A vet has issued a warning to pet owners as temperatures in the UK continue to rise. It’s no secret that the weather has been getting warmer and, while it’s great for us, it’s not always good news for our dogs. That’s because they can suffer if they get too hot – in fact, they can sometimes experience health issues such as heatstroke.
To help people out, The Pet Health Club shared a video on TikTok explaining how people can spot the signs of the problem – and what to do about it. Veterinary Surgeon Kathleen Pohl talked pet owners through what to do if they think something is wrong.
In the clip, Kathleen said: “Heatstroke can happen to any dog on a warm day – even if it’s not sunny out. The signs we watch out for – fast, heavy breathing or panting, wobbliness and weakness, excessive drooling, vomiting and general restlessness.
“If your dog has heatstroke, you need to take action quickly. We’ve got to get your dog’s body temperature down as quickly as possible, and then get to your vet staight away.”
There are a few things you can do to aid the issue until you see a professional. Kathleen outlined these in the clip.
Kathleen added: “Pour cold water on your dog, get them on a wet towel, give them water and put them in front of a fan. It’s a myth if you pour cold water on your dog, they’ll go into shock.
“Pour cold water on your dog. This could save their life. Don’t put damp towels on top of your dog – this traps in the heat.
“Instead, put them on top of a wet towel. As you’re doing this, call your vet, and they’ll talk you through what to do next. To avoid heatstroke, don’t walk your dog in the heat and avoid high-energy activities.”
If you’re worried about pouring water on your dog, then you may want to follow some rules. Use cool water, as opposed to anything that’s really cold, and gently pour it onto their body – particularly on their chest, neck, belly, armpits and paws.
The key is to avoid pouring water on their head, or near their face, to avoid accidental inhalation. This can help them cool down.
How do dogs get heatstroke?
You may not realise, but dogs can actually suffer with heatstroke. Even though any dog can be affected, certain breeds and individuals are more susceptible.
Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises too high, and its cooling mechanisms fail to keep up. Usually, dogs can suffer with the health issue when their bodies are unable to cool down properly in a hot environment.
It can cause their internal temperature to rise dangerously. This could happen if they are left in a car, confined in a hot room or overexert themselves when exercising. It can also happen if they are taken for a walk when the weather is too hot.
To prevent the problem there are a few things you can do. These include:
- Don’t leave a dog in a car, even with the windows left open.
- Always make sure your dog has access to shade and water when outdoors.
- Offer plenty of rest and breaks during exercise, especially when the weather is warm.
- Avoid excessive exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
- Know your dog’s individual needs and limitations, like those of brachycephalic breeds or older dogs.
If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, contact your vet. They will advise you on what to do next.