With warm weather upon us and forecast to last for a few days, both Public Health Services and the GSPCA are urging everyone to take precautions to protect themselves, their pets, and Guernsey’s native wildlife.
With temperatures recently hitting the high teens and low twenties Celsius, and the forecast suggesting the pleasant summer weather will continue, there are concerns about how some people and creatures might cope.
Public Health Services said it wants to make sure everyone stays cool and well, especially young children, older adults, and those with long-term health conditions.
They’ve asked us to learn the signs of heatstroke, and to avoid the sun between 11:00 and 15:00.
Health officials have suggested we plan physical activities for cooler times of the day such as the early morning or late evening, and keep our homes cool by closing blinds and turning off unnecessary electronics.
They also suggested wearing light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses when outdoors, and said we should use and reapply sunscreen. People should also drink plenty of water, as well as avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
We should also check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives, and stay weather-aware via local forecasts.
“Many of us enjoy spending time outdoors in the sunshine, but hot weather can pose health risks, especially for certain groups, such as young children, older adults, and people with long-term health conditions,” cautioned a spokesperson for Public Health.
The GSPCA has highlighted the dangers of hot weather to animals, particularly dogs.
They’ve told dog owners to never leave their pets in hot cars, conservatories, or greenhouses, as these environments can quickly become fatal.
Before walking your dog you should check the pavement’s temperature with the ‘seven-second rule’, and walk dogs during cooler times of the day along shaded, grassy routes, ensuring they have constant access to fresh water and shaded resting areas.
Dog owners are also reminded that they should regularly groom their pets and consider pet-safe sunscreen, and offer cooling treats.
The GSPCA said dog owners should be aware of heatstroke signs such as heavy panting, or collapsing, and immediately move them to a cool area and contact your vet if suspected, cooling them gradually.
For wildlife, people can provide shallow water bowls and wet food, and report any daytime hedgehog sightings or general animal welfare concerns to the animal charity.
Steve Byrne, Manager of the GSPCA, urged pet owners to stop and think when it’s hot.
“With the sunny weather and the temperatures rising, at the GSPCA we want to ensure the animals of Guernsey are safe and well cared for.
“We highlight how extremely important it is that we don’t take our dogs out in the car when shopping, as those in vehicles are at real risk. If your dog is left in the car, even if parked in the shade as the sun moves could put them at a real risk of heat exhaustion which can lead to death. We urge all pet owners to stop and think and ensure that their pet is not put in a life-threatening situation with this lovely sunny warm weather.”