JSPCA
PRESS RELEASE
July 2006
HEAT, A PET'S PERIL - HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG COPE
During the summer months, whilst the weather is particularly warm and
sunny, it is important to consider the effects that the heat may have on
your pets.
Heat stroke in dogs is a common phenomenon in the hot weather. Affected animals pant heavily (trying to bring their body temperature down), they may collapse and can die if help is not quickly given. If you are faced with a situation in which you become concerned that your dog may be suffering from heat stroke, position the animal in the shade, offer access to fresh clean water, place cold wet towels over the animal and take it to a veterinary surgery immediately. Electric fans placed near the dog at a safe and reasonable distance may aid cooling.
You can help to ensure the safety of your pet in the hot summer months by:
NEVER leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather, even for short periods of time:
On warm sunny days in particular, cars heat up very quickly and can become like ovens, even if you park the car in the shade as the position of the sun will change. Leaving the vehicle windows open is not enough to ensure that the temperature of the vehicle will not rise rapidly.
Heat stroke/exhaustion can kill a dog (any animal) very quickly. If you are ever worried that your pet may be suffering from heat stroke, contact your vet IMMEDIATELY.
If travelling on a car ferry in the summer months, regularly arrange with the ferry crew to check the animal whilst on the ferry for signs of heat stress
Also, try to allow for regular breaks in car journeys if travelling with animals, and try to keep journey times to a minimum, so that the animals may rest.
Always carry clean, fresh
water for your pet during long cars journeys.
Be aware that conservatories, greenhouses and caravans can also become excessively hot.
Animals can suffer from sunburn too! Owners should cover any white extremities, especially ear tips, with the highest possible factor sun cream before the animal goes outside. (NB: white coloured dogs, with pink noses, eg white Boxers)
Make sure your dog always has access to shade if, for example, he/she is choosing to sit with you in the garden, so they have the opportunity to move out of direct sunlight.
Always ensure access to a constant supply of fresh drinking water.
Remember to check your dog for fleas, ticks and mites:
Heat brings out many nasty creepy-crawlies and insects, so check pets regularly for unwanted visitors such as fleas which can especially be a problem in the hotter months.
Remember to keep your dog’s bedding clean and to change it regularly to avoid fleas surviving in the dog’s environment.
Remember not to exert your dogs in the heat:
To help prevent heat exhaustion in dogs during the warm summer months, try to walk dogs at dawn and dusk, avoiding the midday sun, when the sun is at its hottest.
Remember to take a bottle of water along with you when out walking with dogs.
ENDS