a very short time. And it is sadly true that dogs do die in hot cars.

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