THE HEAT IS ON

HE S ON

Summer iS nearly here, and we are all too familiar with the Scorching temperatureS that South africa can experience. we aS humanS can take meaSureS to enSure that we remain comfortable, however, for our petS, thiS iS not alwayS poSSible. here are a few thingS to keep in mind thiS Summer.

Heatstroke is defined as: a severe elevation in body temperature between 40.5°C and 43°C. This can easily be caused by exposure to very high ambient temperatures, excessive solar radiation, and lack of ventilation.

Humans and animals have various physiological mechanisms to assist with dissipating heat in warm environments. For animals, this includes seeking shelter, increasing blood flow to the skin surface to aid in heat transfer, as well as panting to cool down via evaporation of moisture from the mucus membranes in the respiratory tract.

When the environmental temperature exceeds the body’s capacity to dissipate heat and cool down, this can lead to heatstroke. Heatstroke is a potentially fatal condition characterised by excessive panting and a very high core body temperature. Animals may become weak and collapse and may experience circulatory shock and even activation of the systemic inflammatory response system, which can result in multiple organ failure and death.

It is vitally important that your pet has access to shelter for shade from the sun, as well as protection from adverse weather, such as rain and hailstorms, at all times. Your pets should also always have access to plenty of cool, clean water.

When taking your dogs for a walk, it is important to check that the pavement or tar, or any surface that you are walking on is not too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Remember, you are likely wearing shoes, they are not. Hold the top of your hand to the surface you want to walk on. If it is too hot to hold your hand there for 10 seconds, then it is too hot for your pet to walk on, and they may burn their paw pads. It is also advisable to reserve walks for the coolest times of the day, before 10am and after 3pm. At the peak of summer, one may want to only go in the very early morning or at dusk. Always take water on your walks. One can purchase various collapsible water dishes that are ideal for this use. Brachycephalic dog breeds are those which have short noses, such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston terriers and Pekingese. As dogs rely heavily on the movement of cool air over moist mucus membranes in their nasal passages to dissipate heat, these types of dogs are more susceptible to the effects of high environmental temperatures. This is because they have less mucus membranes through which to dissipate heat than dogs with a snout that is considered normal length. Therefore, it is even more important with these breeds of dogs to avoid very hot conditions and, in particular, vigorous exercise in hot conditions.

These points are important for all the outings we take our dogs on, we may not realise when we take them with us to an outdoor event, such as a show or market, that, although we may enjoy it, they may quickly become uncomfortable if walking around outside for extended periods.

When traveling with your pets, always ensure that there is adequate ventilation, particularly for animals traveling in transport crates. Make regular stops to allow dogs to have a walk and to drink some water. Water should be offered to cats who are travelling long distances in crates or carriers. They should be carefully monitored for signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, weakness or collapse.

Pets that are locked in cars are a major concern for all animal lovers. Studies have found that the internal temperature of a stationary motor vehicle, with no ventilation, can reach life-threatening temperatures in 30 minutes or less. This may lead to heatstroke in any person, child, or animal that is trapped inside that vehicle. Even with the windows open a crack, this cannot provide sufficient ventilation, particularly when the vehicle is parked in the sun or any hot area. Please do not leave your pets in a closed car, even for just the quickest stop. It can have lifethreatening consequences. Should you encounter an animal trapped in a locked car, please phone an inspector from a local welfare society, who will have the authority to assess the situation and take the necessary actions required. In Johannesburg, the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or the AACL (Animal Anti-Cruelty League) can be contacted. AACL - 011 435 0672 Sandton SPCA - 011 444 773 SPCA out-of-hours emergency number - 082 460 2765

Should you find an animal trapped in a vehicle, that is completely collapsed and at immediate risk of dying, the local police services may also be contacted.

If an animal is left unattended in a locked car and is experiencing distress, it is considered animal cruelty and is punishable by law. However, it is recommended that use be made of the appropriate authorities, rather than taking matters into your own hands, as doing so may lead to criminal charges against you.

By following these basic guidelines, we hope that you will be able to enjoy the outdoors this summer with your pets while keeping them happy and comfortable.

@mpets_za

Professional photography by Emma O’Brien

FOLDABLE Pet C ling Mat

For more information 081 736 1506 kittykazzrescuegmail.com

Giant Biscuit

www.pupcakesdogbakery.co.za | Open times Weekdays 10am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 12pm Scratch Patch

Bizzy’s fur-brufur, Senior Puppy and fur-susfur, AloeVeraPuppy, became taste-testers for two of Pupcakes treats - the Giant Biscuit and the Mini Pupcake. Pupcakes are luxury, healthy, homemade dog treats from a new bakery in Cape Town. By the look on Senior

Puppy’s face, when he tried the Giant

Pupcake, made with strawberry, banana and oats, we knew that this was “the biscuit” he had been dreaming about for 14 years. The biscuit is 20cm in diameter, a whopping 200g and crisp, but soft enough to break into bite size portions to suit the size of your dog.

Going on Senior Puppy’s reaction,

Bizzibabs gives Pupcakes 10/10 for a biscuit that is a hit with our dog, and we believe it will be with yours. There are Barkday cakes for sale, Barkday boxes full of special treats, Christmas stockings and mini biscuits, but what also caught our eye was Pupcakes with bright pink “icing”. The mini-Pupcakes are made with pumpkin, carrot, cinnamon, oats and apple, topped with yummy potato and peanut butter flavouring. Pupcakes also offers smaller trays of 6 Applesquich pupcakes for sale. Pumpkin, carrot and cinnamon filled with home-made apple sauce. We gave our Aloeverapuppy an Applesquich Pupcake to taste and it disappeared so quickly that we have no pictures to share with you! Pupcakes - we give you another 10/10!

Support Pupcakes - your dog will love you for it!