Hot Weather reminder

Since were getting some lovely weather here in the uk lately,i just wanted to remind everyone about the dangers of the sun and your dogs.Please take some time to read through and make sure you are aware of the danger signs of heatstroke,as it can be fatal.

The following signs may indicate heat stroke in a dog:

• Increased rectal temperature.over 104F-(40c) requires action, over 106f- (41.11C) is an emergency.
  
• Vigorous panting
  
• Dark red gums
  
• Thick saliva
  
• Dizziness or disorientation
  
• Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
  
• Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
  
• Collapse and/or loss of consciousness

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.

move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.

Begin cooling your dog by placing cool,wet rags on the body,especially the feet and around the head.

DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia.

Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.

Call or visit your vet right away,even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so a checkup is necessary.

Ways to prevent heatstroke

Many people still leave their dog in the car thinking that parking in the shade with the windows open slightly is enough to keep them cool, but this is still dangerous because the sun moves during the course of the day and temperature can increase very quickly. The power of the sun can even penetrate light cloud cover and quickly convert a car into an oven. Also do not leave your dog in conservatories, greenhouses or other small buildings with a large number of glass windows and no ventilation.

Be extra careful with any dogs more prone to over heating. This includes dogs that are overweight, older or have lung or heart disease as their respiratory system is already suppressed. Those of a brachycephalic (squashed nose) head shape such as bulldogs, pugs and shih tzus also need to be kept cool for the same reason.

Playing and walks with your dog are best in the early morning or in the evening when the weather is cooler.

If you see a dog in a parked car when the weather is hot, note the car’s details including colour, registration number and model. Note where it is parked then call the RSPCA. If the car is in a shop’s car park, ask the shop to put out a notice asking the owner to return to their car. If the owner does not quickly come forward, call the police or the RSPCA immediately. Do not leave until the dog is safe.


I hope that this post will be helpful to everyone.Please take time to read and remember the signs of heatstroke!

Good post - something we often forget in the summer!

Nicely put Lisa, great topic

thank you

Thank Lisa

Fantastic post but also when cooling your dogs down never wet the head or back only do the back of the neck and around it and its lower body aka chest, belly and groan area(paddling), unless of course they are going through an actually heatstroke not just needing cooling down in that case soak the dogs from neck down in a shadded area rubbing the water in so it reaches the skin not just run off their coat.

Lola says wuff and I say thanks for the advice.

Nice one.

Nicely put Lisa and Claire I will keep this advice in mind thank you very much fingers crossed for a nice summer xx

nice one guys ty but as i live in newcastle so it will only be hot for 2 weeks then it will rain the rest of the year lol but great info thanks

Thanks great advice

I was very mindful today of the weather, so we didn't play outside just went for a long walk and I took a bottle of water in my bag and kept her hydrated.

Great post Lisa, so important with dogs especially short haired breeds like the staff.
Nice one

Thanks good advice

Thanks for the good advice appreciate it

Going to be a slot on 'Daybreak' tomorrow about keeping pets cool in the hot weather

Thanks good advice

Thankyou and we put up the brolly an he lyes under it