RSPCA warning for pet owners as 'normal' behaviour could be heatstroke

RSPCA warning for pet owners as 'normal' behaviour could be heatstroke Areas like London will see temperatures peak to almost 40C this week The RSPCA has issued a warning to pet owners, highlighting that behaviour which may seem normal could actually be a sign of heatstroke in animals. RSPCA stands for Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the organisation is urging people to be extra vigilant during warmer conditions. This is because pets can quickly become overheated, and symptoms are sometimes mistaken for ordinary tiredness or being 'a bit hot'. The reminder, posted on its website, is ideal reading for pet owners this week, with highs of 37C predicted across London today (June 24). Other parts of the UK are also under a Met Office red warning for extreme heat. What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs? The experts say panting is a key sign of heatstroke in dogs. While many owners may dismiss it as normal behaviour in hot weather, it should be taken seriously. At this stage, you should move your dog to a cool, shaded area and ensure they have access to fresh water. While panting alone does not warrant an immediate vet visit, it should never be ignored. Failing to keep a dog cool and properly hydrated can quickly lead to more serious symptoms, such as noisy or laboured breathing, particularly in flat-faced breeds. These signs can indicate overheating and may escalate rapidly without intervention. Look out for the following symptoms of heatstroke in dogs: - Collapse: heat exhaustion, when severe, could cause the dog to collapse. - Confusion or disorientation: dehydration might make the dog lightheaded or dizzy, affecting their movements. - Dehydration: this can present as a dry nose, sunken eyes, heavy panting, infrequent urination, and tiredness. - Drooling: if the dog is drooling more often, and it’s thicker and stickier, this could be a symptom of heatstroke. - Increased heart rate: check a dog’s heartbeat by placing your hand on their chest, just behind their front leg’s elbow. A fast pulse could signal overheating (remember that the dog’s size affects their resting heart rate: big dogs have slower pulses, whereas small dogs have quicker pulses). - Muscle spasms: these heat cramps are often associated with dehydration, and might appear as shivering and shaking despite the high temperatures. - Noisy breathing: breathing noisily or faster than normal, especially if the dog is a flat-faced breed, is a sign of overheating. - Panting: dogs cool down by panting, so the more they pant, the hotter they are. - Red gums and tongue: whilst this is often a symptom of a dental problem, when coupled with panting and heavy breathing, red gums can occur when a dog is overheating. - Seizures: heatstroke, especially in dogs with epilepsy, can trigger seizures and loss of consciousness. - Vomiting and diarrhoea: stool that’s softer than normal can be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Stool and diarrhoea that contains blood is a sign that the heatstroke has become more severe. - Weakness and lethargy: the dog might sleep more, have trouble standing or walking, or generally seem more sluggish with their movements. What dog breeds are at risk of heatstroke? The animal welfare charity stresses that some dogs are more at risk of heatstroke than others. This includes: - Health conditions: especially those that affect their respiratory system, which dogs rely on to keep cool. - Thick coats: dogs lose heat through their bodies, but thick fur can trap the heat in. - Age: puppies and senior dogs aren’t as able to regulate their temperature. - Breed: certain brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds are unable to pant as effectively, due to their shorter snouts. Don't use damp towels The RSPCA warns: "Don’t place damp towels directly over the dog’s body, as this can trap heat and worsen their condition. You can place wet or damp towels beneath the dog – remembering to re-wet the towel frequently – but never over their body. " What do I do if my dog is overheating? If your dog is overheating, the priority is cooling before transport. Act quickly to prevent further heat buildup by bringing their temperature down first, then take them to your nearest vet for assessment and treatment. How to stop further heating - Prevent the dog from heating up even more by stopping exercise or movement. - Remove the dog from hot vehicles or buildings. - Get the dog out of the sun, away from anything that’s exposing them to heat, and into shade – or create shade where possible. How to cool your dog down - Pour any available water – that’s cooler than the dog’s temperature – over their body, but avoid their head (the dog will already be struggling to breathe, so pouring water over their head could worsen this). Focus on their neck, stomach and thighs. - Submerge their body in cool water if available (such as a paddling pool or stream, as long as the water temperature is cooler than the dog). Don’t attempt this on an unconscious dog, a dog with health conditions, or an elderly dog – for these dogs, spray them with room temperature water. - Create a breeze by fanning the dog. Get your dog to a vet - Once the dog’s temperature has cooled, take them to your nearest vet. Ensure they’re travelling in a cooled, well-ventilated vehicle (with air-con on or windows open), to continue lowering their temperature on the journey, providing water where possible. - Call ahead to inform your vet about the urgency of the situation. The charity concludes by warning: "Remember: Cool first, transport second. The longer the dog is overheated, the more damage it can cause to their health, possibly even killing them. Cool the dog immediately to improve their chances of recovery. "Try to stay calm and think clearly. Stay focused on the dog and remind yourself that you are capable of saving a life. Keep your cool, keep them cool."