With the warmer weather, its understandable we want to spend more time outside with our dogs. Whether that be a trip to the beach, a BBQ in the garden or a lunchtime walk. However, dogs can easily overheat and develop heatstroke, and this can occur due to hot weather or over exertion. Unlike us, dogs cannot sweat to cool down and rely on panting which is not effective enough in hot weather. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency and can be fatal for dogs if left untreated

Some breeds of dogs are more at risk of heatstroke – large breeds, those with a thick coats, overweight dogs and brachycephalic dogs (with flat faces).

Signs of heat stroke include:

• Excessive panting and drooling
• Bright red gums
• Confusion or lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse
• Seizures can also develop if left untreated

If you suspect heatstroke, we advise a call to your vet immediately, but you can then do things to help cool them before bringing them to us.

Rapid cooling is essential and contrary to other advice, you cannot cool them too quickly.

Things to do:

• Remove them from the heat and into shade or a cool area
• Pour cold water over them, you can also submerge their body in water in the bath or paddling pool.
• Do not cover them in wet towels as these will retain heat.
• Using a fan can help to cool them
• Offer them a drink of water but do not syringe anything into their mouth
• Get them to the vets – with air con on in the car

Ways to avoid heatstroke:

• Do not walk your dog in the middle of the day, stick to the cooler mornings and evenings
• Ensure your dog has shade if they are in the garden
• Consider cooling aids such as a paddling pool, frozen treats and cooling mats
• Never leave a dog in a car
• Encourage indoor activities and enrichment, such as licky mats and treat puzzles

Our feline friends can also suffer from heatstroke, although less commonly.

Cats tend to be less active in the heat and prefer to snooze in the sun, but they can still be at risk of heat stroke.

• Make sure your cat is not left in a hot room such as a conservatory
• Take care when closing sheds and greenhouses that no cats (yours or a neighbour’s) are not trapped inside.
• Grooming long haired cats to keep their fur manageable
• Minimise the time cats spend lounging in the sun

If you have any concerns that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, follow the advice above to rapidly cool them and call us on 01606 880 890 or 01606 717969