As the sun shines brightly over the pink sand beaches of Bermuda and humidity climbs, pet owners are reminded to take extra precautions to keep their furry friends safe from the heat.

Heatstroke in pets is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when animals are exposed to high temperatures for an extended period.

As the island's temperatures reach their summer peak, it is essential for pet owners to recognise the signs of heatstroke and take prompt action to prevent it.

Heatstroke in pets can manifest in various ways and it is crucial to identify the symptoms early on. Some common signs include excessive panting or rapid breathing with a wide mouth, drooling, hanging the tongue out of the mouth, restlessness, agitation, or lethargy, bright red gums or tongue and ultimately seizures or collapse.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it is essential to act quickly and seek veterinary attention immediately.

Heatstroke in pets can be caused by a combination of factors, including leaving pets in hot cars or enclosed spaces, exercising pets during the hottest part of the day, lack of shade, water, or ventilation, breeds type, such as brachycephalic breeds — eg, pugs, bulldogs — are more susceptible to heatstroke and pets with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease or obesity.

Preventing heatstroke in pets requires a combination of common sense and careful planning. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe.

Always provide plenty of fresh water and shade and avoid exercising pets during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm).

Touch the ground with your bare foot for five seconds before going for a walk. If the temperature is too hot for you to be comfortable it is too hot for your dog’s paw pads to walk on.

Never leave pets in hot cars and run the AC for a few minutes before you put your pet into the car.

Monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your home and use cooling pads, mats, or bandanas to help keep pets cool. Remember that the water temperature is the same as the air in the summer so swimming may not help cool them down.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, it is crucial to act quickly and seek veterinary attention.

Here are some steps to follow. Move your pet to a cool, shaded area and provide small amounts of cool water for your pet to drink. Use cool water or wet towels to help lower your pet's body temperature and if your dog’s symptoms do not rapidly improve seek veterinary attention immediately.

Heatstroke in pets is a serious condition that requires prompt attention and action. By recognising the signs, understanding the causes and risk factors, and taking preventative measures, pet owners can help keep their furry friends safe and healthy. By working together, we can reduce the risk of heatstroke in pets and ensure a happy, healthy summer for all.

• 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, two cats and two guinea pigs. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda