12 Days of Emergency Christmas - Two Heat Strokes

14 December 2011

Over the summer months many dogs can become stressed on warmer days. Pets which overheat are can suffer serious or even life threatening complications.

Owners should be vigilant of hot weather or even a sudden warm change in the weather after a string of cool days. Both these situations can trigger heat stroke.

Short-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, or overweight pets, are particularly susceptible to heat stroke.

Pets should always have ample shelter from the elements, free access to plentiful fresh water and be regularly observed. In extreme heat consider bringing your pets inside, cooling their drinking water with ice blocks, laying a wet towel on a tiled surface (for your pet to sit on) and leaving a fan running.

Additional care should be taken if your pet has a medical condition.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stress or heatstroke, please call your vet, or SARC, immediately. Our number is 03 9532 5261 and we are open 24 hours over the holiday break.

On the second day of Christmas in pet emergency, we saw:

Two heat strokes
And a chocolate toxicity

Follow @sarcvet

Back