Keep Your Pet Safe in the Heat!
Now the weather is warming up and the days are getting hotter, it’s time to spring in to action to think of our pets and how we can take simple preventitive actions to keep our pets safe in the hot weather.
A dog suffering from heatstroke they will display one or more signs, here is what you should be looking our for:
- Rapid panting
- Bright red tongue
- Red or pale gums
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Depression
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting – sometimes with blood
- Diarrhea
- Shock and in some cases going in to a Coma.
Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999. Many people still believe that it’s OK to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they’re parked in the shade, but the truth is, it’s still a very dangerous situation for the dog, it only takes ten minutes or less depending on the size of the pet for the heat to start to effect the dog!
A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour.
Any pet that cannot cool down is at risk for heatstroke. Following these guidelines might help prevent serious problems.
- Keep pets with predisposing conditions like heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing problems cool and in the shade. Even normal activity for these pets can be harmful.
- Provide access to water at all times.
- Do not leave your pet in a hot parked car even if you’re in the shade or will only be gone a short time. The temperature inside a parked car can quickly reach up to140 degrees.
- Make sure outside dogs have access to shade.
- On a hot day, restrict exercise and don’t take your dog jogging with you. Too much exercise when the weather is very hot can be dangerous.
- Do not muzzle your dog.
- Avoid places like the beach and especially concrete or asphalt areas where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade.
- Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain a normal body temperature.
Move your dog to a cool area of the house. Air conditioning is one of the best ways to keep a dog cool, but is not always dependable. To provide a cooler environment, freeze water in soda bottles, or place ice and a small amount of water in several resealable food storage bags, then wrap them in a towel or tube sock. Place them on the floor for the dog to lay on.
If you see a dog or pet in distress in a hot car with no air ventilation, then please call 999, further information about keeping pet safe in the can be found on the RSPCA website
