The vet has shared the signs pet owners need to watch for as the weather heats up
A veterinary expert is warning pet owners to be vigilant for signs of heatstroke in their pets, as temperatures soar over the summer. As the sun comes out, many pets struggle with heat-related illnesses, and owners need to know what to look out for.
Dr Suzanne Moyes, who works with Burgess Pet Care, said: “Heat stress in pets can happen at temperatures over 25 degrees. And, at 30 degrees or more, the risk of heatstroke increases significantly.”
She advised that if pets exhibit symptoms such as increased panting, excessive drooling, darkened gums, agitation, staggering, vomiting, or diarrhoea, their owners should seek immediate veterinary advice.
Dr Moyes also identified which pets are most at risk of heatstroke, adding: “Old, young and overweight pets, and those with thick heavy coats, are more at risk of developing heatstroke.”
In addition to these, she noted that certain breeds, including pugs and bulldogs, as well as pets with specific diseases or taking particular medications, are also more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, reports the Express.
Smaller animals are also at risk, especially when kept in outdoor enclosures or conservatories. Dr Moyes said: “Small animals – such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters – are extremely sensitive to high temperatures, especially if they live in outdoor enclosures or conservatories.
“Unlike dogs or cats, they can’t sweat or pant effectively to help regulate their body temperature and therefore need more support from their owner in helping them stay cool.
“If you spot the signs of overheating, take action to cool your pet immediately and consult your vet.”
How to look after your pet if they have heatstroke
Check where their bed is positioned
Dr Moyes said: “It’s advisable to never keep your pets bedding and accommodation in a conservatory, especially in warmer months.
“Conservatories typically have poor air circulation, experience high temperatures and have a lack of cool, shady spots, making the risks of heatstroke more common if pets are kept here.
“For indoor pets, such as cats and dogs, make sure they are set up in a room that stays cool – ideally on a lower floor in the house, to avoid heat rising. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to block the heat out.
“Keep a window open to ensure the room has good airflow or alternatively, place a fan nearby to help circulate the air. Just make sure this isn’t blowing directly onto your pet.
“For outdoor pets such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs, avoid placing their outdoor enclosures in direct sunlight, garages, sheds or near sunny windowsills.”
Add water rich snacks to their diet
She added: “It’s important to make simple adjustments to your pets routine in hot weather to help keep their body temperature regulated.
“Avoid over-handling animals during the hottest parts of the day, especially for older animals. To help keep them cool, consider adding water-rich vegetables such as cucumber to their diet, to help boost their hydration levels.
“Ice cubes can be added to water bowls and consider lining a toy with meat or fish paste before putting it in the freezer to create a cooling snack for your dog to lick.
“It’s important to bear in mind that any dietary changes should be made gradually to avoid digestive upsets.”
Use wet towels to create a cooling effect
The vet further advised: “If your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you urgently need to lower their body temperature gradually. To do this, move them to a shaded area and place wet towels near them to lower their temperature.
“For hot cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, try gently stroking their fur with a cool, damp flannel, as this is the part of their body that they lose heat from. As the water evaporates, it will provide a cooling effect.
“Just remember to never place any animal in water or place ice on them as this can cause them to go into shock.”
Stay on top of grooming
She advised: “Stay on top of grooming and brush long-haired cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs daily in the summer months as their thick fur can trap the heat.
“If a prolonged heatwave has set in, consider giving them a summer trim to keep them cool.”
Swap bedding for lighter materials
She added: “Prepare your pets bedding for warmer temperatures by removing thick blankets.
“For pets in hutches, place frozen water bottles inside for them to lie against. Always make sure they have access to fresh, cool drinking water and refill this regularly on hot days.
“You may want to consider swapping bedding hay for lighter materials in hot periods, such as shredded paper, to help keep them cooler.”
