Pet first aid insurance guide

Heat stroke prevention

This is always an emergency, cool down as suggested below and transport to a vets as soon as possible with the air conditioning on (if available).

• never leave your dog in the car unattended
• leaving the windows open is not enough as your pet will still become overheated
• if your pet is shortnosed and overweight never walk it when the weather is hot. Keep it indoors in the shade near a fan.

Many dog breeds with short noses, like bulldogs, boxers and pugs, don't breathe very well at the best of times and can easily overheat on a hot day. The excessive panting causes the soft palate to swell up and block the airway causing asphyxia.

Treatment:

Your pet's temperature will escalate and if it gets too high it will die. Cool it down by hosing it with water or wrapping it in wet towels. Put it in the shade and apply ice cubes or an ice pack to the gums. Encourage it to drink. Leave a fan nearby. Put lots of ice cubes in a bowl of cold water near the fan to help cool the surrounding air.

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