29/12/2022
BEWARE- Not a lost pet but good advice
Two dogs in two days lost to heatstroke and they were on morning walks!
Heatstroke! We’re not going to sugar coat this. You will not see the signs until it is too late!
This is an emergency and life-threatening condition. We have had several heatstroke calls in the past week alone and unfortunately for some, they didn’t make it. There is no guarantee that your beloved furry family member will pull through as they literally cook from the inside out and so owners aren’t aware they are suffering until it is already too late.
They don't cool down as easily as us and unlike us they can’t just take their coat off or sweat it out! Dogs regulate their body temperatures by panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and as a consequence, there aren’t a great deal of options for your pet if you’re walking them on hot cement and the days temperatures are already high. Despite the sun setting late and the afternoons extended light time, dogs shouldn’t be walking or exercising for several hours after the night has set in or after the sun is up in the morning. They should also not be on the back of the ute or left in cars without air-conditioning on.
Your dogs (and other pets) NEED to have fresh, cool water available – some might like to lay in a small pool if you have the means to facilitate this. Shade is a MUST and if it is within your means, bring them inside in the air conditioning.
Brachycephallic breeds are also more susceptible to heat stress. So those with Frenchies, Staffy's, Pug's and Bulldogs etc should be taking extra care during the sweaty season.
Clinically, what we see:
Excessive panting
- Body temps >40’C
- Inability to move (collapse)
- Seizures
- Prolonged coagulation times
PLEASE, we are begging you, make sure your pets are safe during this time of
year.
COPIED AND PASTED