BROMSGROVE pet owners are being warned that warm weather can bring misery for their animals.

The Blue Cross has issued advice after the arrival of warmer weather to make sure that pets enjoy the sunshine as much as their owners.

Top summer safety advice includes: to help pets find shady spots - indoors and out. Pale coloured animals are prone to skin cancer if they spend too much time in the sun; never leave pets in a car or enclosed warm spaces; always have plenty of clean water available and prepare in advance if taking pets on holiday.

Owners of rabbits and smaller animals need to keep their pets and their homes clean. Warm weather means more flies and maggots can lead to flystrike', a common but fatal condition in small animals.

Neil Edwards, manager at the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Wildmoor Lane, Catshill, said: "To keep the animals in our care comfortable on warmer days we make sure they have plenty of water to drink and areas of shade to lie in. We also put paddling pools out and open up the main doors to kennels to create a breeze for the dogs."

Caroline Reay, chief veterinary surgeon at The Blue Cross animal hospital, in London, added: "Although we are all pleased that summer has arrived, warm weather can be miserable to pets lacking proper attention.

"Blue Cross hospitals see cases of heatstroke and highly preventable illnesses every year - sometimes fatal for pets and devastating for their owners. Simple measures can be taken to keep animals comfortable and safe so we can all enjoy the sunshine."

For further advice go to www.bluecross.org.uk