Avoiding heatstroke

The heat is on and as we battle our way through summer, spare a though for your pet.

Our pets are super susceptible to heatstroke. They can’t sweat all over like humans do and they only produce a tiny amount of sweat through their footpads. The only way they can attempt to cool themselves down is through panting.

Heatstroke (also known as heat exhaustion) can be very dangerous and even fatal. It doesn’t necessarily need to be really hot or humid for heat exhaustion to occur so it’s important to be able to recognise the signs and know what to do.

Keep an eye out for:

Excessive panting
Exaggerated and noisy panting
Drooling
Weakness or collapse
If you are worried about your pet, bring your pet to us immediately (or seek emergency veterinary care). It’s best to place your pet in front of the air conditioner or a fan while you are in the car. You can also place wet towels on hairless parts of the body (footpads and groins).

Tips to help prevent heatstroke:

Don’t leave your pet in the car – the internal temperature of a car can become like an oven in minutes (even on a mild day)
Avoid exercising your pet in the heat of the day
Consider clipping your pet’s coat to help them stay cool
If you are ever concerned about your pet in the heat you can always call us for advice