It ain't Half HOT MUM

" IT AIN'T HALF HOT MUM"

Pets have little or no ability to sweat so are especially vulnerable to the heat of the summer especially when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Centigrade! Mary Lloyd explains more

With a Few PreCAutIoNs, pets too can enjoy the summer months safely!

Effects of Heat Stress

The effects of heat stress are similar in dogs, cats and rabbits:

• Organ failure

• Seizures

• Brain damage

• Haemorrhages

• Convulsions and even death

The symptoms include:

• Rapid panting

• Bright red tongue

• Salivation

• Depression

• Weakness & dizziness

• Vomiting & diarrhoea

• Shock & coma

Prevention in Dogs

Some dog breeds are more prone to heat stress than others. Dogs such as Pugs and Bulldogs have a hard ime panting. English and French Bulldogs, Boxers, Saint Bernards, Pugs and Shih Tzus have a low heat tolerance. Elderly, sick or very young dogs are obviously more susceptible.

In order to prevent heat stress:

• Keep away from asphalt and cement which absorb heat

• Keep coats short but not shaven otherwise they can get sunburn

• Provide an ample supply of cool, fresh water

• Do not exercise during the heat of the day

• Allow access to a paddling pool or a sprinkler if they want to cool down

• Do not muzzle because it impedes panting

• Never leave in a parked car

If you see any symptoms of heat stress, offer water to drink and bathe in luke warm (not cold) water and take to the vet if the symptoms are severe.

Protection for Cats

Cats can be even more difficult to protect. It is all too easy for them to fall asleep on warm window ledges. Make sure they have access to shade away from the sun. If necessary, keep inside during the heat of the day. Do not confine to one room and of course provide plenty of cool, fresh water. If available, use air conditioning. Cats are not so keen on bathing!

Rabbits

Your bunnies are the most sensitive to summer heat and cannot tolerate temperatures over 25 degrees centigrade. In the case of rabbits:

• Keep hutches out of direct sunlight

• Provide ceramic tiles in the hutch so they can lie on them and cool

• Use air conditioning if available

• Place bottles of frozen water in the hutch to lie against

• Spray ears with cool water

• Place cool damp towel over the cage

• Provide plenty of water and fresh vegetables which also help them to hydrate

Very importantly, remember that rabbits can suffer from fly strike which is often fatal. Fly eggs become maggots within a matter of a few hours and no only eat their flesh but exude toxins into the blood stream. Use a veterinary approved spray at regular intervals during the summer months. With a few precautions, pets too can enjoy the summer months safely!

n For any further help or information, please contact the Bio-Life helpline 01608 686626 (Open 8am to 8pm, 7 days per week). www.biolife-international.co.uk