Experts are urging pet owners to know the signs of heatstroke and how to react as temperatures soar.
The RSPCA has previously warned against walking dogs at certain times of the day as temperatures remain warm across Merseyside. Tuesday saw temperatures rise to highs of 30C in the region and the warm weather is looking set to continue.
But despite many people enjoying the blue skies and sunshine, the heat can be deadly for your beloved pet. According to the RSPCA, when a dog gets too hot and is unable to reduce its body temperature by panting, it will develop heatstroke, which can be fatal.
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The charity is urging pet owners to know the signs of heatstroke and know how to cool your pet down. The warning signs of heatstroke include:
- Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
- Excessively drooling
- The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
- Collapsed or vomiting
According to the charity, dogs suffering from heatstroke "urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually for the best chance of survival". Pet owners are urged to keep their dogs away from warm areas such as cars.
Top tips for dealing with heatstroke include:
- Move the dog to a shaded and cool area
- Immediately pour cool (not cold to avoid shock) water over the dog. Tap water (15-16C) has been found to be the most effective at cooling dogs with heat-related illnesses. In a true emergency, any water is better than nothing.
- Wet towels placed over the dog can worsen the condition, trapping heat. In mild cases towels can be placed under the dog, but never over, and in a true emergency water immersion or pouring water with air movement is ideal.
- Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water
- Continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not too much that they start shivering
- Dogs that have lost consciousness will stop panting, despite still having a very high temperature, these dogs require urgent aggressive cooling as a priority.
- Throughout the treatment of heatstroke try to avoid pouring water on or near your dog's head, as there is a risk of them inhaling water which could lead to drowning, especially for flat-faced and unconscious dogs.
- Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.
More information on how to keep your dog safe during the summer can be found here.
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