Tag: heatstroke

1 in 7 dogs treated for heatstroke die: Here’s how to keep your dog safe

As the UK enjoys a weekend of soaring temperatures, Dog Friendly Retreats is urging dog owners to take precautions against one of the most serious seasonal risks facing pets: heatstroke.

Whether you’re away on holiday with your 4-legged friend, or are enjoying the sun at home, dogs are far more sensitive to heat than humans.

As many as 1 in 7 dogs affected by heatstroke die from the condition, according to research from the Royal Veterinary College. It’s also not just life-threatening, it’s costly with the average cost of a heatstroke insurance claim in 2023 hitting £945.25, with emergency care, fluids, and potential hospitalisation often required.

Unlike us, they cannot regulate their body temperature through sweating. Instead, they rely on panting and sweating through their paw pads, which becomes far less effective in hot, humid weather.

With temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C in some regions, the risk of heat-related illness is particularly high for flat-faced breeds, puppies, older dogs, and those with thick coats.

Josh Williams, founder of Dog Friendly Retreats, says: “Heatstroke can affect any dog in a matter of minutes, especially during exercise or prolonged sun exposure which can be more common if you’re on holiday with your dog.

“Many owners, especially on busy summer days are surprised at how quickly it can develop, and by the time symptoms are visible, it’s often already serious. Prevention is far safer and more effective than treatment.”

The symptoms of canine heatstroke can include excessive panting, drooling, bright red or very pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, unsteadiness, and in severe cases, collapse or seizures. If a dog shows any of these signs, it is a medical emergency and veterinary attention is required immediately.

  • Excessive panting and drooling
  • Bright red or pale gums
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Disorientation or confusion
  • Staggering, shaking or collapse
  • Seizures in extreme cases

Any of these symptoms may indicate heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Immediate action is critical.

Owners should act fast by moving their dog into a shaded or cool area. Wet towels soaked in cool water (not ice-cold) should be placed over their body, particularly the neck, armpits and between the hind legs.

Paw pads and ears can also be gently cooled with water.

Fresh drinking water should be offered in small amounts, but it’s important not to let the dog gulp it down too quickly. Ice should be avoided, as it can cause shock in an overheated dog.

What To Do If You Suspect Heatstroke

Acting quickly can save a dog’s life. Here’s how:

  • Move your dog to a shaded, cool area immediately.
  • Soak towels in cool (not ice-cold) water and place them over your dog’s neck, underarms, and between the back legs.
  • Gently cool their paw pads and ears using water or damp cloths.
  • Offer small amounts of cool water to drink. Don’t let your dog gulp or drink rapidly.
  • Avoid using ice, which can trigger shock in overheated dogs.
  • Contact a vet urgently, even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage may still occur.

To reduce the risk, owners are strongly advised to avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 11am and 4pm. Early morning or evening walks are safer and dogs should never be left in parked cars or enclosed spaces, even with windows cracked, as internal temperatures can rise to fatal levels within minutes.

Garden surfaces such as patios, decking, and artificial grass can also become dangerously hot and burn a dog’s paw pads. A useful test is to press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.

Dogs should have continuous access to clean, fresh water and shaded areas throughout the day. Cooling mats, damp towels, and fans can all help regulate their body temperature. For those joining their owners at outdoor gatherings such as barbecues or garden parties, care must be taken to prevent overexertion, sun exposure, or access to harmful foods and drinks.

Josh Williams adds: “Every year, heatstroke catches owners off guard, and sadly, the outcome isn’t always a happy one.

“This weekend, as we all enjoy the sunshine, we urge dog lovers to think ahead and take those simple steps that could protect their pet’s life.”

Vets issue urgent heatstroke advice for pet owners as temperatures soar

With hot weather conditions in Scotland this week, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and to act quickly if they spot early signs of heatstroke. 

Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving pets who require treatment for heat-related conditions such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, some of which can sadly be fatal. 

Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, 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 prove to be fatal. Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature. Overweight animals and densely coated animals are also at increased risk. 

Like dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it’s important that their hutch or run isn’t exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day.  

 British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn.

“Unfortunately, these can often be fatal. With heat warnings in place, make sure your animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.

“When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, don’t take them out during the heat of the day- stick to early morning or late evening walks- and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, contact a vet as quickly as possible as heat-related illnesses can be fatal. 

“It’s important to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pets’ lives. In dogs, signs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.

“Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.

“If you suspect heatstroke, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink if possible, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down, before contacting your vet.” 

BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey during 2022’s record-breaking heatwave revealed that half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness. Dogs were the most common animal seen with heat-related conditions reported by 51% of small animal vets, followed by rabbits (9%) and cats (6%). 

