IMPORTANT - Looking after your pets in this heat

Keeping your animals safe in this heat is vital. Just think how uncomfortable you are feeling at the moment with soaring temperatures and humidity. You can open the fridge and get a cooling drink, jump under a cool shower or sit near to a fan or air con unit ….
They don’t have these options!!!!!

The first signs of heat stroke are rapid, noisy and often frantic breathing. The tongue and gums will be bright red and saliva thickens. Advanced stages could show vomiting, disorientation and staggering.

If your pet has any of these symptoms you need to cool the body temperature down immediately. Heatstroke can lead to death in some cases in a VERY short time.
Move the animal to a cool place in the shade, place COOL towels over the body but pay close attention to the head and paws. Animals control their body temperature through the pads of their feet and their noses.
Do not use ice as extreme cold restricts blood flow and slows down the cooling process. Offer cool water but do not force water down their throat as this could enter their lungs.

If symptoms do not subside or your pet has reached the vomiting and staggering stage, wrap in a cool damp towel and get to your vet immediately. DO NOT use plastic pet carriers in this weather as they are like ovens especially in cars.

Cats in particular do not like moving around in this heat and might not be bothered to get up to have a drink. Try placing a ping pong ball or similar in their water bowl to spark interest in the bowl which might get them drinking.

Restrict exercise to early in the morning and late at night. Do not take on a “hike” but just give them short “strolls”.

Have small bowls of water and change this at least every two hours. Don’t let your dog drink loads of water in one go even if it seems desperate for a drink. This can lead to gastric dilatation (GDV) were the stomach can twist and bloat and could be fatal. Large breeds are especially susceptible to this condition.

Basically, provide them with fresh cool water, a shady area with hopefully some through air and keep them cool. They are a lot cleverer than we think and, providing they have access to the right “tools” they will know what’s best for them.