36 degrees today & tomorrow – Keep your Pets Cool

Tips to avoid heat stress/stroke:

• Provide a cool  shaded area

• Provide plenty of clean fresh water and extra water sources in case of spillage.

• Bring animals indoors on hot, with the air-conditioning or fan on.

• Do not exercise animals in hot weather conditions. Walk your dog very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon and avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Do not leave your dog in a vehicle – even when the windows are down dogs can still overheat and die.

 

If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, please call Animal Accident & Emergency or contact your local vet without delay.

 

Essendon Fields: (03) 9379 0700

Point Cook: (03) 8368 7400

 

40 degrees in Melbourne, Hot Weather Warning

The temperature today is likely to reach 40 degrees C or higher. We do see heat related disease at our 24 Hour Pet Emergency Hospitals / Animal Hospitals. Here are some very simple tips:

• Avoid exercising when the temperature is high
• Make sure your pets have plenty of shade
• Make sure there is ample water that your pet cannot tip over
• Only exercise your pet in this weather if they are fit and active
• Kiddies pools can work well to help your pets keep cool
• Hosing your pets can keep them cool
• Freezing there food or ice cubes in water as a treat

Heat stress is a serious disease and we treat pets for it with each heat wave. Some pets are more prone to heat stress:

• Dogs with short noses – pugs, bulldogs, staffys etc.
• Dogs with chronic problems – arthritis, kidney disease, overweight, diabetes, are just some examples.
• Fire works on hot nights is a big cause of heat stress

If your pet is suffering heat stress, then we need to see your pet as soon as possible.
• Cool them down with fans and water
• Phone us
• Drive to our emergency centres as safe as possible.

Here is a great article that explains heat stress in more detail:

 

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/lifestyle/keep-your-dog-cool-summer-heat-stroke-part-i

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/lifestyle/keep-your-dog-cool-summer-heat-stroke-part-ii

www.animalemergency.com.au