The PDSA has issued an urgent warning to pet owners following reports of a 40C Turkish ‘heat bomb’ making its way to the UK this week.
The vet charity said temperatures are expected to reach 27C in some parts of the UK on Monday, August 19 and that pet owners will need to be vigilant for heatstroke which can be fatal for our pets.
As the mercury rises, PDSA is warning pet owners to take extra care with the risk of pets experiencing heat-related illnesses significantly heightened.
Temperatures are expected to rise and it's important that our pets stay safe (Image: Getty)
PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “Last year we treated over 300 cases of heatstroke, demonstrating the danger that hot temperatures can pose to our pets.
“On average, cats and dogs have a normal body temperature of 38-39°C, but heatstroke can strike once the body temperature starts to rise above 40°C – just a degree or two above their normal, making it incredibly important that pet owners recognise early signs and respond quickly to stop their pet’s body temperatures rising further.
“Without acting fast, heatstroke can cause serious health problems, including seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and even death. It becomes increasingly dangerous the longer it lasts, so the quicker you cool your pet down and then get them treatment from a vet, the better their chance of a full recovery.
“Whilst heatstroke is a scary prospect, familiarising yourself with the early warning signs and understanding how to administer first aid should the worst happen will help you keep your pet safe.”
You can find out more about heatstroke in pets and how to prevent it via the PDSA website.
When the weather is hot, it’s important to do all we can to keep our four-legged friends cool and hydrated! So why not get creative with some tasty pet cooling treats? 😋
— PDSA (@PDSA_HQ) August 1, 2024
With recipes for cats, dogs and small pets, we’ve got you covered: https://t.co/5KdovmXxee pic.twitter.com/FqePE6yjgy
How to keep your pet safe in hot temperatures
Know the signs
Nina Downing explained that heatstroke symptoms can vary but it’s important that during any hot weather spell you regularly check to see if your pet is excessively panting or having trouble breathing.
Tell-tale signs include foaming around the mouth or vomiting, gums changing from a salmon pink colour to bright red or later pale, trying to rest or appearing confused. In more severe cases, heatstroke can cause your pet to collapse or have a seizure.
First steps
Administer first aid immediately if your pet is showing the first signs of heatstroke.
First, move your pet indoors to a cool room or into the shade and start cooling them off.
Gently pour cold water over their whole body, starting slowly to avoid them panicking and be extremely careful they don’t inhale any water by keeping it away from their nose and mouth.
Cooling techniques
Nina said: “With the air humid, it’s important to create a cool environment for your pet to cool down in. Create a breeze by opening windows and doors, and by turning on a fan and closing any curtains or blinds.
“Placing your pet on a cold, wet towel will help cool them further, but don’t put the towel over them as this can actually hold heat in. Whilst it’s important not to force them, offer your pet a drink of cool water.”
Remember to stick to early morning or late evening dog walks when it's hot. Sometimes it's safer to miss the walk altogether 🥵
— PDSA (@PDSA_HQ) July 29, 2024
Heat-related illnesses in dogs are severe and can lead to organ failure, brain damage and even death 💔#DogsDieOnHotWalks #DDOHW pic.twitter.com/DKFDJXWe85
Seek further assistance
It’s important to contact your vet even if your pet seems to be cooling down.
Nina said: “Even if your pet appears visibly cooler, it’s important you still contact your local vet as soon as possible. Transport your pet in an air-conditioned car or keep the windows open, making sure they are safely restrained inside the vehicle.
“If you can, bring a passenger with you who can keep an eye on your pet whilst you travel, and take plenty of drinking water for them. In severe cases, your vet may need to run blood and urine tests, put them on a drip to support their organs, and give them medication to prevent any further damage alongside further cooling.
“If this is the case, your pet may need to stay in the hospital for several days. Once stable and back home, you will need to monitor them closely for 24-48 hours, and let your vet know if they deteriorate or develop further symptoms.”
Know how to prevent heatstroke
Nina said “prevention is always better than cure” when it comes to heatstroke.
She explained: “Regular grooming will help your pet to regulate their temperature as it prevents build-up of excess hair – especially if they are a giant breed or have a thicker coat.
“Don’t be tempted to go out for walks with your dog during peak heat hours. Not only might the pavement be too hot for their sensitive paws, but going for walks at the hottest time of the day can cause them to overheat.
How often should you walk your dog in the summer?
“Walking before 8am or after 8pm when the sun is at its lowest will be a cooler alternative. If temperatures remain high though, it’s far safer for your dog to miss a walk than risk them overheating. Remember, dogs can become seriously unwell and even die on hot walks.
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“If your pet has ongoing health problems, is overweight, or is a flat-faced breed, they will need extra TLC to keep them safe and hydrated. Excess weight can put a pet’s body under additional strain, and they will have thicker insulation from the excess body fat.
“Move small pets away from windows if kept indoors, and for those who live outside, cover a part of their run to provide shade, making sure there is always a draft of cool air.
“For pets that need to go outside for the toilet, they may find themselves enjoying the sun and stay out for too long, so keep an eye on them and call them back in before they get too warm”.
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