Local temperatures today are forecast to reach up to 29 degrees and continue for the next few days.Bridport Neighbourhood Policing Team have issued a reminder to dog owners not to leave their dog in a car. Even with the windows partly wound down your dog can suffer from heatstroke and die. Walk your dog in the morning or evening when it’s cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement. The RSPCA suggests trying the ‘5 second test‘ – where if it’s too hot to place your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws to walk on.
The Warning signs of heatstroke are:
Is your dog panting heavily?
Is your dog drooling excessively?
Does the dog appear lethargic or drowsy?
Is the dog collapsed or vomiting?
Emergency First Aid for dogs:
For the best chance of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually:
Move him/her to a shaded/cool area.
Immediately douse the dog with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock. If possible, you can also use wet towels or place him/her in the breeze of a fan.
Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.
Continue to douse the dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle but never so much that he/she begins to shiver.
Once the dog is cool, take him/her to your vet as a matter of urgency.