30/06/2025
🌟🥵 Hot Weather Myth Busting! 🥵🌟
🐾 There have been a few unhelpful myths doing the rounds again, circulating on social media and apparently even making it onto radio 4!
🐾 Lemon Juice: the origin of this myth is unknown, but sadly it is known to have claimed at least one life in last few weeks. It is claimed that when a dog starts to overheat and develop heat stroke, squirting lemon juice into their mouth can help break down the phlegm build up and help clear their airway. As well as the claim being total nonsense and not doing anything to treat heat stroke, owners may delay seeking veterinary attention while they attempt to get lemon juice into their unsurprisingly reluctant, already stressed dog.
🐾 Cold Vs lukewarm water: We have previously discussed that recently studies have demonstrated better outcomes for heat stroke dogs that are cooled quicker, with no negatives experienced from the use of very cold water as opposed to lukewarm or cool water. The myth unfortunately still persists, with a radio 4 guest recently repeating it, but there is no evidence of overheating dogs having heart attacks or going into shock when doused in cold water. If you think your pet is overheating please use the coldest water you have available worry free.
🐾 Feeding ice cubes: claims that eating ice cubes can cause dogs to develop a gastric torsion circulate every time we have a hot spell,but have been widely disproved. Although the cause of a gastric torsion, bloat or GDV is often unknown, there is no evidence that eating ice would increase the risk. Ice or frozen treats can be given to your pets to enjoy in the heat with no concerns.
🐾 Clipping fur: it is often stated that clipping long haired animals can actually make animals hotter. However, no matter the coat type, long fur will act as an insulating layer and definitely warm pets in hot weather. It is true that it can take months or even years for some coats to grow back as they were, so for many dogs hot weather can be managed without needing drastic haircuts, but if your pet is struggling rest assured removing some of their coat will only help. Ensuring your pet's coat is free from dead hair and matts is important no matter the coat length.
🐾 Remember if you ever see anything on social media or hear something from a friend that you aren't sure about we would be happy to confirm if it's true or not. We can also help get the word out that a new myth is circulating.
