20/06/2025
Heat Stroke!!
We are all feeling the heat but do remember to keep your pets cool and take extra precautions to keep your animals safe and act quickly if you spot early signs of heatstroke.
Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating.
Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal.
Like dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it’s important that their hutch or run isn’t exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day.
Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.
Signs of heatstroke in rabbits and Guinea pigs include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.
If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down.
Seek immediate advice from our vets.
