My Experience with Hot Weather and Brachycephalic Breeds
One incident that has always stayed with me happened several years ago at the South of England Show. A French Bulldog suddenly ran underneath my chair, and immediately, I could tell something was badly wrong. The dog’s tongue looked blue; he was panting heavily and clearly distressed. Instinctively, I went straight into vet nurse mode.
I got the owner to grab a tote bag from a nearby stand, soaked it with cool water and gently placed it over the dog while pulling his tongue out and holding his skin under his neck down. This was to try to allow him to take in more cool air as he was clearly struggling. I explained to the owners that they needed to cool him down and seek veterinary care immediately. Sadly, not long afterwards, I spotted them walking back out onto the showground into the heat with him.
I remember feeling desperately worried for that dog because I know first-hand how dangerous heat can be, especially for flat-faced breeds. Dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are particularly vulnerable because their shortened airways already make breathing more difficult. Once they become overheated and start panting excessively, the airway tissues can swell further, creating a dangerous cycle of distress, panic and overheating.
Pets can also Suffer Heatstroke
Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat efficiently and rely mainly on panting to cool themselves down. When that system struggles, heatstroke can develop frighteningly fast.
Common warning signs include:
- Excessive panting
- Heavy drooling
- Distress or panic
- Breathlessness
- Pale, blue, purple or bright red gums
- Weakness or wobbling
- Collapse and seizures in severe cases
If you notice these signs, acting quickly is vital. Move your dog somewhere cool and shaded immediately. Use cool tap water — never ice-cold water — to wet areas such as the back of the neck, armpits and groin. A fan can also help improve cooling, so think air-con in the car or a makeshift folded-up bit of card. Then contact your vet straight away, even if your pet appears to recover.
One of the biggest mistakes I still see is dogs being walked during the hottest part of the day. Pavements and sand can become dangerously hot and can quickly overheat dogs, particularly shorter breeds that are closer to the ground. If it feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
And please, never leave pets in parked cars, even on what feels like a mild day. Temperatures inside vehicles rise far faster than many people realise.
Indoor Cats Need Ventilation and Shade
Cats generally cope better with heat, but they are still at risk. Fast breathing or open-mouth breathing in cats should always be taken seriously. Ensure cats have access to fresh water, shaded areas and well-ventilated rooms, especially conservatories, which can become extremely hot. Some cats may tolerate a damp cloth gently applied around the neck area to help cool them.
Check on your Rabbits
Rabbits are another often-overlooked species during warm weather. Signs of overheating include fast breathing, stretching out, lethargy and loss of appetite. Heat can quickly affect a rabbit’s digestive system, which can become a medical emergency. Rabbits are also more vulnerable to flystrike during summer, so regular checks are essential.
Be Prepared, and Think Quick
Preparation can make a huge difference during hot weather. Having a pet first aid kit at home can help you respond quickly in an emergency. I recently shared my advice on what every owner should keep in a pet first aid kit for Kinship, including useful essentials for warm-weather care.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. If your pet seems distressed in the heat, don’t wait. Quick action really can save lives.
Summer Pet Services: Lion-cuts and Claw Clipping
Summer is also a great time to think about grooming and general preventative care for your pets. I offer gentle home-visit grooming support, including claw clipping for cats, dogs and small furries, lion clips for cats and can give general preventative healthcare advice. Having to take our pets to the vets can be highly stressful for us and them, so let them stay at home where they feel relaxed and comfortable. Find my service list, price list with areas covered in Sussex, or contact me directly:
- Email [opens new email]
- Web contact form >>
- Call: 07917094715
More Summer Pet Care Blogs
Comments