20/09/2023
☀️ Heat Reminder ☀️
(Please save to keep information handy)
As it’s starting to warm up very quickly, being over 30 degrees celsius everyday this week so far, I’d like to remind everyone about heat safety for your dogs when walking them 😊
Over 25 degrees celsius - Put the palm of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, if it is too hot for you it is too hot for your dogs paws!! (Dogs paws are more sensitive then human palms) 🐾
Over 29 degrees celsius - Please DO NOT walk or take your dog to the beach in any heat over 29 degrees 🐶
Signs of heat stress: ☀️
- excessive panting
- slowing down or stoping on walks
- bright red gums, tongue or inside of ears
- general discomfort
- anxiety
- seeking shade and water sources like puddles
- rapid heart rate
- drooling/salivating
- wide, stressed eyes
Signs of heatstroke:🚨
- gums that have turned pale
- mental dullness
- loss of consciousness
- vomiting
- diarrhea (may become black in color)
- dark or red urine
- seizures
- uncoordinated movement (stumbling, dizziness)
- collapse
What is heat stroke in dogs? ☀️🦮
Heat stroke is the most severe type of hyperthermia. It occurs when your pet’s temperature reaches 41.1 degrees or higher. At this temperature neurological, and organ dysfunction and failure occurs. Once their temperature reaches 43 degrees or higher, it melts the proteins which make up the foundation of all the cells in the body. While there is no definite point at which these systems fail, higher temperatures and longer periods of heat exposure will lead to more organ dysfunctions and possible risk of death.
Heat stroke results in multi organ failure, for every organ that is affected, the prognosis decreases by 25%. If left untreated, recovery from heat stroke is almost non-existent. Some dogs can fully recover from heat stroke if it is caught and treated early enough. Others can suffer permanent damage to their organs and require lifelong treatment.
