The Vet Practice

Everybody knows that heatstroke can kill - and both humans and animals are at risk in this weather.

Yet tragic mistakes are happening.

Those pets at risk are those which are caged or tethered in the heat without shade or water. This includes farm animals, caged birds and other pets including dogs.

Dogs are particularly at risk when left unattended in cars. A car left in the heat can reach 55 degrees Celsius within a few minutes. This means your dog could be on death's door by in the time it takes to grab a few groceries from the supermarket.

Heat stroke can also be caused through other activities such as playing and exercising in hot weather. Those dogs particularly at risk are the "short nosed" breeds, dogs with heart or lung disease or those who are overweight.

How it happens

Dogs can't sweat - so the only way they can keep cool is to evaporate water by panting. This means they lose water very quickly from their body and need to drink more to keep hydrated.

As they heat up, they pant more until the panting becomes so rapid it actually prevents them from taking in any life saving water!

This is a very serious situation indeed and urgent veterinary treatment is needed.

Symptoms of heatstroke are:

•  rapid panting, drooling, distress, loss of balance, seizures - collapse

 What to do in the case of heatstroke

• Stop any activities immediately
• Cool your dog down by hosing with cold water or placing under a cool shower or in a bath
• Drape a wet towel over your dog and take her to your nearest vet straight away. Make sure you have the airconditioning on in the car as you travel or have the windows open.

 Avoiding heatstroke

• Don't exercise your dog during the hot parts of the day. Save these activities for the cool of the evening or early morning
• Don't leave your dog in the car on a warm day - even for a few minutes
• Make sure all your pets and farm animals have access to both shade and plenty of water. - all day. If your dogs' kennel is in the sun it will cook your dog just like a car would. Make sure it's placed in a shady part of the yard that stays shady all day
• Provide several water bowls in case one is emptied or spills

Tip: Buy a plastic clam shell - available from pool shops.  It makes a great water bowl plus allows your dog to keep cool by taking a splash!