Vets Now has warned of a sharp rise in dog heatstroke emergencies this summer and is urging owners to carry out a test before heading out – here’s what you need to know to keep your pet safe in the heat.
If you’re a dog owner, you’ll be well aware of how vital it is to keep your furry friend cool during warmer spells. Unlike humans, dogs are unable to regulate their body temperature through sweating, making it far more difficult for them to keep cool.
Much like humans, dogs can suffer from heatstroke, but depending on the breed, it can sometimes be fatal. Owners are now being urged to carry out a simple five-second check before letting their dog outside, which could be life-saving on hot days.
This comes as Vets Now has flagged a significant surge in heatstroke emergencies among animals, with many owners oblivious to the warning signs.
Sadie Spencer, Principal Vet at Vets Now, said: “Heatstroke is one of the most serious emergencies we see in summer, and it can come on frighteningly fast – a dog can go from happily playing, to a life-threatening emergency in a matter of minutes. It’s generally safe to walk dogs when the temperatures are up to 19°C. Once temperatures rise above this level, the risk of heatstroke increase.
“The tricky thing in the UK is how quickly our weather changes; dogs need weeks to acclimatise to the heat, so a sudden warm spell catches a lot of them out. With temperatures set to rise again, we’d urge every owner to take it seriously now, rather than waiting for the warning signs.”
To prevent your dog from overheating, Sadie advises pressing the back of your hand against the pavement for five minutes. If it feels too hot to bear, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws, so it’s wise to steer clear of scorching surfaces.
Walking your dog during the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning and evening, is the best way to reduce the risk of heatstroke.
However, heatstroke in dogs isn’t solely brought on by physical activity. It can also occur when a dog is left in a poorly ventilated space, such as a car, which is why they should never be left unattended in one — even for just a couple of minutes.
The breeds most vulnerable to heatstroke include flat-faced dogs, such as bulldogs, pugs and shih tzus, as well as overweight dogs, older dogs, those with existing health conditions and breeds with thick double coats.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
Sadie has highlighted some of the key warning signs that your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, which include:
- Heavy panting or drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Unsteady legs
- Glassy eyes
- A racing heart
- Excessive thirst
If a dog displays any symptoms of heatstroke, owners should move them to a cool, shaded spot, dampen their coat with cool — but not ice-cold — water, offer small sips of water, and contact their vet immediately.
“Don’t wait to see if they improve,” Sadie said. “Start cooling them down and call us on the way – the sooner treatment begins, the better their chances. If you’re ever unsure, get in touch with your vet.”