02/07/2009

The Mayhew kennels are currently closed for dog viewings. Before making your journey, please check the website to see if viewings have resumed, or call the Home on 0208 969 0178.

Please also call 0208 969 0178 to book an appointment if you are interested in a dog who is currently in one of The Mayhew foster homes. Thank you

Protecting your pets in the heatwave

Don't forget your furry friends when the sun is beating down. Here are some tips from The Mayhew for essential animal care in the summer time

Never leave your pets alone in vehicles during the hot weather

Make sure your pets have full water bowls at all points during the day and if you are out walking your dog make sure you have water with you.

Make sure that your rabbit run has a shaded area and move it round the garden during the day to stay out of the high heat.

Keep a close eye on pets who are lighter colured, especially white, short-haired animals and apply sunblock to sensitive areas, such as noses and ears. The sun can cause skin cancer in animals, so it is essential you protect your pets with a high-factor sunscreen

Keep out of the mid-day heat and walk your dog in the cooler hours before 11am and after 4pm

For any pets left inside the home, draw the curtains and place damp towels on the floor for an option of heat-relief -our Cattery residents love it!

Kittens Kittens everywhere! Foster carers needed

Now that summer is in full swing, The Mayhew facilities are inundated with kittens. Our Cattery is currently housing several mothers with full litters, who have been brought in unwanted, or reported by members of the public, after they have given birth in their home or garden.

Our kitten cabins are full with litters who are stray and feral and one tiny arrival today

was found wandering along the roadside.

Some of these kittens are naturally much more nervous than others, having been born to a stray mother, making them feral babies. They are scared of human contact and our staff and volunteers are working hard to socialise them so we will be able to find them suitable homes when they are old enough for adoption.

We desperately need foster carers to help us with this socialisation and are appealing for anyone who spends the majority of the day at home to consider fostering one of our little ferals and help their confidence grow in a home environment.

For more information about how you can help, call Lucy Edwards on 0208 968 2350 or email catfostering@mayhewanimalhome.org. Helping these abandoned kittens get the best start in life is an amazing reward.