BVA has shared the following top tips to keep pets safe in this heat: 

  • 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 and keep frozen water bottles covered in towels in their living space. For rabbits and guinea pigs, you can provide extra shade by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels. Lightly misting rabbits’ ears with cold water is also an effective way to help cool them, as long as this doesn’t stress them. 
  • Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks. 
  • Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk- put your palm flat on the tarmac for five 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. Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures. 
  • If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet. 
  • Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out shallow bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.

Vet charity issues urgent advice ahead of Turkish ‘heat bomb’

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.  

  1. 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.   

  1. 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.   

  1. 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.    

  1. 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.   

  1. 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: 

www.pdsa.org.uk/heatstroke    

Expert dog welfare group shares advice for helping to keep flat-faced dogs safer in the heat

‘WHEN IN DOUBT DON’T GO OUT’

During summer last year, when the UK faced record-breaking high temperatures of over 40C in July, over 50% of dogs treated for ‘heatstroke’ by PDSA* were those with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) such as Pugs, British & French Bulldogs and Shih Tzus.

With the summer season underway, a group of UK dog welfare experts is urging owners of flat-faced dog breeds to take extra care to protect these dogs in the warm weather. 

The poor ability of these types of dogs to keep themselves cool by panting because of their abnormally flattened faces means that they are at huge risk of heatstroke in hot weather.

A survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) showed that over half of vets surveyed had treated flat-faced dogs for heatstroke in the past year.

In a separate BVA survey, following last year’s record-breaking heatwave, many vets also reported being especially concerned about the impact of hot weather on flat-faced dogs, with some vets worried that owners often did not recognise visible or audible signs of heat stress in their dogs.

The Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), a national group of the UK’s leading dog health and welfare organisations and vets, has issued advice specifically aimed at owners of flat-faced breeds, to help protect these dogs in the hotter temperatures and summer sunshine:

  • Help them stay cool in hot weather – Dogs don’t sweat like humans do; instead the main way they cool themselves down is by panting. The limited breathing abilities of some flat-faced dogs means they often struggle to cool themselves down and ineffective panting in these dogs only further exacerbates their breathing difficulties.

Encourage your dog to stay in shaded areas, avoid exertion (such as outdoor walks or a game of fetch) and stay indoors through the heat of the day. Never leave flat-faced dogs in a car or conservatory, where they can overheat rapidly even on a relatively mild or overcast day.

  • Plan your walks – Always avoid the warmest parts of the day to head out with your dog. Plan your walks for dawn and dusk. If this isn’t possible, it’s far better to skip a walk rather than risk a flat-faced dog going outside – a dog can develop heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes in warm conditions.
  • Keep cool with fresh drinks – Ensure your dog stays well hydrated by placing bowls of fresh water around the house. And for an extra cool drink, you can add in some ice-cubes.
  • Spot the early signs your dog is struggling with the heat – Being aware of physical changes to your dog from over-heating can enable owners to intervene earlier, hopefully before heatstroke sets in. Look out for the following changes in your dog: breathing more heavily than usual, having less energy, less playful than normal, panting more, stumbling or laying down.
  • Recognising the signs of heatstroke – Being able to spot the signs of heatstroke and knowing when to act can save your pet’s life. Signs can vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse or even seizures.
  • Cool your dog down quickly – if your dog shows any of the above signs, it’s essential to cool them down as quickly as possible. Move them into a cool area, pour cool water from the cold tap and offer them small amounts of water to drink. Be sure to contact your vet as soon as possible so they can offer the best advice for your situation. Always remember to ‘cool first, transport second’1 when taking your dog for veterinary care for heatstroke.
  • Knowing Pet First Aid could save your pet’s life – Being comfortable and able to perform Pet First Aid before you get to a vet could be vital for your dog in an emergency, especially in cases of heatstroke. PDSA has a free Pet First Aid guide, full of tips and tricks for pet owners, should the worst happen.

Due to their flattened skull shapes, flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs do not have the naturally longer nose that helps other types of dogs to lose heat during panting, meaning flat-faced breeds often struggle more than other types of dogs to lose heat effectively.

These problems are exacerbated in hot weather and especially if the dogs are exercised. Owners of flat-faced breeds should be extra vigilant in the summer months when it’s likely to be warmer than usual. Warm weather can be fatal for all breeds of dogs, so it is important all owners are aware of the severe dangers.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Chair of the BWG, said: “Flat-faced dogs are currently hugely popular in the UK but owners of these breeds need to especially vigilant to protect their dogs from heatstroke.

“Avoid exercise during hot parts of the day and wet these dogs liberally as soon as they show are any signs of overheating.

“If you are concerned, contact your vet as soon as possible. The core message is ‘when in doubt, don’t go out – Dogs Die on Hot Walks’.”

The BWG, which is made up of veterinary associations, welfare organisations, universities, the government, breeders and dog owners, has more information about heat-related illness in brachycephalic dogs, and an infographic with advice, on the Group’s website.