Guinea pigs 'will die' if owners fail to take this action now over 26C

Guinea pigs 'will die' if owners fail to take this action now over 26C The Blue Cross animal welfare charity has issued an urgent warning to guinea pig owners across the UK as the heatwave hits - warning they can't regulate body heat through sweating There are more than 900,000 guinea pigs across the UK - and their owners have received an urgent warning amid the ongoing heatwave. The scorching conditions brought record-shattering temperatures on Wednesday, with meteorologists cautioning they could climb even further. An uncommon red alert for extreme heat has been declared by the Met Office as Britain has baked in extraordinarily hot and sticky weather. Preliminary data indicate the mercury hit 36.1 °C in Gosport, Hampshire, surpassing the previous June record from the summer of 1976. However, guinea pig owners have been informed they must act immediately - or their cherished pets could perish. The Blue Cross animal welfare charity stated: "Important: Temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius can cause fatal heatstroke, so it's best to bring your guinea pigs inside before it becomes too hot. Guinea pigs can overheat very quickly, as they are unable to regulate their body temperature by sweating." This means owners throughout the UK who keep their pets outdoors should be relocating them indoors immediately as temperatures are considerably above that threshold. It added: "When the weather is very hot, it's a good idea to bring your outdoor guinea pigs inside, away from the heat. "Sheds, conservatories and garages can also become extremely hot in the heat, so it's important to move your guinea pigs into a cool room. You can keep a room cool by closing curtains and blinds to block out the sun." One handy tip is to use frozen water bottles. Blue Cross said: "Using frozen water bottles or ice packs is a great and affordable way to keep your guinea pigs cool. Wrap any frozen items securely in an old, clean towel, or even a sock, to avoid ice burns. If your guinea pigs feel hot, they can lie next to the bottle to keep cool." Ensuring they stay properly hydrated is equally important: "Make sure that your guinea pigs have access to plenty of fresh, cool water throughout the day. Placing water bottles or bowls in different areas of your guinea pigs' home can encourage them to drink. Check the bottles regularly to make sure that the water spout is not blocked. "Hydrating vegetables such as cucumber can also be fed in moderation to keep your guinea pigs hydrated, but feeding too much can cause an upset tummy. Watermelon is also hydrating, but it is high in sugar so should only be fed as a treat. When it's time for dinner, consider soaking your guinea pigs' leafy greens in cold water, or serve them fresh from the fridge." Another clever trick involves chilling a particular item before placing it in your pets' enclosure: "Marble tiles or slates can help keep your guinea pigs cool, as they can lie on top of them if they wish. You also place tiles in the fridge to keep them extra cool before putting them in your guinea pigs' home. "Make sure that any tiles remain in the shade, as they can become extremely hot if placed in direct sunlight." Some hutches feature small structures for guinea pigs to take refuge in - however, ensuring they're made from the right materials is crucial: "Hidey houses or shelters that are made of plastic can quickly heat up inside, so it's best to avoid using them when the weather gets warm. Swap them for a man-made burrow made of big piles of hay. This will give your guinea pigs somewhere to burrow down into, out of the sun." For more tips click here.