Hot Weather Hints
The weather is heating up and it is this time of year that we start to see pets struggle.
The technical name of heat stress is hyperthermia. There are a couple of reasons that this can occur. Unfortunately many pets will get left or trapped in a hot environment. This can be accidental or overlooked and include the all too common dog left in car scenario (even for a couple of minutes), locked in a house, shed or even out in a yard with little access to shade.
Dogs and cats do not sweat like we do. To cool themselves down, they pant. Some dogs and cats with the shorter snub noses (brachycephalic) such as boxers, bulldogs, pugs and Persians are at more risk of hyperthermia than longer nosed pets.
Other things that may contribute to heat stress are things such as heart or lung disease and obesity.
Symptoms of hyperthermia include:
What to do if your dog shows these signs:
1. Bring the dog inside, and away from the heat source (for example car).
2. Cool your dog down
3. Contact your vet or afterhours emergency vet immediately
So what can you do to prevent hyperthermia in your pet:
Exercise
The technical name of heat stress is hyperthermia. There are a couple of reasons that this can occur. Unfortunately many pets will get left or trapped in a hot environment. This can be accidental or overlooked and include the all too common dog left in car scenario (even for a couple of minutes), locked in a house, shed or even out in a yard with little access to shade.
Dogs and cats do not sweat like we do. To cool themselves down, they pant. Some dogs and cats with the shorter snub noses (brachycephalic) such as boxers, bulldogs, pugs and Persians are at more risk of hyperthermia than longer nosed pets.
Other things that may contribute to heat stress are things such as heart or lung disease and obesity.
Symptoms of hyperthermia include:
- Excessive and noisy panting
- Laboured respiration
- Increased respiration and heart rate
- Bright red tongue and pale gums
- Thick sticky drool
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Vomiting and diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
- Death
What to do if your dog shows these signs:
1. Bring the dog inside, and away from the heat source (for example car).
2. Cool your dog down
- Poor cool water over the dog’s head/body and groin
- Drape wet towels over your dog
- Run cool water over them
- NEVER use ICE WATER – this can cause hypothermia and lead to shock
3. Contact your vet or afterhours emergency vet immediately
So what can you do to prevent hyperthermia in your pet:
Exercise
- Keep exercise to a sensible level and only in the coolest parts of the day – yes that means early morning or late evening walks and games.
- If you have a dog that will run and run and run, especially with lawn mowers, kids on bikes or around and around the swimming pool bring them inside before they begin. Some dogs will run until they collapse.
- Don’t forget your dog doesn’t wear shoes, and walking on concrete or bitumen may be uncomfortable, painful and result in blisters.
Shade & sleeping areas
- Ensure your dog/cat/birds/guinea pigs have access to plenty of shade and cool surfaces to lie on or rest against.
- Having access to wet towels, concrete or cool tiles may make all the difference
- Give your dog an area that they are allowed to dig in – some dogs prefer to dig to access the cooler dirt – you could spray the dirt with water to help your dog further
- If you have air-conditioning bring your pets inside
Hydration
- Ensure your pet has access to plenty of cool water. Use large non-spill bowls or clam shell pools. Have multiple sources in case one is emptied or in the sun.
- Add small treats to the clam shell pool to encourage your dog to paddle or use the pool
- Leave frozen blocks to encourage your pet to lick and cool down with
Other enrichment ideas:
Frozen treats are popular all year round but especially during the hotter months.
Popular frozen treats are:
Frozen treats are popular all year round but especially during the hotter months.
Popular frozen treats are:
- Kongs
- Bananas
- Apples
- Large water bucket filled with treats/bones/toys
- Bones
- Puppy milk
- Vegemite water
- Vegetable stock blocks
Clam shell pool filled with ice, toys and treats
Water play with sprinkler or hose – abide by local water laws
Supervised access to your swimming pool – many dogs love to swim. However it is important that you teach your dog how to exit the pool should they accidentally fall in. A device designed for this is a Scamper Ramp. You can find more information on these at https://www.worldforpets.com.au/products/15917.
