Seasonal advice for your pets: Summer
Hazards and dangers to look out for in Spring to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Summer hazards to pets for you to be aware of…
HEAT STRESS IN DOGS
Overheating and heat stress can be a killer so here are some tips to help you all have a happy and healthy summer in the sun. Signs:
- Panting excessively
- Drooling
- Increase in heart rate
- Reddened/purple gums
- Vomiting and Diarrhoea
- Seizures progressing to coma and even death
Treatment: As soon as possible move your pet to a cooler spot, keep them as quiet and calm as possible. Use wet cool towels to gradually lower the temperature and use a fan if possible. Contact your vet as soon as possible as serious complications may result.
Prevention:
- Exercise your dog early morning/late evening to avoid the midday sun.
- Ensure access to shade in the garden you could even supply a paddling pool!
- Have fresh cool water available, put ice -cubes in the water if taking some out with you.
- Be extra careful with either very young or old, overweight or longhaired animals. Some breeds are more likely to suffer including short-nosed breeds such as boxers and pugs etc.
- NEVER leave your pet in a parked car even on overcast days the temperature can increase dramatically.
- Clip longhaired breeds.
- Use a fan in the rooms where you pet likes to settle.