Tag Archives: heatstroke

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Summer safety – Common hazards for pets

Summer is here, and it usually means it is time to take a break, relax and enjoy the weather!

If you often include your pets in your summer plans, keep reading our blog to make sure that they are kept safe and protected against common hazards.

 

Heatstroke

Heatstroke had to be first on our list as it is not as uncommon as one would wish and can be fatal in a matter of minutes.

Heatstroke happens due to our pets’ inability to deal with excessive heat.

When the temperature rises, dogs dissipate heat mainly through panting, and this is often not enough to help them cool down. This is why it is so important not to expose them to hot temperatures for too long, as they will not physically be able to cool down effectively. And when we say hot temperatures, 20ºC may be enough, depending on other factors and conditions!

Common signs of heatstroke include:

  • Excessive panting and difficulty breathing
  • Excessive salivation and vomiting
  • Looking lethargic or collapsing

If you recognise any of these, contact your vets immediately, as your pet will need medical assistance. Make sure to move them to a shaded, cool area, pour water over them to help bring their temperature down, use towels soaked in cold water and follow any other instructions that your vet might give you.

This means that preventing heatstroke is key, especially during summer. Here are some ways you can do it:

  • Do not leave your pets unattended in hot, poorly aired spaces, such as parked cars and conservatories
  • Throughout the day, make sure that your pets have access to and are drinking water
  • Avoid taking your pets out during the hottest hours of the day
  • Be mindful of pets who are more prone to suffer from heatstroke, such as flat-faced breeds, thick-coated pets, and those who suffer from medical conditions

When in doubt, it is always best to be safe than sorry, so do not hesitate to ask for help, even if it is just for reassurance.

 

Insect stings and parasites

Are your pet’s parasite treatments up-to-date? Now is the perfect time to check!

Parasite activity spikes with the warm weather, so making sure your pets are protected can avoid a number of health issues!

Diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems are frequently associated with intestinal parasites, especially in young animals. As for external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, these can lead to a range of skin conditions or even transmit serious diseases that can be life-threatening to your pets.

When it comes to canine products, some spot-on formulations have an insect-repellent component that can help prevent mosquito bites.

This becomes particularly important if you are travelling abroad as mosquitos are known to transmit heart worms, and sandflies leishmaniasis, diseases that we do not usually see in the UK, both of which can make your pet very ill. For more information about taking your pets abroad on holiday, read this blog.

Bee and wasp stings can also be problematic, especially for curious, playful pets. These can lead to localised allergic reactions with painful swelling and potentially breathing difficulties if the nose and mouth are affected. Keep your eyes peeled for nests, and if you find them, we recommend keeping your dog on a lead to avoid accidents.

 

Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities are incredibly fun for pets and owners alike!

In one of our latest blogs, we have covered a range of tips for a safe swim, so today, we’ll be focusing on summer walks and barbeques.

 

Summer walks

As we have mentioned above, we always need to be mindful of heatstroke when planning a summer walk with our dogs and make sure that we avoid the hottest time of the day. Before dusk or after dawn are ideal times for dog walking, both for heat comfort and reduced UV exposure.

As in people, excessive sun radiation can lead to sunburn in pets, especially those of a light colour and fair hair. Consider applying pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas before heading out to avoid these problems.

If you are planning a walk in the countryside, to enjoy a beautiful rural landscape, be mindful of resident sheep. Sheep worrying can be a very serious issue so if you are unsure keep your dog on a lead whilst sheep are nearby.

But if you would rather head out to heathlands, moorlands, or even sea cliffs, we recommend keeping your eyes peeled for adders. Though adders are not aggressive by nature, they may bite if they feel threatened, which may happen if your pet happens to walk too close to them. As adders are venomous, veterinary assistance should be sought immediately, so make sure you have the contact of the nearest vet at hand, just in case.

 

 

BBQs

How better to end a summer evening than with a lovely gathering of family and friends by the grill?

We know you do not want your pets to feel left out; after all, they are part of the family too!

But if you wish to include them, our number one advice would be not to share your food. Make sure you have appropriate treats that they can eat safely, as our food is often too fatty for our pets and can lead to gastrointestinal problems.

However, just because we know better, it does not mean that they do too. If your pet is a known food thief, make sure that they do not have access to unattended food or the rubbish bin. These foods can be very harmful if inadvertently ingested, as fruit stones can lead to choking and meat skewers may cause bowel perforations. Make sure that left over corn on the cobs are not accessible as these can cause serious bowel obstructions if eaten. You can never be too careful!

 

Now that you have all this information available, we hope that you can relax and enjoy a safe summer with your pets!

If you have any concerns, do not delay in seeking professional help.

