JSPCA urges pet owners to keep pets cool

As the current heatwave continues, the Johannesburg Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) issues a vital warning to all pet owners: take every precaution to safeguard your furry companions from the sweltering temperatures.

The following guidelines are imperative to ensure your pets’ well-being during this heatwave:

• Ensure your pets have enough fresh, cool water to drink

• Be sure that they have a shady, cool place to rest

• Never leave them in a car, especially not in summer

• Take extra care when walking your dog or playing with them outside

• Keep an eye on your pets and watch out for signs of heatstroke

Walking and the heat

• Go for your daily walk very early in the morning, when it is still a little cooler

• Check the pavement with the back of your hand, you don’t want burned paws – rather stay on the grass

• Take water along for the walk

• Keep watching your dog, if they are slowing down, lying down or just sitting, they could be starting to get too hot. Stop moving, give them water and find shade. Keep an eye on them until they’re recovered. Try and get them home as quickly as possible.

What are the signs of heatstroke?

Like humans, some dogs cope better with the heat than others. Keep watching your dog to ensure their safety.

Look out for the signs:

• Heavy panting and difficulty breathing

• Excessively drooling

• The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated

• Collapsed or vomiting

When in doubt, rather get your dog to the vet immediately. Dogs can die of heatstroke.

These dogs are more at risk of developing heat stroke:

• Dogs with breathing issues

Dogs with breathing issues can find it harder to pant. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs, such as pugs or bulldogs, often have trouble breathing. As do dogs with heart problems or respiratory disease

• Dogs with thick coats

Dogs lose heat through their bodies – this is harder if they have thick coats

• Older, unfit or overweight dogs

Dogs who aren’t very active or are carrying excess weight will cool down more slowly. Likewise if they are dehydrated, injured or unwell they could struggle when exercising.

If your dog is unwell or develops a new cough or noise when breathing, avoid exercise and speak to your vet. If they have an underlying condition, think about staying at home. Or take slow, short, shady walks, and keep a close eye on them. Early morning or evening walks are safest, as it’s cooler.

Emergency First Aid Tips

Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered – gradually – for the best chance of survival. Here is what to do:

• Move the dog to a shaded and cool area

• Immediately pour cool (not cold to avoid shock) water over the dog. Tap water (15-16°C) has been found to be the most effective at cooling dogs with heat-related illnesses. In a true emergency, any water is better than nothing.

• Wet towels placed over the dog can worsen the condition, trapping heat. In mild cases towels can be placed under the dog, but never over, and in a true emergency, water immersion or pouring water with air movement is ideal

• Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water

• Continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not too much that they start shivering

• Dogs that have lost consciousness will stop panting, despite still having a very high temperature. These dogs require urgent aggressive cooling as a priority

• Throughout the treatment of heatstroke try to avoid pouring water on or near your dog’s head, as there is a risk of them inhaling water which could lead to drowning, especially for flat-faced and unconscious dogs

• Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.

For more information, contact JSPCA on 011 681 3600.