With much of the country basking in record high temperatures over the next couple of days, Dr. Anna Foreman from Everypaw Pet Insurance has put together some advice for dog owners as to what to do if their pet has heatstroke – stating they shouldn’t put wet towels on their heads as this can lead to shock.
Anna also has advice such as how much a dog should exercise in the heat, what dog breeds are more prone to heatstroke and other exercises to do other than walking – should this be of use?
What to do AND what not to do if your dog has heatstroke?
If a dog is suspected to have heat stroke then it is vital to act fast.
- Moving the dog into a shady/cool area and active cooling measures (such as pouring tap water over the dog’s body) can be put in place – an animal should not have cold water thrown over them, or plunged into ice/icy or cold water, as this can lead to shock.
- The head should be avoided so that a dog does not inhale the water while panting.
- Wet towels have now been found to be contraindicated during episodes of heat stroke as they can trap heat between them and the dog.
- Allow a dog to drink a small amount of water (not large amounts as they may vomit this up with the potential for aspiration, and not icy water or ice) and continue to pour water on their bodies until their breathing settles.
- Then get them straight to a vet for emergency treatment.
How much should your dog exercise in the heat?
What other ways can you exercise your pet?
Instead of a walk in the heat, consider setting up a paddling pool for your dog in the shade in the garden to play (monitored!) in, or indoor games in a cool room such as puzzle feeders, lick-e-mats and games with soft toys. If it is too hot to exercise a dog altogether, particularly over a longer period, then cutting down the quantity of food and treats given is a good way to prevent weight gain. A dog will not die from missing one, or even a week’s worth of walks, however one walk in the heat can be fatal.
What dogs are more prone to heat stroke?
