Agria Pet Insurance issues warning, alongside owner of dog who suffered extreme heatstroke last year.
With soaring summer weather currently in full force in the UK, Agria, The Kennel Club’s pet insurance provider, and a dog owner from Newcastle are urging other owners to be vigilant to the signs of heatstroke, and to ensure they keep their pets safe in the hot weather.
The warning comes as the United Kingdom is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures that pose a serious risk to our pets if the necessary precautions aren’t taken. These include not walking their dog during the hottest part of the day, never leaving their dog in a car (even with the windows down or with air conditioning), and ensuring their dog has access to water and a shaded area.
One owner who knows the dangers of hot weather all too well is Jason Knights, from Newcastle upon Tyne – who, upon collecting his dogs from a kennel after returning from a weekend away last year, was devastated to see his beloved French Bulldog, Buddy, collapse at his feet. Buddy was breathing erratically and foaming at the mouth, having been allowed outside in the high heat, resulting in severe heatstroke.
While Buddy did eventually pull through, he had to spend four nights in hospital, costing nearly £3,500, and he will be on medication for the rest of his life.
Speaking of the ordeal, Jason commented: “When we arrived to collect Buddy, we could hear our other dog, Bowie, barking in distress. He was still barking agitatedly when he and Buddy were brought to reception and acting protectively towards him. Shortly afterwards, Buddy collapsed at my feet – it was a horrific experience.
“We were warned to expect the worst as his temperature was so high. Thankfully he did make it through, but we have to be extra cautious now to ensure he doesn’t get out of breath. He used to love long walks but now he’s limited to no more than a mile, and he’s not well enough to play much anymore.”
The Kennel Club is warning owners of the signs of heatstroke, which include:
- Heavy panting, even when not exercising
- Breathing problems
- Tiredness
- Stiffness
- Dribbling
- Confusion
- Being sick, which can be bloody
- Upset stomach, which can be bloody
- Not walking in a straight line
- Collapse
- Fitting
Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club added: “Unfortunately dogs aren’t as good at dealing with hot weather as we are – while we can sweat, dogs cool down by panting but that isn’t enough, and can even be fatal.
“Not all owners are aware that it is just as dangerous to exercise their dogs in the heat of the day, as it is to leave them in a hot car – and this is especially true for those more at risk of heatstroke, such as overweight, elderly and flat-faced breeds. It is therefore vital to keep dogs cool this summer, and if showing signs of heatstroke, to get them to the vet as soon as possible.”
To help protect our nation’s pets this summer, The Kennel Club has also released practical advice to keep dogs safe in the heat:
Walks:
- Walk your dog in the early morning or evening and avoid the midday sun. Choose shaded areas to walk in. Every dog is different – sometimes it might be too hot to take your dog on a walk at all.
- Always carry around water and something for them to drink from.
- Consider using a walking harness rather than a collar, as collars can press on their airways and stop them cooling down as effectively.
When travelling:
- Never leave your dog in the car by themselves.
- Make sure your dog has a comfortable and cool spot in the car when travelling.
- Make regular stops and ensure your dog has access to water.
- Avoid travelling in the hottest parts of the day.
- Check all places you want to visit or stay at are dog-friendly.
At home:
- Create a shaded space to keep your dog cool.
- Give them a paddling pool to splash around in.
- Add ice cubes to their water bowls.
Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Advisor at Agria Pet Insurance added, “If you suspect your pet has signs of heat stroke, then you should start the following first aid procedures immediately and consult your vet or your emergency out of hours service provider. Do not wait until symptoms develop further. The advice is: ‘Cool first, transport second’.”
- Water is the most effective way to cool your pet, BUT this must always be done safely to avoid accidental water inhalation and drowning.
- In young healthy dogs the recommended cooling method is to immerse the dog in water of any temperature that is cooler than the dog. If immersion is not possible, then use the advice below.
- In older dogs, or dogs with underlying health problems, pouring water of any temperature that is cooler than the dog over them combined with air movement with a breeze, fan, or air conditioning is the safest/best option.
- If water is not available, then move the pet to a cooler place without delay. (This could be an air-conditioned room, air-conditioned car, shaded space etc). Provide good air circulation, for example, using a fan, as this helps with the cooling.
- Put ice packs on both sides of the neck near the windpipe to cool the blood vessels in the neck. This can also be done during transport.
- Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water or provide ice cubes to lick.
- Consider pre-cooling the interior of the car prior to travelling with the pet if a visit to the vet clinic is deemed necessary.
When you need to urgently cool your pets, new studies suggest that the temperature of the water is less important, as long as it is lower than the body temperature. 15-16 degrees is optimum, but in reality, you need to use whatever you have available to start the cooling as soon as possible. Wet towels are not recommended as this reduces the amount of heat lost by radiation, convection, and evaporation.
If you think your dog may have heatstroke it is vital that you immediately contact your vet while cooling them down. For further information, visit: thekennelclub.org.uk/heatstroke
