Vet Lucy conducted an experiment today. The outside temperature was 24.6C. She placed a thermometer in her car to record the temperatures. At only 3 minutes, the temperature had soared to 57.5C and at 10 minutes reached 60.4C and was STILL rising.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS IN THE CAR… even if it is for a ‘quick trip’ and you think having the windows open is sufficient! Heat stroke can be fatal even when exposed for a short time. Leave them at home with access to shade, cool air and fresh water.
We recommend you DO NOT walk your dogs with the temperatures this week, unless you are going very early in the morning or late evening. If you cannot stand barefooted on the ground comfortably, why expect it to be comfortable for your dog? Humans will be in shorts and t-shirts…don’t expect your dog to be comfortable with their furry coat on.
Heat stroke must be treated rapidly. Get them wet (soaked through with water) and get them straight to us. Despite the best efforts of vets, heat stroke can be fatal.
Just leave them at home. Dogs won’t die from missing a few walks, but they can after walking in the heat.
UPDATE
**PLEASE STOP WALKING YOUR DOGS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY**
We have seen far too many people walking their dogs in the heat this week. Please do not take the risk…they will not die from missing a walk, but can very easily die from walking, even short distances, in this heat.
And a reminder to not leave them in the car, not even for 3 minutes. Cars will heat up very quickly and can cause heat stroke rapidly.
From your very concerned Vet team.