Heat stroke fatal for dogs this season

THE tragic death of a beloved family pet due to heat stroke last Friday has prompted vets to send out urgent alerts to all dog owners in Zululand.

With heat and humidity rising to extremely high levels this season, Richards Bay veterinarian Dr Jurgen Otto warns community members to take extra care to avoid the dangerous dilemma.

‘Dogs cannot effectively get rid of their body heat by sweating and due to ample rains, the humidity in this area is quite high,’ says Otto.

‘This implicates that even on a moderately warm day, a dog struggles to get rid of body heat and soon starts boiling over like a kettle.’

Otto highlights that pet owners should look out for symptoms typical of heat exhaustion.

‘A dog will start panting and salivating profusely before going into distress,’ says Otto.

‘When the body temperature reaches 43 degrees, the brain normally gets irreversibly damaged and the dog will die.

‘Symptoms of overheating include restlessness, excessive salivating and panting as well as dark red mucous membranes of the eyes and gums.

‘If the disease progresses a dog will eventually lie down, heaving heavily and the mucous membranes will turn blue before the pet slips into a coma.’

Prevention measures

‘Keep your dog out of the midday sun at all times,’ says Otto.

‘Avoid lengthy walks, particularly if the humidity is high.

‘Do not play with your dog during daytime on the beach and don’t throw balls, frisbees and sticks for lengthy periods of times.

‘Avoid particularly these activities with hyperactive dogs like Jack Russell terriers and staffies.’

Most importantly, Otto urges dog owners to provide pets with a generous amount of cool water and shade.

‘And best prevent the crisis by leaving your best friend at home, rather than taking them to the beach,’ says Otto.