Already, Animal Aid has had to call the police to smash the window on a car and release a dog who was sweltering inside.
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 wh
ere 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 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
Head of Campaigns
Animal Aid.All correspondence should be e-mailed to Your Say
It should also include a full name, address and daytime telephone number 