ManxSPCA issues advice to pet owners as warmer weather hits

How to keep your pets cool and avoid heatstroke

The ManxSPCA has reiterated advice for pet owners as temperatures rise on the Island.

It has issued guidance online for dogs, cats and small pets.

Lili, one of the charity's kennel hands, told Manx Radio that whilst some owners may feel bad for changing their pet's routine, the message to remember is that 'your animals won't die of boredom, but they could die of heatstroke':

The ManxSPCA says the key is to avoid the hottest part of the day, and always provide fresh, cool water and shade.

When walking dogs, take them out in the early morning or late evening and check pavements and sand beforehand - if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws!

If it's particularly hot, use paddling pools or cooling methods to help pets stay comfortable and use pet-safe SPF 30+ sunscreen on white noses and ears.

Watch out for signs of heatstroke, especially in overweight and flat-faced dogs.

According to the RSPCA, these include:

• Collapse: heat exhaustion, when severe, could cause the dog to collapse.
• Confusion or disorientation: dehydration might make the dog lightheaded or dizzy, affecting their movements.
• Dehydration: this can present as a dry nose, sunken eyes, heavy panting, infrequent urination, and tiredness.
• Drooling: if the dog is drooling more often, and it’s thicker and stickier, this could be a symptom of heatstroke.
• Increased heart rate: check a dog’s heartbeat by placing your hand on their chest, just behind their front leg’s elbow. A fast pulse could signal overheating (remember that the dog’s size affects their resting heart rate: big dogs have slower pulses, whereas small dogs have quicker pulses).
• Muscle spasms: these heat cramps are often associated with dehydration, and might appear as shivering and shaking despite the high temperatures. 
• Noisy breathing: breathing noisily or faster than normal, especially if the dog is a flat-faced breed, is a sign of overheating.
• Panting: dogs cool down by panting, so the more they pant, the hotter they are.
• Red gums and tongue: whilst this is often a symptom of a dental problem, when coupled with panting and heavy breathing, red gums can occur when a dog is overheating.
• Seizures: heatstroke, especially in dogs with epilepsy, can trigger seizures and loss of consciousness.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea: stool that’s softer than normal can be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Stool and diarrhoea that contains blood is a sign that the heatstroke has become more severe.
• Weakness and lethargy: the dog might sleep more, have trouble standing or walking, or generally seem more sluggish with their movements.

For rabbits, check them daily for fly strike and keep their bedding clean and dry.

If you think your pet has heatstroke, contact your vet immediately as it is an emergency.

In the meantime, move them to a cool, shaded area immediately and pour cool water over their body, especially on their tummy, paws and neck.

Use fans to help cooling if available and offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water.

Do not use ice or ice-cold water, as this can make the situation worse.