28/06/2024
‼️UP TO DATE HEATSTROKE ADVICE‼️
We’ve recently noticed some outdated first aid advice circulating regarding heatstroke. Please see the current, up to date advice provided by the RVC:
❗️ Immediately take your pet somewhere cool or use a fan to help cool them.
❗️Offer them small sips of water (do not force them to drink.)
❗️Cold water immersion is fine and recently proved to be an effective approach for cooling young, healthy dogs.
❗️For older dogs or dogs with underlying health problems us the evaporation method: Pour water of any temperature that is cooler than your dog over them and combine with air movement from a breeze, fan, or air conditioning.
❗️Once you’ve started these steps, call your vets for further advice.
✅ Cold water immersion is fine.
❌ Do not use wet towels as these can absorb/trap heat making the hyperthermia worse.
Symptoms of heatstroke includes;
🔥 Panting
🔥 Restlessness or agitation
🔥 Seeking shade and/or water
🔥 Drooling
🔥 Red gums or tongue
🔥 Lethargy or weakness
🔥 Collapse or seizures
Animals most susceptible to heatstroke include:
🐶 Animals that are overweight
🐶 Brachycephalic breeds such as French bull dogs and pugs
🐶 Pets with thick coats
🐶 Old or very young animals
🐶 Animals with pre-existing conditions such as lung or heart problems
‼️ REMEMBER - WET TO VET! 💦➡️👩🏻⚕️
For further information please see the current up to date advice provided by the RVC below:
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/teaching-and-research/fact-files/heatstroke-in-dogs-and-cats
❄️ Meanwhile here is a picture of our Vet Nurse Jade’s Chow Chow keeping cool, enjoying his sprinkler pad in the shade 😎