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Protect your dog from the sun

As the sunny days of high summer are getting closer, we would like to take some time to talk about the damage the sun can do to our dogs.

Sunburn and skin cancer are just as significant in our pets as in people! Even if you and your dogs aren’t often out on lengthy outdoors adventures, it’s vital to protect them during sunny days, even if just from the light coming in through the windows.

Keep reading to find out more about avoiding sun-related skin problems this summer.

Can dogs get sunburnt?

The answer is absolutely yes! The sun affects our pets’ skin and can cause burns of varying severity. These are quite bothersome and, in some cases, can be extensive enough to need a trip to the vet.

Dogs love to be outside for long periods or nap in sunny places, putting them at risk of getting burnt. It’s important to remember that they won’t necessarily move away from the sun before they are burnt, so you need to make sure that they do.

Red, tender and flaky skin are sure signs that your pet has a burn! Smaller burns can usually be treated at home with the proper ointments, but more extensive or severe burns require appropriate veterinary treatment.

What are the risks of skin cancer in pets?

Not only is the sun responsible for burns and other skin problems, it can also put your pet at risk of developing severe diseases like skin cancer (malignant melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas or mast cell tumours).

While there are many factors involved in the development of skin cancer, we know that UV damage from the sun plays a part, and too much exposure to this harmful radiation will definitely increase the risk of your dog developing cancer.

These types of cancer can be highly damaging and difficult to treat! The sooner they are spotted, the better the chances of treating them successfully, so always keep a keen eye on your dog’s skin.

If you spot areas with colours that weren’t there before (darker, lighter or red coloured skin), or you see bumps and/or ulcers developing for no reason, do not hesitate to contact your vet.

How can I prevent harm from UV rays?

The best way to reduce the risk of sunburns and skin cancers induced by harmful rays is to limit sun exposure and take the proper measures to avoid putting your dogs in a situation where they can’t escape being out in direct sunlight.

Here are some of the main ways to avoid sun damage:

  • Choose the best sunscreen for your dog – There are plenty of sunscreens out there but it’s important to choose one without zinc oxide or aminobenzoic acid as they are toxic if ingested. Consider one that is also waterproof and unscented if your pooch loves a good swim.
  • Protect your dogs while out on walks or hikes – If you’re fond of outdoor adventures, you might also want to consider protective clothing that’s made to be cool enough for a hot day but also protecting from the hot sun. This way you only need to apply sunscreen to the exposed areas.
  • Keep their home safe from overexposure to the sun – Make sure that your dog has the chance to be out of the sun in case he or she wants to, for instance, with shaded spots out in the garden or with permanent access indoors. If you notice that they have been out for too long, call them in before they suffer a burn.

Even with all of these precautions, it’s important that you avoid the hottest hours of the day to be outside. Not only are the UV rays at their most dangerous, but excessive heat can harm their sensitive paws and might cause heatstroke!

 

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

The dangers of heatstroke

Sun, relaxation and plenty of adventures are the biggest draws of the season!

But with all the nice experiences we can enjoy during the warmer weather, there are some concerns that pet owners need to keep in mind.

One of the most important ones is heatstroke and how it can be dangerous, even deadly, to your pets!

Read on for an overview of how heatstroke can happen and what to look out for.

 

What is heatstroke? 

Simply put, heatstroke happens when a pet overheats without being able to regulate his or her body temperature back to safe levels.

Dogs and cats lose heat differently than humans do, as they produce very little sweat and mainly lose heat by panting. The evaporation of moisture in the oral cavity is critical for heat loss, but this can’t happen if the outside temperature is too high.

Common situations where overheating is likely to happen include:

  • Pets trapped in hot cars, regardless if they are in the direct sunlight or not or with windows open;
  • Days where it’s very damp and mildly hot, as humidity makes temperature regulation harder even when it doesn’t seem too warm;
  • Pets playing outside when the temperature is high and not having the chance to cool down;
  • Pets without access to any cool, shaded places or water.

 

How can you tell if your pet is suffering from heatstroke?

Incoordination, weakness, excessive panting and drooling are the first signs of heatstroke. These should never be ignored as they can quickly progress to sudden collapse, seizures and even death if the pet’s body temperature fails to normalise.

Please note that elderly pets and pets with certain health conditions like narrow airways, obesity or diabetes, are at a higher risk as they have more difficulty regulating their body temperature.

 

What to do when my pet is suffering from heatstroke? 

If it’s warm and you spot that your pet is in distress, move them to a shaded area immediately and cover them with towels soaked in cool (but not cold) water to help dissipate heat. Offer them sips of water to drink if they’re able to do so, and contact your vet as soon as possible.

Heatstroke is an emergency, and veterinary assistance should be sought without delay!