With warnings that temperatures could reach 27°C in parts of the UK on Monday, leading vet charity, PDSA, is urging pet owners across the country to be vigilant for heatstroke, which can be fatal.
This summer has seen periods with record amounts of rainfall and while the nation is familiar with mild weather, we’re often less prepared for scorching hot temperatures – especially when it comes to looking after our pets.
PDSA is warning pet owners to take extra care as the mercury rises, with the risk of furry family members experiencing heat-related illnesses significantly heightened.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “Last year we treated over 300 cases of heatstroke, demonstrating the danger that hot temperatures can pose to our pets.
“On average, cats and dogs have a normal body temperature of 38-39°C, but heatstroke can strike once the body temperature starts to rise above 40°C – just a degree or two above their normal, making it incredibly important that pet owners recognise early signs and respond quickly to stop their pet’s body temperatures rising further.
“Without acting fast, heatstroke can cause serious health problems, including seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and even death. It becomes increasingly dangerous the longer it lasts, so the quicker you cool your pet down and then get them treatment from a vet, the better their chance of a full recovery.
“Whilst heatstroke is a scary prospect, familiarising yourself with the early warning signs and understanding how to administer first aid should the worst happen will help you keep your pet safe. In addition, knowing if your pet is at even higher risk helps you to put extra safety measures in place.
“Flat-faced dogs and cats can struggle to cool themselves. Dogs lose heat by panting, as well as through their paw pads and nose, whilst cats will lick themselves to cool down, breathing out to release heat as they do so.
“With much less space in their short noses, pets with flatter faces struggle to release body heat when they breathe out – so it’s important to take extra care to make sure they don’t over-heat in warm weather. Pets that are young or elderly, unwell, overweight or have dense coats are also at increased risk.
- Know the signs
“Heatstroke symptoms can vary but during any hot weather spell, regularly check to see if your pet is excessively panting or having trouble breathing. Foaming around the mouth or vomiting, gums changing from a salmon pink colour to bright red or later, pale, trying to rest or appearing confused are all tell-tale signs. In more severe cases, heatstroke can take the form of your pet collapsing or having a seizure.
- First steps
“If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, you must administer first aid immediately. First, move your pet indoors to a cool room or into the shade, and start cooling them off. Gently pour cold water over their whole body, starting slowly to avoid them panicking. Be extremely careful they don’t inhale any water by keeping it away from their nose and mouth.
- Cooling techniques
“With the air humid, it’s important to create a cool environment for your pet to cool down in. Create a breeze by opening windows and doors, and by turning on a fan and closing any curtains or blinds. Placing your pet on a cold, wet towel will help cool them further, but don’t put the towel over them as this can actually hold heat in. Whilst it’s important not to force them, offer your pet a drink of cool water.
- Seek further assistance
“Even if your pet appears visibly cooler, it’s important you still contact your local vet as soon as possible. Transport your pet in an air-conditioned car or keep the windows open, making sure they are safely restrained inside the vehicle. If you can, bring a passenger with you who can keep an eye on your pet whilst you travel, and take plenty of drinking water for them.
“In severe cases, your vet may need to run blood and urine tests, put them on a drip to support their organs, and give them medication to prevent any further damage alongside further cooling. If this is the case, your pet may need to stay in the hospital for several days. Once stable and back home, you will need to monitor them closely for 24-48 hours, and let your vet know if they deteriorate or develop further symptoms.
- Learn how to prevent heatstroke
“While nobody can control the weather, there are ways to prevent heatstroke from developing, and prevention is always better than cure. Regular grooming will help your pet to regulate their temperature as it prevents build-up of excess hair – especially if they are a giant breed or have a thicker coat.
“Don’t be tempted to go out for walks with your dog during peak heat hours. Not only might the pavement be too hot for their sensitive paws, but going for walks at the hottest time of the day can cause them to overheat. Walking before 8am or after 8pm when the sun is at its lowest will be a cooler alternative. If temperatures remain high though, it’s far safer for your dog to miss a walk than risk them overheating. Remember, dogs can become seriously unwell and even die on hot walks.
“If your pet has ongoing health problems, is overweight, or is a flat-faced breed, they will need extra TLC to keep them safe and hydrated. Excess weight can put a pet’s body under additional strain, and they will have thicker insulation from the excess body fat.
“Move small pets away from windows if kept indoors, and for those who live outside, cover a part of their run to provide shade, making sure there is always a draft of cool air. For pets that need to go outside for the toilet, they may find themselves enjoying the sun and stay out for too long, so keep an eye on them and call them back in before they get too warm”.
For more information on heatstroke in pets and how to prevent it, visit:
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