Yorkshire Coast Vets Issue Pet Advice for Extreme Heat

Monday, 18 July 2022 06:00

By Matthew Pells

The Met Office have issued an Amber Extreme Heat Warning for the coast for today and tomorrow.

Temperatures on the Yorkshire Coast are expected to hit 27°c today and slightly inland could get as high as 35°c.

The first ever red warning is in place for York and parts of Ryedale.

Local vets are advising people to take extra steps to keep their pets safe, Heather from Alma Vets in Scarborough says dogs are especially vulnerable.

Heather says it's not just Dogs and Cats that need extra care in the heat.

Rebecca Wilson runs the OperationK9 Canine Hydrotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre in Sherburn, Rebecca says:

"Hopefully most owners know the main signs of heat stroke, but there are some less obvious signs of heat distress in the time leading up to the Veterinary emergency that is full heat stroke. The more commonly recognised signs would be; Consistently panting without being able to close mouth, Staggering / unsteady on feet, Lethargy, Vomiting and/or diarrhoea and Collapse.

Less known signs of heat distress in dogs include Squinty eyes, Pulled back ears, Drooling, thickened saliva, Wide mouth panting (back teeth showing), Not listening to instructions when they normally would, Pacing / restless, Racing heart, Bright red gums and tongue."

Rebecca adds that while all dogs are at risk of heat stroke, the brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds like pugs and French bulldogs are more susceptible along with dogs with an untidy, matted coat, thick coated dogs, puppies and elderly dogs, as well as those that are overweight or have underlying health conditions.

Rebecca says there a number of strategies that can be used to minimise heat distress including:

Don’t walk your dogs in the day time. Wait until the temperature has dropped significantly before taking them for a walk, consider this walk being on a lead and reduced in length.
Allow access to shade and indoors. Many dogs can over heat in the garden if playing with toys or another dog. Encourage indoor time. A lot of dogs will be more lethargic in the warm weather and there are lots of indoor enrichment games that can be played without the need to over exert. Many of these games can be more tiring than a walk if played correctly. Provide adequate ventilation such as a fan
Cool water can be used to cool the feet and body of a dog that is too warm. Ice can be offered in a water bowl or with veg and treats inside for them to play with and eat, there are lots of frozen treat ideas
Wet towels can be put out for your dog to sit on. Do not lay wet towels over the dog as this can have a warming effect as it traps air.
Keep your dogs coat groomed and free from dead hair. Clipping a long coated dog only exposes their body to more direct heat from the sun. As long as a longer coat is maintained well, the air can still get to the skin to cool it and the hair helps block the sun.
Dogs can succumb to heat stroke very quickly so always have your mobile phone with you and the number of your Vet. Getting your dog Veterinary treatment quickly is essential to prevent permanent brain and organ damage or even death