DOGS AND WARM WEATHER

I want to take this opportunity to remind pet owners about exercising their canine companions during hot weather.
Reconsider taking your dog running or even walking in any hot weather.

Please read!

Summary
* Coming out of winter/spring dogs aren't acclimatised to heat. Sudden heat waves hit harder than the middle of Summer. Recognise the early warning signs of heat stress.
* Paths and roads will be blisteringly hot on paws!
* Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, struggling with exercise, laying down suddenly, unusually tired. Tacky gums?
* Take extra care with elderly and pets that have medical conditions and animals such as Brachycephalic breeds (short nosed)  are more at risk.
* If you don’t spot these early signs, things can progress to vomiting, diarrhoea and hyper-salivating. Further progress leads to seizures, neurological deficits, blood in vomit, loss of consciousness, death!!

This also goes for travelling in a hot car?  and you must have a back-up plan for if anything goes wrong while you are out.  Make sure you have plenty of cool (not icy) water for your pets and also for the humans.

Also keep an eye out for other pets, cats, rabbits, chickens, birds etc make sure their water is topped up and they are not overheating. If necessary move them into a cooler environment.

Be aware the reptiles also don’t like extreme heat and will be looking for cool places.  They may find their way indoors to escape the heat!!

If you have any concerns about your pets being heat stressed please call your regular vet hospital if they are open. If they are closed, please contact your nearest emergency vet hospital to discuss your concerns.
* Canberra Veterinary Emergency Services  - 62257257 - 21 Crinigan Circuit, Gungahlin
* Animal Referral Hospital Canberra - 62806344
- 364 Fairbairn Avenue, Pialligo
* Casey’s Beach Veterinary Clinic - Emergencies call 0407738722  
-  394 Beach Road, Batehaven New South Wales 2536
* Eurocoastvetcentre.com.au - For emergency call 01488671118  
- 3 Tallgums Way, Surf Beach NSW 2536
*GreenCross Webvet service -
https://booking.greencrossvets.com.au/ClinicList

Enjoy the warm weather, keep hydrated and please look after your companions and avoid getting overheated in the first place!

IMPORTANT: You can cool your dog down by applying towels soaked in cool water (never use ice as it will shock the pet more).  Apply to paws and belly.  Lay them on a cool towel or cooler mat or even bathroom tiles if they are cool?   Sometimes dogs are too hot to drink.  Never force them and you can try my tip below while your getting advice from your vet.

TIP:  Keep unsweetened coconut water in the pantry.  I have used this when one of ours looked like she was overheated.  It contains electrolytes and I found it picked her up quickly.  She wouldn’t drink the water but would drink this? It may also help in the interim while you’re obtaining advice from medical experts.