17/06/2022
🥵🐾 HEAT STROKE🐾🥵
Today is forecast to be incredibly hot!! 🌡
PLEASE! NO dog has ever died from missing a walk!! Every year we see at least one dog die from heat stroke, this is incredibly traumatic for the pet, owner and the vet. Please let this year be different!
Whilst puppies, elderly dogs and, of course, brachycephalic (flat faced) dogs (such as Frenchies, Pugs and English Bulldogs) are most at risk ALL pets can succumb to the effects of heat stroke.
Please remember a few key things:
🔥 COOLING YOUR PET - The Myth that “actively cooling your pet is counterproductive” is totally unfounded and untrue. If your pet gets hot, use a cool (but not COLD) bath, paddling pool or wet towel to gently cool them down (avoid freezing cold water as this can induce shock).
🔥 HOT CARS - Pets DIE in hot cars, and in only very short periods of time. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A HOT CAR. Be aware that even moving cars with the air conditioning on or windows open still present a risk as the dog may be coping with higher temperatures in the back than you are experiencing in the driver’s seat. Try to avoid long journeys where possible but if necessary ensure you stop regularly and offer your pet plenty of water.
🔥 WALKING: Walking in the cool of the early morning or late evening is MUCH safer but do remember that it can still be incredibly hot. If in doubt, don’t walk!
🔥 PAVEMENTS/PATIO/DECKING: These all get hot in the sun, so keep walks on grass as much as possible and take care if your pet is sunbathing. Keep your pets in the shade and don’t let them spend too long in the sun… the sun worshippers are most at risk as they won’t move even if they get too hot!!
🔥 CONSERVATORY/UTILITY ROOMS: If your pet usually stays in a single room when you are out please ensure they always have access to shade throughout the entire day and provide plenty of ventilation and water.
🔥 FUN WAYS OF KEEPING COOL: Supply your pet with cooling or wet blankets to lie on, add ice cubes to their water bowl, refrigerate softer treats before giving them, provide shaded paddling pools.
Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, hypersalivation, vomiting / diarrhoea, drowsiness, confusion, seizuring and collapse. If you notice any of these signs please get in touch with a vet urgently so they can help immediately!
You have complete peace of mind when you entrust me with your pet as I am fully insured, licensed by Craven district council and police checked.
