HOT DOGS!
HEATSTROKE KILLS DOGS
We know, you are probably bored of hearing this now but it is true. Heatstroke is a common preventable cause of death in dogs. Every dog and owner are different, so try not to be judgy… but here are our top tips.
HEATSTROKE SIGNS
Panting with a long, thick tongue.
Thick drool.
Staggering or lying down.
Not reacting to known cues/ words.
Collapse.
Seizures.
Death.
HEATSTROKE PREVENTION
Walk early/walk late. For some dogs temperatures as low as 16 C carry a heatstroke risk, most dogs are at risk over 22 C.
Risk is higher for old dogs, puppies, hairy dogs, short faced dogs, and dogs with underlying illnesses.
If attending a competition or travelling with your dog use shades, fans, airconditioning, and have plenty of water and ice packs available.
If planning a canine event try to provide shade, water to drink, and water to dunk. If these can’t be offered consider cancelling.
Teach your dog to dunk their head in a bucket of water. This method has been developed and tested on military working dogs!
Heat isn’t the only risk. Hot surfaces can be damaging to paws, and plae dogs can suffer suburn and skin cancer.
HEATSTROKE TREATMENT
Rapid cooling. Wet the dog with cold water from a hose or immersion in cold water (healthy concious dogs).
Use fans or air conditioning to further cool the wet dog.
Offer small amounts of cool, but not ice cold, water to concious dogs.
Contact the closest vet and use the air con (if available) to keep cooling the dog on your journey to the vets.
THINK BEFORE YOU JUDGE
It may look irresponsible to have a dog outside at midday during a heatwave but… it could be cooler outdoors than in the home, the dog may only toilet away from home, the owner may need an excuse to leave the house… there are occasionally valid reasons to have a dog out in the heat for a short period. If your are concerned for the welfare of the dog (or owner!) consider offering some water or helping them find a cooler spot.
Dogs in cars may have the luxury of airconditioning that stays on when the driver leaves! If you see a dog in a vehicle and you are concerned monitor for signs of distress. If you feel the dog needs to be rescued, let the police know what you plan to do before breaking a window.