North Canterbury Vets are a mixed practice which deals with dairy cows, beef, sheep, deer, horses and alpacas as well as companion animals. Our team has an ethical focus to assist in developing and growing our clients' businesses and providing quality health care to ensure that their livestock and pets live healthy and productive lives.
Heat Stroke in Dogs
With incredibly hot temperatures expected over the next few days it is crucial that we check regularly on our animals and in particular our dogs. We had a patient in last week affected by heat stroke. Here is some advice on how to manage dogs in the heat and what to do if signs of heat stroke are seen:
- Access to water that dogs can get in to cool off in regularly is essential. In these temperatures their main means of cooling down is panting and that is quickly overwhelmed when working hard.
- Be aware of how hard your dog is working in the heat. If possible give them the day off! If they must work, it should only be during the cool times of the day and they must have regular breaks with access to water and shade. Carry water with you if possible and offer small amounts often.
- If a dog is suffering from heat stress immediately stop it working, find the nearest water trough and put it in, or wet it down with a hose. Offer it cool water and place it in the shade and a breeze if possible. Seek veterinary assistance if it does not respond quickly.
- Ensure your working dogs have access to shade and a source of clear fresh water at all times when they are kennelled or resting. Metal kennels must be in the shade. Ice cubes in a dog's water bowl will help to keep water cool. Do not leave dogs tied up on the back of the Ute in the sun. Park in the shade and provide water.
Dogs have the following signs of heat stress:
· dry nose (caused by dehydration)
· weakness
· muscle tremors
· collapse