The Irish Blue Cross has had to postpone one of it’s biggest fundraising events “Bark in the Park” this weekend in Marlay Park, as temperatures are set to rise to over 25 degrees celsius.
The animal welfare charity says that it’s primary concern is to keep all of it’s furry attendees safe, and with such high temperatures, it would be too much of a risk of heat stroke for dogs taking part.
With high temperatures predicted around Ireland over the next week, The Irish Blue Cross Head of Veterinary Services, Úna O’Toole, gives some advice on how to look after your dog during hot weather.
Heat stroke is in Dogs is extremely dangerous, and can be life threatening.
Some of the signs of heat stroke in your furry friend include; a temperature, restlessness, excessive panting, heavy/difficulty breathing, and drooling.
A change in gum colour from pink to dark red, pale, purple or blue is another sign that they are suffering from heat stroke. They may also be drowsy or uncoordinated, and may collapse or vomit in severe cases.
If you think your pet has heat stroke, take them to a shaded cool area, give them small amounts of cool water to drink. Contact your vet immediately if you think your pet may have heat stroke.
Dog Tips for Hot Weather
- Do keep your dog indoors
- Do make sure your dog has plenty of access to shade if outdoors
- Do make sure there is plenty of fresh water available for your pet
- Do play with your pet indoors and use interactive toys to keep them mentally stimulated
- Do take your pet for a walk very early morning or very late evening when the sun has gone down in cooler temperatures
- Don’t take your pet out between 11am and 6pm on hot days
- Never leave your pet in a car in hot weather in any situation
- Make sure the pavement/ground surface you’re walking your dog on is not too hot for your pet – don’t forget they don’t wear shoes!
- If your pet is older, overweight or brachycephalic take extra care on very hot days it may still be too warm early morning or late evening to take them out without risking heat stroke
- If your pet is brachycephalic take extra care that they don’t overheat in warm weather, it doesn’t need to be a very hot day for a brachycephalic pet to get heat stroke it out in the sun
