If a surface is too hot for your barefoot, it’s too hot for your pets, the SPCA said while urging pet owners to keep their animals indoors as scorching temperatures are expected this week in Pretoria.
The SPCA furthermore warned that leaving your beloved animals in a hot car – whether the car is parked in a shaded area with the windows rolled down or not – can be fatal.
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White-faced dogs are advised to be kept indoors, and pet-friendly sunscreen should be applied to pink noses, ear tips, and hairless areas.
The SPCA also added that pet owners of short-nosed dog breeds should pay extra attention as this breed does not pant effectively and is more susceptible to heatstroke:
- Signs of animal heatstroke (that requires immediate veterinary treatment):
- Dark red gums
- Excessive or exaggerated panting
- Weakness
- Drooling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Unresponsiveness to surroundings
- Vomiting
“The rule is simple, if a surface is too hot for your barefoot, it’s too hot for your pets,” the SPCA said.
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Before you reach for the leash, consider these simple tips:
- Check the pavement before your walk. Place your hand or bare foot on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your skin, then it’s most likely too hot for your pet.
- Walk during cooler times of the day. Avoid taking walks during the hottest time of the day. Instead, opt for walks in the early morning and late evening when the pavement is cooler.
- Keep midday walks short and shady. If you’re taking your pet out during the day, be sure to keep walks short. Choose a route with lots of shade and grass patches.
- Skip the asphalt entirely and choose to walk your dog strictly on grass or hiking trails.
- Consider outfitting your dog’s paws with booties to help keep the heat from burning their tootsies.
- If you have a longer adventure planned, be sure to bring water and take frequent breaks.
How to tell if a pet’s paw pads are burned:
- Pet appears to be in pain and showing signs of discomfort. If your is pet holding up a foot, limping, vocalizing, licking or chewing at the feet or is not wanting to walk.
- Pads are damaged if you notice a change in colour, typically they’ll be darker and will change from pink to red.
- Pet’s paw pads that are burned will be visibly damaged with blisters, ruptured blisters, and redness, and pieces of pads are missing.
First aid for burned paws:
- Bring your dog inside right away, or to a safe cool place. Carry your pet if necessary.
- Flush the foot with cold water or use a cold compress.
- Try not to let your dog lick the injured pad.
- Consult your veterinarian.
This comes as the SA Weather Service (SAWS) warned that extremely hot conditions are expected.
Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department is calling on Tshwane residents to take note of a heat wave advisory forecasted to persist until Tuesday, 12 March 2024.
Against this backdrop, the City calls on residents to be aware of adverse effects that may be caused by extended exposure to extreme heat weather conditions.
“The effects may include dehydration, heat exhaustion in severe circumstances as well as heat stroke. Residents are also advised to remain cautious of the increased risk of veld fires during this period.”
The following precautionary measures can be taken:
- Staying hydrated by drinking water
- Limiting outdoor activities (especially during the hottest time of the day) • Wearing loose clothing and avoiding dark-coloured clothing where possible
- Remaining in the shade where possible
- Keeping an eye on vulnerable individuals
- Ensuring that children and/ or animals are not left in parked vehicles
- Avoiding strenuous physical activity if possible (if you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 04:00 and 07:00).
In addition, the City calls on residents to be vigilant and promptly report any fire or rescue incidents on 107 toll-free or on 012 358 6300/6400. For ambulance services, call 112 toll-free.
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