The past week and the next several days will continue to bring hot weather and that is something pet and other animal owners need to take into account.

Heat stroke or over heating can occur when your pet’s body temperature goes above their normal range. “That’s usually more than 39.5 degrees Celsius,” said Kaylee Hill with the Killarney Vet Clinic.

 

“Dog and cats only have a few sweat glands on their paws so they can’t cool off by sweating like humans do. That means they can overheat more easily and their main way of cooling off is by panting and any animal can develop heat stroke.”

Hill adds dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs are more at risk because they’re less efficient at eliminating their heat when they pant. Others like overweight dogs, elderly animals and those with heart and lung diseases also have an increased risk and shouldn’t be let outside when it’s too hot,” said Hill.

Other signs of stress are excessive panting, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting or diarrhea, weakness and darker bright red gums. “If you pet shows any of these signs get them out of the heat right away, put them in the shade and run cool water on them. Towel wrapped ice packs also help and if they’re conscious offer them cool water to drink.

Pet owners should push their animals into too many outdoor activities and if you go for daily walks do it early in the morning or in the evening.

As for cattle and horse owners can also take steps to protect the larger animals during this extended period of above normal temperatures.

 

“Shade is very important. If they’re in an open area without trees or any shade they are at more risk. Shade is great and also cool water. If there’s a trough out there that has water sitting in for quite awhile that’s quite warm from the sun it’s not going to cool them down as well. They’re getting the hydration but cold water in troughs is always important for keeping those animals out on pasture cool.”