Hot Weather Safety

We are all loving the current hot weather, I’m seeing a lot of semi-naked people basking in the sun and enjoying a warmth that we don’t normally get in Scotland, however please remember your pets in this heat.

We have seen two dogs already in the last couple of weeks with Hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia, or Heat Stroke as it is commonly termed, is when the heat-dissipating  mechanism in the pets body can not cope with the external heat factors.  This is a very dangerous condition and is potentially life threatening as can cause multiple organ failure, unconsciousness and can be fatal.

How to prevent your pet getting Hyperthermia:

• Never leave your pet in the car in hot weather, or even or sunny days when it does not feel that warm outside.  It does not take long for a car to become extremely hot on the inside for example if it is 22 degrees celsius outside it can reach a temperature of 47 degrees celsius inside the car within an hour.  Opening the windows will not help.  In the temperatures we have been getting 5 minutes can be too long to leave your pet in the car.
• Always have plenty of fresh water available for your pet and access to shade.
• Do not walk your dog in the hottest parts of the day, aim to go onwalks early in the morning and late in the evening.

What to do if your pet overheats:

• Immediately put your pet in a bath and douse with cold running water.
• Phone your veterinary surgery for advice.