As humans, we tend to embrace the sunshine and warmer weather that the summer months bring us. However, enjoying these warmer temperatures can quickly become very dangerous for our four-legged friends. Dogs lack the amount of widespread sweat glands that humans possess; only having sweat glands in their feet and around their nose. Therefore, they are unable to tolerate the heat like we can, relying on panting to keep themselves cool. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced breeds) such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boxers have a further increased susceptibility to heat stroke due to their upper airway abnormalities. We want to make everyone aware of the risk that warmer weather poses so we can enjoy the summer safely together.

What are the signs of heat stroke in dogs?

The signs that a dog may exhibit can vary as the body temperature rises and heat stroke develops in severity. If you recognise any of the below signs you should seek veterinary advice immediately:

• fast, heavy panting
• appearing distressed or agitated
• excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• excessive thirst
• bright red gums or tongue (may turn a purple tinge as severity increases)
• increased heartrate
• elevated body temperature
• diarrhoea
• glassy appearance to eyes
• staggering when walking
• collapse
• seizures
• unconsciousness

Heat stroke is the result of a dog unable to control his body temperature resulting in hyperthermia. This may be exertional heat stroke as a result of a dog being exercised in warmer temperatures, or non-exertional due to lack of ventilation and/or water which is typically seen in dogs left in parked cars.  There is no defined space of time of how long it can take for a dog in a parked car to develop heat stroke, however, this can be as little as 15 minutes. 

Tips to help keep your dog safe:

• NEVER leave your dog in a parked car in warm weather for any period of time
• avoid long car journeys (if your dog travels in the boot, the temperature back here may be considerably higher than in the rest of the car where you are sitting)
• restrict exercise on warmer days
• take advantage of cooler temperatures in the morning and late evening
• make sure your dog has access to water to drink-allow access to shade when in the garden or on a walk
• take water with your dog on a walk-provide a cool place for your dog to rest for example a cool wet towel in the shade

Timing is crucial with these cases; the sooner the signs of heat stroke are noticed by an owner, and the dog receives prompt veterinary treatment, the better the prognosis. Where possible, phoning the veterinary practice in advance of setting off to the vets with your dog can be beneficial; we may well advise you to start cooling techniques before your journey. On arrival, we will assess your pets condition and provide veterinary treatment as needed. This can include applying cooling techniques, administering intravenous fluids alongside constant monitoring of clinical signs. Unfortunately, despite aggressive veterinary treatment, heat stroke can result in serious long term complications such as kidney failure or in some cases can even be fatal. 

As the temperature drops and it gets dark earlier during the autumn months, it’s important to keep our pets safe.

Below are some seasonal hazards to pets for you to be aware of…

1. Conkers

While serious cases of poisoning are rare, ingestion can cause marked gastro-intestinal signs such as drooling, retching, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. The conker’s case and conkers themselves can also cause intestinal blockages. Dogs usually vomit any ingested conkers quickly so treatment to control vomiting may be needed.

2. Rat poisons

Most, but not all, rodenticides in the UK contain anti-coagulant compounds that interfere with a rat’s ability to clot its own blood. One-off exposure to products bought in garden centres often does not cause problems. However, repeated exposure to products or exposure to professional rodent baits can cause disruption to a pets’s blood clotting ability and result in massive haemorrhage (bleeding). The effects may be delayed for several days and blood-clotting (coagulation) tests are often needed to determine if a pet is at risk of developing problems. Treatment involves giving an antidote and in severe cases transfusions of plasma or whole blood.

3. Luminous necklaces and glow sticks

The chemical mixture within luminous jewellery and glow sticks (often seen at Halloween & Bonfire night) is very irritating to the gums — commonly causing dribbling, frothing and foaming at the mouth, vomiting and stomach pain. Thankfully, although the signs can look dramatic, ingestion is unlikely to cause significant problems, but your pet may require supportive treatment.

4. Oaks and acorns

Exposure to acorns in dogs is common in the autumn and winter.  The toxic ingredient is thought to be tannic acid, which can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy.  Ingested acorns can also cause an intestinal blockage.

5. Fallen leaves

Piles of leaves can develop bacteria and mould.  If your dog ingests these it can lead to gastrointestinal upsets.

6. Antifreeze

The worst of all the chemical spills is antifreeze (containing ethylene glycol), which can leak from a car’s radiator. Ethylene glycol ingestion is very dangerous. It is sweet tasting and very palatable and even a small quantity can cause serious kidney damage and be fatal. The first signs of intoxication can be that your pet appears ‘drunk’.  If you know your pet has ingested ethylene glycol or you have any concerns, contact your vet without delay.  The prognosis becomes less good the longer the delay between ingestion of the antifreeze and initiation of treatment.

7. Chocolate

Chocolate sales rise around Halloween but remember it contains a stimulant called theobromine that’s poisonous to dogs.  The amount of theobromine differs depending on the type of chocolate — dark chocolate has the most in it.  Theobromine mainly affects the heart, central nervous system and kidneys.  Signs will occur from 4-24 hours following ingestion and you may see vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity, rapid breathing, muscle tension, incoordination, increased heart rate and seizures.

8. Keep safe in the dark

Always wear reflective clothing to make yourself visible when walking near roads in the dark. And don’t forget your pets! Fit your dog and cat with a reflective or LED collar – but make sure only a quick release collar is used for a cat.

9. Fleas

Turning up your heating in your home as the temperature drops in autumn can provide the perfect temperature for fleas. It’s important to treat your pet for fleas all year round. Please contact us if you wish to discuss the various flea treatments available.

10. Fireworks

The firework season seems to be getting longer each year and can be a stressful time for all pets. Read our article on how you can make fireworks less frightening for your pet: https://www.oakhill-vets.com/fireworks-pets/

If you are concerned that your pet may have been affected by any of the above hazards, please call your vet.

Here are some tips to keep your pet safe while you are enjoying your sausages and steak!!

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• Keep your pet away from the BBQ – pets could sustain burns from jumping up/on a hot BBQ.

   

• Hot food swallowed whole can cause serious issues such as stomach ulcers.

   

• Kebab skewers, ribs, bones and corn on the cob can splinter, cause obstruction or puncture the digestive tract if ingested.

   

• Party food is not for pets. Foods high in fat can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) a very painful, and sometimes even fatal condition. Also, remember that onions (and members of the onion family) are toxic to dogs.

   

• Store rubbish out of pets reach. Your pet will consider leftovers or rubbish such as aluminium foil or plastic wrap a tasty treat when covered in grease but these can be very dangerous if eaten.

   

• Alcoholic drinks should be kept out of pets reach.

   

• If you’re planning to spruce up your garden for the occasion, make sure you know which plants are poisonous to your pet.

   

• Parties can be a busy time with visiting friends, so make sure your pet doesn’t make an escape in the commotion.

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If your pet suffers burns or consumes something they shouldn’t, call your vet immediately. Click here for our branch contact details and opening times.