Page 52 • The HERALD • 25th June 2026 v THE HERALD - SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES v ANIMAL MAGIC Victoria: 07503 813594 Daniel: 07584 534818 SELF SERVICE DOG WASH No Appointment Necessary Forestsidegrooming.co.uk 189 Long Lane, SO45 2PA Vets Warn Dog Owners Of Fatal Risks Of Walks During Scorching Weather The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is advising dog owners to stick to early morning and late evening walks and avoid exercising pets in the hottest parts of the day to prevent potentially fatal heat-related illnesses during heatwaves. Each summer, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving dogs who require treatment for heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing di culties, with some dogs sadly unable to be saved as a result. Unlike people, dogs struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions because they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can be fatal. Panting is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature. at is why at-faced breeds such as English bulldogs and pugs, are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing di cult. Overweight, old and densely coated animals are also at increased risk. British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: “While many of us look forward to enjoying a bit of sunny weather, our pets need extra care to be safe from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Make sure all pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, it’s important not to take them out during the heat of the day - stick to early morning or late evening walks only, and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while. It helps to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pet’s life. In dogs, signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. If you suspect heatstroke, take your dog to a cool, wellventilated place, give it small amounts of cold water to drink if possible, and pour cold water over the body to cool it down, before contacting your vet.” BVA is sharing ve top tips to help pet owners keep their dogs safe in hot weather: • Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. Provide them with a cool mat and fan indoors. • Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, atfaced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks. • Do the ve-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk- put your palm flat on the tarmac for ve seconds, and if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. • Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999. • Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. If you suspect your dog has heatstroke or any other heat-related condition, take it to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cold water to drink, and pour cold water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet. For more tips on keeping animals safe in hot weather, visit: https://bva.co.uk/ pet-owners-andbreeders/caring-foranimals-in-hot-weather Frenchie Fest Is Back This Autumn! Frenchie Fest - e New Forest’s biggest ever French Bulldog meetup - is taking place this autumn on Saturday 3rd October, 10am–4pm at Ley eld, New Park Farm in Brockenhurst. ere will be a Dog Show and Parade, sponsored by BB Dog Boutique, expert talks from the Family Dog Club on training and behaviour with live training show, vendors and shopping, treats and goodies, photo opportunities, A seminar on Frenchie health by the French Bulldog Club, Health testing with Optima and a kids zone with bouncy castle, games and facepaint. Tickets from £8 and a free puppacino for every dog. 10% of sales will be donated to the Mast Cell Action charity. For tickets and more information visit: www. frenchiefest.co.uk The Ampfield Market e Market is always held on the first Saturday of the month excluding January and August which are holiday months. It takes place in Amp eld Village Hall (SO51 9BJ), between 10am and 12 noon. Parking and admission are free. e Market has become a very popular meeting place, o ering the best value, most delicious refreshments in Hampshire! Every e ort is made to keep the sales tables lively and interesting. ere are top quality, locally sourced items for sale including cakes, biscuits, savoury foods, honey, fresh bread, eggs, plants, fruit and veg, cra s, books, cards, wrapping paper, jewellery and collectables. ey order their fruit and veg from Hansards a very reputable local supplier and they endeavour to sell a good variety of fresh, seasonal produce every month. ey are delighted that Matt’s Bakery in Chandlers Ford is now supplying their bread each month. e Market generates almost £3,000 a year towards Village Hall funds. e Market team generously volunteer their time and baking skills to provide a delicious seasonal selection of cakes every month, which are served with co ee and tea throughout the morning. e next Amp eld Market will take place on 4th July between 10am-12noon. Here are some dates for your diary: 5th September and 3rd October. If you would like to rent a table in the future or would just like more general information, then please contact Julie Trotter via: julie@amp eld.org.uk LIONS BOOKSTALL Romsey Lions hold their regular book stalls in e Cornmarket, Romsey. eir next book sales will be on Saturday 4th July (moved to avoid clash with the Beggars Fair) and Saturday 8th August from 9am to 2pm. ey welcome donations of good quality paperbacks for the stall and also gi s for their bric-a-brac section. Donations can be taken along to the stall on the day of the sales or alternatively you can call: 0344 963 2463 to arrange for a collection to be made. Lions are both men and women, and there are no age restrictions to membership other than you must be over 18. ey are approachable people from many walks of life, and they enjoy an active social life. A few hours a month are all it takes to help others less fortunate in the community. If you would like to learn more about being a Lion and make new friends then get in touch with them on: secretary@romseylions.co.uk or contact them on their direct club telephone number: 0344 963 2463. e Lions have a motto ‘Ordinary People Doing Amazing ings’. And they do year a er year.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyNzI=