Pet owners warned to look for symptoms that 'can often be fatal' as heatwave hits
The British Veterinary Association said pet owners should be aware of the signs of heatstroke as they can be cause for alarm.
Animal experts have warned pet owners to "take extra precautions" to keep their animals safe during the heatwave this week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued several yellow heat-health alerts for England this week as the Met Office has forecast temperatures of up to 32C over the next few days.
In response to the weather, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and to act quickly if they spot early signs of heatstroke.
According to the BVA, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving pets who require treatment for heat-related conditions such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, some of which can be fatal.
Dogs in particular may struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions as they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating like humans do, which makes them vulnerable to overheating.
Pooch parents with flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are warned to be on even higher alert as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature.
Rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it’s important that their hutch or run isn’t exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day.
British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn.
"Unfortunately, these can often be fatal."
Dr Mullineaux continued: "With heat warnings in place, make sure your animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.
"When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, don’t take them out during the heat of the day- stick to early morning or late evening walks- and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while. If you're concerned about your pet’s health,
contact a vet as quickly as possible as heat-related illnesses can be fatal."
Dr Elizabeth explained that it is important to recognise the early signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting, drooling and restlessness in dogs. In rabbits, signs of heatstroke include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.
She said: "If you suspect heatstroke, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink if possible, and pour room temperature water over it to cool it down, before contacting your vet.”
BVA's top tips for keeping pets safe in the heatwave:
- Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.
- Provide them with a cool mat and fan and keep frozen water bottles covered in towels in their living space. For rabbits and guinea pigs, you can provide extra shade by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels.
- Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day, especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems.
- Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk, put your palm flat on the tarmac for five seconds, and if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
- Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
- Watch out for early signs of heatstroke.
- If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet.
- Keep out shallow bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.
(Story source: Manchester Evening News)