Vet tells dog owners 'don't use ice' as heatwave mistake can prove fatal
As temperatures soar past 30C this weekend, The Yorkshire Vet star Matt Jackson-Smith has issued a stark warning to pet owners about a potentially dangerous mistake many are making - and it could be putting dogs ' lives at serious risk.
While it might seem like the perfect solution, plunging an overheated dog into a paddling pool or ice bath could do far more harm than good, the Channel 5 vet has warned.
"You shouldn't use ice wash to cool them down when they are showing signs of heatstroke, or plunge pools - that can induce shock," he explained. "You want them to cool down gradually. Get some cool wet towels and put them down."
Matt, who stars in the hit show The Yorkshire Vet, says knowing your dog's breed is also crucial when it comes to keeping them safe during a heatwave.
"The first thing to do is look at the breed of dog you have. Certain breeds of dogs struggle more than others. Bulldogs and mastiffs can have heat stress at lower temperatures than others," he said.
"Even in the early 20s, these bigger dogs and flat faced breeds can really struggle. The bigger the dog, they can't bear the heat as well because of heat loss. Dog breeds with flat faces like pugs and bulldogs can really struggle due to breathing issues when panting."
Once inside, it's not always much better. Homes can become stifling - especially conservatories - and Matt recommends providing shaded areas and cool surfaces.
"If the inside of the house is reaching high temperatures, you have to look for stone floors that provide a cool area for dogs," he added. "If you have a freezer, you can put peanut butter in toys and lickimats and freeze it. Ice cubes in the water can help.
"Cool pads and masks can also help, and those you can use outside too. Temperatures in a conservatory can reach well into the 30s so keep them well away from there."
When it comes to walks, Matt says it's best to skip them entirely during extreme heat - especially in the middle of the day - and look out for early warning signs of heatstroke, like heavy panting.
"In this kind of heat, you want to be staying inside really. They will survive without a walk. When you're getting over 25C, you're into the risk area for any dog. Hot pavements as well - if it's too hot to touch, your dog's paws could get burned.
"Some dogs will just sit in the heat and get themselves into a real mess. One of the first signs is uncontrollable panting and that can lead to collapse. You always want to monitor, keep an eye on the breathing and if you are concerned, move them to the shade.'
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, don't wait. "Straight to the vet if they have signs of heatstroke,' he stressed. "If the dog will let you look at the gums, they can go bright red with heat shock. If they are very pale or very red, that could be a sign. Vomiting, diarrhoea - those are also signs."
And it's not just dogs that can suffer in the sweltering heat - cats can be affected too. But dogs, especially larger or woolly ones and flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs, are most at risk.
Lastly, Matt recommends using suncream on pets who are particularly exposed. "Suncreams are good for pets - there are pet friendly ones. The whiter the animal and the more exposed the skin, put suncream on."
Matt is an ambassador for Butcher's nourishing food for dogs, go to butchersdogfood.co.uk.
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