As the weather in Bermuda starts to warm up, it’s time to make some changes to our pet routines to make sure our animals have a happy and healthy summer. Warmer temperatures bring some important and preventable risks that every pet owner should be aware of.

Heat-related illness can develop surprisingly quickly in dogs and cats. Unlike people, pets have very limited ability to cool themselves down. Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature through panting, while cats rely on grooming and seeking cooler areas. When temperatures and humidity rise, these natural cooling mechanisms can become overwhelmed.

One of the greatest dangers during warmer weather is leaving pets in cars. Even on a day that feels pleasant to us, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. Cracking a window provides little protection, and heatstroke can develop rapidly.

Many owners make the mistake of putting their pet into a hot car before the air conditioning has had time to cool the interior. Instead, start the vehicle and allow the air conditioning to bring the temperature down before inviting your pet inside. This simple step can make a significant difference to your pet’s comfort and safety.

Walking surfaces are another often-overlooked hazard. Pavements and roads absorb heat from the sun and can become hot enough to burn paw pads. A useful guide is the “five-second rule.” Place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds.

If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your pet’s paws. When temperatures are high, choose grassy cooler areas, such as the railway trail, where possible or walk during cooler parts of the day.

Timing is important. Early morning and late evening walks are generally much safer than exercising during the middle of the day when temperatures are highest. Not only is the air cooler, but surfaces are usually cooler too.

Hydration is equally important. Always carry fresh chilled water when walking your dog and encourage regular drinking breaks. Portable pet water bottles and collapsible bowls can make this easy and convenient. Pay attention to your pet on a walk and monitor them for signs of overheating.

For those heading out on a boat with their pet, remember that the ocean is not always as cooling as you might expect. At this time of year, sea temperatures can be as warm as the air and may not provide the cooling effect many owners assume. Swimming can still be excellent exercise, but it should not be relied upon as the sole way of preventing overheating.

Watch carefully for signs of heat stress, including a wide-open mouth, a very long tongue, excessive panting, drooling, weakness, lethargy, vomiting, or collapse. If you suspect heatstroke in your pet, soak them in cold water and call the vet. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.

As with so many things in the veterinary world, prevention is much better than cure. Take steps to prevent overheating, plan ahead, and keep your pets safe this summer.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog and two cats. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda