As the summer months approach, we all look forward to the glorious sunshine that it (usually!) brings. However, when it comes to your pet, it is important to remember that they will need to be looked after carefully in warmer temperatures.

Heat stroke is when your pet has an extremely high temperature that is not caused by a fever but rather when they can no longer regulate and maintain their own body temperature. Any dog is susceptible to heat stroke, regardless of their fitness. However, dogs who are obese or suffer from brachycephalic syndrome (typically short nosed breeds) are at increased risk. A change as small as 2°C in your pet’s body temperature is all it takes for heat stroke signs to begin.

There are two main causes of heat stroke, exertional and non-exertional.

Exertional causes tend to arise when dogs are exercised on hot sunny days and have not had a chance to acclimatise to the heat rise. Acclimatisation can take months, which is less than ideal in our varied UK weather. It is therefore essential on these days that you only exercise your pet early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler. Always take water with you on a walk.

Another point to remember is if you cannot hold your hand to the tarmac without discomfort for five seconds, you shouldn’t walk your dog as they could burn their pads.

Non- exertional causes arise when your pet is left in locations such as hot rooms or cars without access to ventilation and water. Therefore, never leave your dog in a sun trap room or a hot car. Always ensure that shade and cool drinking water is available, and remember that having the window open is often not enough. You can also spray your dog with water to help keep them cool.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Faster, heavier panting

• Excessive thirst

• Drooling

• Increased heart rate

• Dark coloured gums

• Glassy eyes

• High body temperature (over 40°C)

• Wobbly stance / collapsing

• Seizures

• Vomiting

If you are worried that your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, please contact us immediately on 01665 252 250 and begin active cooling of your pet. Studies have proven that pets that were cooled before arrival at the vets have a greater survival rate.

To cool your pet, the first thing to do is move your pet to a cool area. Next, use wet towels to start actively cooling (but never use cold water, as this can result in shock). If you have access to a fan, place your pet in front of this. On arrival with us, we will continue to gradually cool your pet and we will place them on intravenous fluids to help cool them down and replace lost electrolytes.

In summary, when the summer months and warmer days are here, enjoy them with your pet but remember that dogs can get hot too. Whilst it’s important to do everything you can to keep your pet safe in warmer temperatures, always look out for the key signs of heatstroke in your pet so you know what to do if they get it.