Adelaide is starting to heat up! While spending more time out in the sun is a good thing for your pet’s health and wellbeing, as the days get longer and hotter, it’s also important to keep our pets safe from the harsh conditions.

As the temperatures rise, all pet owners should be aware of the increased risk of heat stroke (or heat stress) – one of the most common and most dangerous conditions for animals. Recognising the signs and being able to act quickly could save your pet’s life.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when the core body temperature is elevated above normal range. For cats, a normal core body temperature is generally between 37.7 – 39.1°C and for dogs between 38.3 to 39.2 °C. Contrary to popular belief, cats and dogs do sweat! But this is predominantly through small sweat glands around the paw pads, and is inefficient in extreme conditions. A dog and cat’s primary method for cooling down is panting with an open mouth, which allows moisture to evaporate from the tongue and lungs.

Preventing Heatstroke

The best way to prevent heat stroke in your pets is to provide an appropriate environment for them, and/or to take immediate action when symptoms are shown. The key things to remember are:

• Provide a shaded, cool, and well ventilated area for your pets at all times.
• Always make sure your pet has access to fresh drinking water.
• Keep your pets indoors on extremely hot and humid days.
• Monitor small animals closely as they are particularly susceptible to heatstroke.
• Reduce exercise in extreme conditions and consider walking dogs in the early morning or late night (don’t walk them on hot concrete or sand as this can burn the sensitive pads on their feet).
• Never leave animals in vehicles during extreme weather conditions.
• Provide access to “cooling mats” if available.

Know the signs

While heat stroke can affect animals in many different ways, some of the most common signs that your pet is suffering include:

• Excessive panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Increased body temperature
• Dehydration
• Restlessness
• Redness in gums
• Anxiety and mental confusion
• Seizures
• Muscle tremors
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Reduced production of urine (or none at all)
• Rapid heart rate.
• Weakness/lethargy

What you can do

Heat stroke is a very serious and possibly life threatening condition. If you recognize any of the signs, it is important to take action immediately.

• Assist your pet in cooling their core temperature – place them in a cool, shallow bath; cover them in water from the hose; or drape a cool, damp towel over them. Once your pet is wet, maintain airflow with a fan. Be careful that you’re not dropping the temperature too suddenly, however, as this can also be detrimental to their health.
• Always make sure your pet has access to fresh water
• CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY. Veterinary care is often required to treat cases of heatstroke. Vets can help to administer fluids and medication as required, provide supplemental oxygen, maintain blood pressure, support organ functions, and help with overall recovery. If you’re unsure about whether you think your pet may be suffering or not, vets are also an invaluable source of information and advice.

Summer is almost upon us! The days are long and the weather is warm. It’s the perfect time of the year to get outside and spend time with your animals – but it’s important to remember the safety and well-being of your pets during this time, when sensitivity to heat is at a higher level than usual. Extreme weather conditions can severely impact the health of your four-legged friends.

Take a look at some of the most common heat-related risks for dogs and cats, and how you can keep your pets safe this Summer:

Heatstroke

Lazing around in the sun is something that our pets just love to do. But it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the dangers of heatstroke.

• Heatstroke occurs when your pet’s core body temperature is elevated above normal range. Dogs and cats have a greater risk of getting heatstroke, as they only perspire a small amount through their paws and nose.
• Symptoms of heatstroke include: difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, dizziness, vomiting, increased body temperature, dehydration and anxiety.
• Protect your pet against heatstroke by providing adequate shade, plenty of water, and keep them inside (where possible) during extreme heat.
• If you recognise any of the signs of heatstroke in your pet, contact your vet immediately.

Sunburn

It’s true – animals can get sunburned, just like humans! Excessive exposure to the sun can seriously damage your pet’s skin and can even result in skin cancer.

• The most common areas for sunburn to occur include: nose, ears, mouth, eyelids, and underbelly.
• Preventing sunburn on animals doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Ways to protect your fury friends against the sun include: using a pet-specific sunscreen, keeping you pets indoors on extremely hot days, and ensuring your home’s outdoor spaces have adequate shade to protect your pets from sunlight.
• If you pet suffers from sunburn, contact our team for advice on the most effective way to treat the affected areas.

Exercise

Keeping your pet active is an important part of maintaining their overall health and wellbeing. However, when the heat hits, this can be a difficult task.

• Consider walking your dog in the early morning or late at night to avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Dogs’ paws burn easily on hot pavement, and in some cases, even on hot sand at the beach. Avoid walking your dog on pavement, cement and sand on hot days; choose a nice shaded grassy park instead!