18/07/2022
🔥 HEAT STROKE 🔥
Did you know it can only take 15 minutes for dogs to become fatally Ill from heat stroke?
A normal dogs body temperature is roughly 38.5°C, it only takes a 2 °C increase in body temperature for heat stroke to set in.
Some dogs are more at risk of getting heat stroke, such as:
☀️ Short nosed dogs (Pugs, Frenchies, Bulldogs)
☀️ Elderly and young dogs
☀️ long haired breeds
☀️ Overweight dogs
However during the hotter temperatures (28 degrees and higher) heat stroke is a risk to all types of dogs
What are the signs of heat stroke?
🚫 Heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst
🚫 Bright red tongue and gums, which can sometimes appear Grey in serious cases as this is when shock sets in
🚫 Excessive drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhoea
🚫 Lethargy, unsteadiness or staggering
🚫 Collapse or seizures
How can we prevent our beloved pets from getting heat stroke?
✅ Provide lots of shade and cool areas
✅ Plenty of access to fresh water, multiple bowls in various areas are beneficial
✅ Walk your dogs before 8am or after 8pm. If you can’t avoid the heat, it is better for the dog to miss a walk that day.
✅ Avoid pavements where possible, If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for longer than 3 seconds then it is too hot for your pets paws🐾
✅ Not leaving dogs in the car
✅ Special cool mats made for pooches
Most of the above will also apply to cats too, they are usually very good at keeping themselves cool but it is always beneficial to help them where we can. 🐱
It’s really important that we keep our pets safe during this time, and also helps the vets from having emergencies that could be prevented 🐾 ❤️
