The ongoing hot weather has prompted a Swindon vet to issue advice aimed at helping dog owners to prevent their pets from overheating.
Dr Kate Russell from Vet’s Klinic Swindon is reminding owners that dogs do not have the same physiological cooling mechanisms as people.
She said: "Their natural behaviour during hot days would be just sleeping in the shade. Unfortunately, there has been some fatalities already witnessed in our practice this week.
"Even if temperatures appear quite pleasant to us, such us low 20 degrees – if a dog is playing with mates or caching a ball – they can become dangerously overheated."
Dr Russell listed signs of possible overheating in dogs:
- Heavy panting that progresses to distressed or noisy breathing as the heatstroke worsens
- Restlessness or agitation, pacing, seeking shade or water
- Drooling
- Red gums or tongue
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Heavy panting that progresses to distressed or noisy breathing as the heatstroke worsens
- Restlessness or agitation, pacing, seeking shade or water
- Drooling
- Red gums or tongue
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
Dr Russell added: "Unfortunately, there is still a lot of outdated advice on social media and online being posted and shared."
To remedy this, she urges owners to follow the latest evidence-based advice based on veterinary science when it comes to first aid for heatstroke in dogs:
- If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, it’s crucial to take action right away, as the condition can quickly escalate into a serious and potentially fatal emergency
- The recommended immediate response is to 'cool first, transport second' when dealing with dogs affected by heatstroke, and it is also important to contact a veterinarian without delay
- Move your pet to a cooler location, preferably one with good airflow or use a fan to help reduce their temperature
- Allow them to drink small amounts of water—never force them to drink
- For young and otherwise healthy dogs, immersing them in cool water can be an effective cooling method
- The evaporation technique involves pouring water (any temperature lower than the dog’s body temperature (tap cold water is fine) over them while using a fan, breeze, or air conditioning to aid cooling.
- If the evaporation method isn’t an option, you can help lower your pet’s temperature by gently pouring or spraying them with cool water. Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can constrict blood vessels in the skin, making it harder for your pet to release heat. It may also cause shivering, which can raise their body temperature
- After beginning the cooling process, contact your veterinary clinic for further guidance
- The recommended immediate response is to 'cool first, transport second' when dealing with dogs affected by heatstroke, and it is also important to contact a veterinarian without delay
- Move your pet to a cooler location, preferably one with good airflow or use a fan to help reduce their temperature
- Allow them to drink small amounts of water—never force them to drink
- For young and otherwise healthy dogs, immersing them in cool water can be an effective cooling method
- The evaporation technique involves pouring water (any temperature lower than the dog’s body temperature (tap cold water is fine) over them while using a fan, breeze, or air conditioning to aid cooling.
- If the evaporation method isn’t an option, you can help lower your pet’s temperature by gently pouring or spraying them with cool water. Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can constrict blood vessels in the skin, making it harder for your pet to release heat. It may also cause shivering, which can raise their body temperature
- After beginning the cooling process, contact your veterinary clinic for further guidance
- Even if your pet appears to have recovered, it’s still essential to have them examined (unless your vet advises otherwise), as some of the more dangerous effects of heatstroke might not show up right away
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