The Met Office is warning of high temperatures this weekend, bringing with it a risk of heatstroke for not just people but animals too
Brits have been warned that four symptoms could indicate your dog is suffering from heatstroke. As temperatures continue to rise in the UK with some parts expected to see highs of 34C this weekend, it’s important to remember that the heat is not just affecting you, but your pets too.
On its website, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) warned that heatstroke can prove fatal in dogs. “When a dog gets too hot and is unable to reduce its body temperature by panting, it will develop heatstroke – which can kill,” it said.
The charity highlighted the four red flags of heatstroke in dogs that require immediate action. These include:
- Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
- Excessively drooling
- The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
- Collapsing or vomiting
What to do if you notice these symptoms
There are a number of steps you can take to cool your dog down. Firstly, you need to move the dog to a shaded and cool area.
You should then pour cool water over the dog. It is important not to use cold water as this can cause shock.
The RSPCA said: “Tap water (15 to 16C) has been found to be the most effective at cooling dogs with heat-related illnesses.” However, in an emergency, “any water is better than nothing”.
Placing wet towels over the dog can also make it worse as it can trap heat. You should continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not too much that they start shivering.
You also need to allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water. If the dog has lost consciousness you need to be especially careful.
The RSPCA said: “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, you must take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency. If you see a dog in a hot car displaying any signs of heatstroke, you should call 999 “immediately”.
Some types of dogs are more prone to heatstroke, including:
- Very old or young dogs
- Dogs with thick, heavy coats
- Dogs with very short flat faces like pugs and bulldog types
- Dogs with certain diseases or on some types of medication.
Amber health alert
In line with the predicted high temperatures, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber health alert. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30C in many areas.
“Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.”
