At last… June brings us longer days and warmer weather, perfect for dog walks around Northamptonshire & Warwickshire, and garden adventures with your pet. As temperatures climb, so does the risk of heatstroke, and it can escalate faster than many owners realise.

Our veterinary team at Daventry Vets will walk you through the early warning signs of heatstroke in dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets, and what to do if you’re concerned.

If you suspect your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, don’t wait, call us immediately and press option 1 for an emergency  01327 877767.

Book a summer health check

 

Signs and symptoms of heatstroke in pets

Our vets at Daventry Vets explain that the early warning signs of heatstroke can vary between species, but there are key indicators every owner should know:

Dogs and cats

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing: heavy, laboured breathing that seems out of proportion to their activity level.
• Drooling more than usual: excessive saliva.
• Lethargy or weakness: your pet seems unusually tired, confused or unsteady on their feet.
• Increased heart rate: a fast pulse could signal overheating.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea: digestive upset can occur as the body struggles to regulate temperature.
• Dark brick red or very pale gums
• Pinprick red dots on the gums these are called petechial haemorrhages

Rabbits and small pets

Rabbits and small pets are among the most vulnerable in warm weather because they can’t pant or sweat effectively, yet they’re often the most overlooked.

• Rapid or shallow breathing: breathing changes are a serious early sign.
• Lethargy and flopping: a pet lying flat and unresponsive in the heat requires immediate attention.
• Wet nose or ears: some small pets may dampen themselves to cool down.
• Loss of appetite: small pets who suddenly stop eating in warm weather may be struggling with the heat.

What to do if you think your pet has heatstroke

If you suspect heatstroke, stay calm but act quickly. Our vets in Daventry recommend the following steps while you phone your vets.

• Wet your pet with cold water while protecting their mouth, nose and eyes.  It is a myth that you shouldn’t use cold water. If you are using a hose pipe make sure you run off any warm/hot water in the hose. if you’re putting them in a paddling pool, sink, bath or stream then make sure you keep their head out of the water.
• Open windows and doors or switch on a fan or air conditioning to create a breeze.
• Place them on top of a cold wet towel rather than wrapping them in it as this will just insulate and warm them more.
• Our vets at Daventry Vets stress that even if your pet seems to be recovering, always call us straight away.

“WET YOUR PET AND OFF TO THE VET” It could save their life. Open your car windows and put the air conditioning on.

While the idea of heatstroke can be scary, knowing the signs and what to do could make all the difference for your pet this summer in Northamptonshire. If you’d like peace of mind, book a summer health check with our team today.

Book a summer health check 

Myth busting around treating heatstroke

• Don’t use cold water it will cause shock. There is no evidence that this is the case. The sooner we can cool them the better chance we have of saving their lives.
• Give them lemon juice. This is positively dangerous and could go into their lungs. 
• Give them ice cubes. This will not actually cool them it is however a fun thing for your dog to eat ice cubes and stuffed frozen kongs in warm weather.
• Wrap them in a cold wet towel. This will insulate them rather than cool them.
• It is just hot cars I need to worry about. Dogs can easily overheat when being exercised. Small pets can overheat it hutches in the sun. Cats can get trapped in a shed.