Summer Health Care

Exercise

Never walk your pets in the midday heat – it is too hot! The best time to walk your pet is before 8am and after 6pm when it is at it’s coolest. If you walk your pet in extreme heat it will lead to heat stroke and can be fatal. Would you run around at midday in a fur coat on a hot day?
When it is hot the pavement also becomes very hot – which can burn our pets’ feet – have you ever walked barefoot on red hot pavement – ouch!

If you need to take your pet out make sure you take plenty of water to drink and try and keep in the shade as much as you can. Hosing your pet down after a walk can help to cool them down.

Direct Sunlight

This applies to all pets. Do not shut your pet outside if there are no areas of shade and shelter that your pet can seek. Do not place hutches/runs in areas of direct sunlight – rabbits and guinea pigs can develop serious heat stroke too! Don’t leave indoor pets’ cages directly next to the window or in conservatories as these too become over heated.

Cars

Pets die in hot cars – NEVER leave your pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes with the windows down. A hot car is like a hot oven, as it sits in the heat it just becomes hotter and hotter with no moving air to cool it down. If your pet is sat in this hot car they too will over heat and be unable to cool down, this leads to heat stroke, organ failure and ultimately death.

HEAT STROKE SIGNS

Know the signs of heat stroke and know who to call
Signs of heatstroke are excessive panting, extreme salivation, distress and collapse. You may see a dark red or blue colour on their gums and tongue.
Pets must be cooled down gradually, tipping ice cold water on them will decrease their temperature too quickly and will result in shock. Use cool (not cold) water, fans, and soaking towels in cool water and applying them to the pet – changing regularly as they will become heated from your pet and keep the heat in.

We recommend getting your pet to a Vet ASAP if you suspect heat stroke – heat and hyperventilating can cause a lack of oxygen and can result in permanent organ damage.

If during our opening hours contact us immediately on 01226 756688. If it is outside our opening hours you will need to contact our emergency out of hours provider Vets Now Doncaster and Sheffield.