Ensure your pets are safe in the summer heat
Johannesburg SPCA highlights the dangers of heatstroke in pets, offering practical advice on reducing heat-related risks and explaining why some dogs cope better with heat than others.
As we find ourselves in the midst of summer in Johannesburg, with temperatures around 30ºC, we need to ensure our pets stay safe, cool, and healthy.
Summer can pose serious risks to our furry companions.
Dogs and cats cannot sweat effectively; they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads. When temperatures soar, pets can quickly overheat, leading to potentially fatal heatstroke.
Critical warning signs of heatstroke
Watch for these symptoms
• Excessive panting that doesn’t stop.
• Heavy drooling with thick saliva.
• Lethargy and weakness.
• Bright red or purple gums and tongue.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Glazed eyes, confusion, or collapse.
Emergency action
Move your pet to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of water (not ice-cold), apply cool, wet towels to their body, and contact your veterinarian without delay. Every minute counts.
Never leave pets in parked cars
On a 30°C day, car interiors reach 40°C in just 10 minutes and exceed 50°C after 30 minutes. Heatstroke can occur in 15 minutes. If you see a pet in distress in a hot car, contact the JSPCA immediately.
Smart walking times
• Early morning: Before 07:00.
• Late evening: After 06:00.
• Avoid midday walks.
The seven-second pavement test
Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Walk on grass or shaded areas and watch for signs of paw pad burns.
Hydration essentials
• Ensure your pets always have access to fresh, cool water.
• Place multiple water bowls around your home and garden.
• Add ice cubes to keep the water cool.
• Carry a portable water bowl on walks.
Create cool spaces
• Ensure pets always have access to a shady spot.
• Bring outdoor pets inside during peak heat.
• Provide cooling mats or damp towels.
• Keep curtains closed during the hottest hours.
• Use fans for air circulation.
High-risk pets need extra care
• Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persians).
• Thick-coated breeds (Huskies, Malamutes).
• Senior pets and puppies/kittens.
• Overweight pets.
• Pets with heart or respiratory conditions.
Note: Never shave double-coated breeds like Huskies or Golden Retrievers; their coat provides insulation against both cold and heat.
General manager of JSPCA, Celeste Houseman and the Johannesburg SPCA team shared: “Prevention is always better than treatment. Our animals depend on us to keep them safe. Let’s not let them down.”
For further information, contact 011 681 3600 or email pr@jhbspca.co.za. For after-hours enquiries, contact 083 604 1172.
JSPCA office hours are Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:30, and Saturdays from 08:00 to 13:00, with the office closed on Sundays and public holidays.
