Weather:

HOW TO DEAL WITH DOGS, HEATSTROKE AND ICE ADVICE πŸ‘‡πŸ‘‡πŸ‘‡

With temperatures expected to rise to 28Β°or more over the next couple days, here’s some great advice about dogs, and whether to use ice, or not πŸ‘‡

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Now then, dogs and ice cubes: Yes or No? Let’s dispel some of the myths.

The weather has really warmed up over the last few days, and is set to stay that way for a while longer. This has meant a lot of mixed messages being shared over social media.

Do NOT walk dogs in the heat – TRUE βœ”οΈ
Do NOT leave dogs in hot cars – TRUE βœ”οΈ
Do NOT give your dog ice cubes/frozen treats – FALSE ❌

Are ice cubes or frozen treats/Kongs harmful for our dogs?

The simple answer is: No, they aren’t.

One post that I see frequently shared with regards to ice cubes and frozen treats is well-meaning but a little misleading.

As is what usually happens with these things, the original poster unfortunately misinterpreted what was said by the vet and, when recounting the advice, missed a crucial element of the advice – that the advice was specific to dogs who are experiencing hyperthermia/heatstroke.

βœ… If your dog is fit and healthy and displaying no signs of heatstroke then it is safe to give them frozen treats, ice cubes and doggy ice cream. You can add ice cubes to their water, let them play with ice cubes or freeze treats inside ice cubes for them.

β›” If a dog is showing signs of heatstroke then it can be dangerous to give them frozen treats, ice cubes and icy cold water. Instead you should prioritise getting them to the vet for treatment and using safe methods of cooling on the way.

Some signs of heatstroke are:

  • excessive, vigorous panting
  • agitation
  • dark red, sticky/tacky gums

Safe cooling methods:

  • stand the dog in cool/tepid water
  • wipe the dog’s paws, abdomen, armpits and neck with a wet cloth, refresh and repeat.
  • use a fan/air con

Priority should always be to get the dog to the vet as a matter of urgency.

I will say it again as I did over the weekend, no dogs have died from missing a walk but heatstroke can be fatal – I know of two cases in the North West in as many days.

Prevention is the best option. Why not try some fun training or enrichment in the garden, play in a paddling pool, eat some tasty, frozen snacks or just chill out in front of the fan!

Stay safe out there β˜€οΈπŸŒ‘

πŸ‘πŸ‘With grateful thanks to Dog First Aid South WalesπŸ‘πŸ‘

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