11/12/2024
HEAT WAVE
Summer is officially here, and with it has come the first real heat wave this week. Here are some reminders for do’s and don’t for your pets during very hot weather:
DO have shaded outdoor areas for your pet to sit or lie in, and make sure that surfaces are also cool enough for comfort.
DO bring heat-sensitive pets indoors and provide either fan or air conditioning to help prevent heat stroke. Sensitive pets include short-faced breeds, obese pets, long/thick haired pets, pets with heart problems etc.
DO ensure that an ample supply of cool water is always available for pets. Another option is to take a small tin of your pet’s favourite wet food and blend with a litre of water, then freeze in ice cube trays or keep in the fridge for a cooling and hydrating treat!
DO check on outdoor pets frequently in hot weather, ensure that water bowls haven’t tipped over, pets aren’t showing signs of distress etc.
DO ensure that long or thick coated pets are properly groomed to reduce excess hair/knots that can increase heat retention.
DON’T leave pets in cars is something we all know by now, but also remember to check your car after unloading at home – pets have been known to climb into vehicles and then get locked in, in this heat it will be fatal.
DON’T encourage exercise, especially of heat-sensitive pets – even early morning and late evening the humidity and temperatures are still high enough to risk heat stroke.
DON’T walk pets on tar in summer! Test the surface barefoot first before deciding whether it’s safe!
DON’T leave pets in poorly ventilated or uninsulated enclosed areas eg garages, these will heat up very fast in summer and are just as bad as a hot car.
SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE:
- Excessive panting, drooling thick saliva
- Dark red/purple gums
- Physical weakness/disorientation
- Sudden onset vomiting and/or bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
If you see any of the above signs in your pet in hot weather, especially after exercising, please take the animal to your vet/nearest veterinary emergency centre IMMEDIATELY! Cooling with cold water and fans etc will help a bit, but will NOT adequately reduce core body temperature. Heat stroke is often fatal!
