'Fit and healthy’ dog dies of heatstroke

A warning about dogs struggling in the hot weather has been issued after a 'fit and healthy' dog died from heatstroke.

The five-year-old dog's owner had taken him out for a walk on Friday at about 9am when it was 21 °C. (almost 70°F). The owner, who does not want to be identified, had been throwing a ball for their pet when the dog got into difficulty. 

A vet happened to be passing the scene and saw the dog was semi-conscious with extreme panting. She poured water on the dog’s coat and wet a towel and helped stretcher the pet into the owner’s car, who then rushed the dog to their vets.

The dog, believed to be a German Shepherd-type, received immediate treatment at the vets where his body temperature measured 42°C. A normal temperature range for a dog is 38.3°C to 39.2 °C.

After 10 minutes the dog began to have seizures and his condition rapidly worsened so the vet sought the owner’s permission to put the dog to sleep, to end the animal’s suffering.

The vet, who initially helped the dog, said the case highlights the need for owners to be aware of the heat and how dangerous it can be for dogs.

She said: “If you think it is too hot to put a thick coat on and go for a run, don’t make your dog do the same. If you think it is too hot to sit in direct sunshine for more than a few minutes whilst wearing a woolly jumper, then don’t make your dog do so. If it is too hot to stand on the pavement with your shoe and socks off, then don’t make your dog walk on it.

“If you are ever in any doubt of how to care for your dog in the warm or hot weather, speak your local vet practice. Better to speak to them now than your vet speaking to you to request consent for euthanasia.”

Seasonal advice: Summer

Dogs and horses need exercise, even when it’s hot, but the RSPCA says you should avoid exercising them in excessively hot weather. Experts advise walking or riding in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.

When walking dogs keep in mind that pavements can get very hot in the warm weather - if it’s too hot to touch with your hand, then it’s too hot for a dog’s paws.

Never leave pets in vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in the warm weather. Dogs - and other pets - can overheat and die if left in a hot environment, such as a car.

Transportation of animals in hot weather should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If animals are housed during hot weather, buildings must be adequately ventilated and monitored regularly.

Top tips for pet owners in hot weather

• Don’t let your pet get sunburnt - use pet-safe sun cream.
• Ensure animals have access to shade and fresh drinking water.
• Check every day for flystrike.
• Keep fish tanks out of direct sunlight and top up water levels of ponds.
• Keep an eye out for wildlife when using lawnmowers or strimmers.
• Keep pesticides out of reach of animals.
• Wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for your pet to lie on.
• Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.