With the temperature gauge continuing to climb for days yet, leading vets have warned that your furry friends are in danger of dehydration if you’re not extremely careful
With weather forecasters expecting heatwave conditions across much of the UK, a leading vet is urging pet owners to be extra vigilant about keeping pets hydrated as temperatures rise.
It can be difficult to recognise when your dog crosses from thirsty and hot to dangerously dehydrated but there are best ways to check – with speedy and effective results.
“Dehydration can develop quickly in dogs, cats, and other animals – and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening,” said Sadie Spencer, principal vet at Vets Now (www.vets-now.com). “Just like humans, in hot weather, pets need more water. Pets lose more moisture through panting and can overheat faster during warm spells. It’s even more important in warmer weather to make sure your pet has constant access to fresh, clean water – both indoors and outside.”
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The result of not drinking enough water and electrolytes, coupled with losing too much fluid can mean your pet could develop the life-threatening condition, which needs immediate veterinary attention – left untreated can cause serious organ damage and even death.
Signs of dehydration in pets:
- Dry nose or sticky gums
- Sunken eyes
- Extreme tiredness/ reluctance to move
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Collapse
- Skin that doesn’t spring back when gently pinched
Tips to keep pets hydrated in the heat:
- Refresh water bowls regularly throughout the day
- Add an ice cube to bowls for a cooling boost
- Place multiple water stations around your home and garden
- Offer pet-safe frozen treats or ice cubes
- Always take water with you on walks
- Never leave pets in cars or conservatories, even for a few minutes
The most important test to remember during the heatwave and other hot days to come is this clever one, that takes seconds, said Sadie.
“To test if your dog is dehydrated, use your thumb and forefinger to pinch a little skin on their back or the top of their head. If they are well hydrated, the skin should spring back when you release it. As the skin loses moisture, it will move back into place more slowly. In the most severe cases of dehydration, it does not spring back at all.
“It can be difficult to assess in older, overweight or underweight animals, or for breeds with thick or long-hair coats or with excessive skin folds.”
There are other vital things to remember too, reveals Sadie, including critical ‘danger times’ to avoid walking your pooch. “This is when pavements can become dangerously hot, and dogs are at highest risk of heatstroke. If it’s too hot to hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.”
Sadie advised walking your dog either before 9am, or after 6pm and to “keep walks short, bring water, and stick to shaded routes.”
If you are concerned your pet is dehydrated or suffering from heat stroke, contact your local or emergency vet immediately.
