BC Heat Wave Could Prove Deadly for Pets!The heat is on, so the BC SPCA is urging pet guardians to play it cool.
With scorching temperatures predicted throughout most of British Columbia this holiday weekend, the BC SPCA is offering tips on how to keep pets safe. The first and most obvious recommendation is not to leave your pet in the car.
According to an SPCA press release, the temperature inside a parked car at this time of year can rise alarmingly fast. Dogs can't withstand high temperatures for more than a few minutes before suffering irreparable brain damage or death!
If you see a dog languishing in a hot car, call the SPCA in your area or local police. Before the authorities arrive, the SPCA says, members of the public can help prevent a tragedy by attempting to find the animal’s guardian. If the car is in a mall or grocery store parking lot, for example, ask to have the owner paged over the building’s PA system. If a window on the vehicle is cracked open, try to increase the airflow inside by fanning the pet with a portable fan.
The BC SPCA also urges dog owners to use caution when exercising their pets under the sweltering summer sun. If you run with your dog, try to run early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.
You should also try to avoid walking your dog on asphalt because it can burn your dog’s foot pads.
Signs of heat stroke in pets:
• exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting);
• rapid or erratic pulse;
• salivation;
• weakness and muscle tremors;
• lack of co-ordination;
• convulsions or vomiting;
• collapse.
If your dog shows symptoms of heat stroke:
• Immediately move it to a cool, shady place.
• Wet the dog with cool water.
• Fan vigorously to promote evaporation (do not apply ice, which constricts blood flow.)
• Allow the dog to drink some cool water.
• Take the dog to a veterinarian.
For more information, click the heading above.
With scorching temperatures predicted throughout most of British Columbia this holiday weekend, the BC SPCA is offering tips on how to keep pets safe. The first and most obvious recommendation is not to leave your pet in the car.
According to an SPCA press release, the temperature inside a parked car at this time of year can rise alarmingly fast. Dogs can't withstand high temperatures for more than a few minutes before suffering irreparable brain damage or death!
If you see a dog languishing in a hot car, call the SPCA in your area or local police. Before the authorities arrive, the SPCA says, members of the public can help prevent a tragedy by attempting to find the animal’s guardian. If the car is in a mall or grocery store parking lot, for example, ask to have the owner paged over the building’s PA system. If a window on the vehicle is cracked open, try to increase the airflow inside by fanning the pet with a portable fan.
The BC SPCA also urges dog owners to use caution when exercising their pets under the sweltering summer sun. If you run with your dog, try to run early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.
You should also try to avoid walking your dog on asphalt because it can burn your dog’s foot pads.
Signs of heat stroke in pets:
• exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting);
• rapid or erratic pulse;
• salivation;
• weakness and muscle tremors;
• lack of co-ordination;
• convulsions or vomiting;
• collapse.
If your dog shows symptoms of heat stroke:
• Immediately move it to a cool, shady place.
• Wet the dog with cool water.
• Fan vigorously to promote evaporation (do not apply ice, which constricts blood flow.)
• Allow the dog to drink some cool water.
• Take the dog to a veterinarian.
For more information, click the heading above.
