Summer in UAE: How to keep pets safe?

A hot environment can cause heatstroke not just in humans but animals too. They too are susceptible to risk when exposed to the sun for a long period of time and the harsh summer months can do the damage faster.

Some of these can be very fatal, especially when pets are left out at the hottest time of the day or left in a car without the air-conditioning running. Dr. Mehdi Mzabi at Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic answers some of the questions related to heat strokes in pets, what causes it, symptoms and how to deal with it?

What causes a heat stroke in pets?

A heatstroke is a syndrome of cellular damage caused by an increased body temperature usually when the temperature is more than 42°C. These can be fatal when the heat production overwhelms the thermoregulation of the body.

The degree of injury on the body depends on two factors - the magnitude of the temperature and the duration of body temperature elevation, so if you are leaving your pet out for three hours during mid-day, it’s most likely to suffer.

Which body systems are affected by heatstroke?

Almost all systems of your pet’s body can be affected by a heatstroke. The kidneys are the first affected organs, causing an acute renal failure which can turn fatal very quickly.

The intestines are sensitive to heatstroke, causing vomiting and diarrhea. It also leads to liver dysfunction and can cause injury to central nervous system with major complications such as: seizures, coma, respiratory arrest or even cardiac arrest, which can put your per under threat.

What are the main clinical signs of heatstroke?

If you believe that your pet has had a heatstroke, look out for these vital signs – panting, hyper-salivation, increased body temperature, vomiting and/or diarrhea. You pet can also get excited and hyperactive or he can lose consciousness and seizures can appear.

What is the treatment for heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and the treatment has to be early, aggressive and pro-active.
While on your way to the vet, you should start with cooling measures before and during your travel time. Effective cooling measures include wetting the pet with cool water and enhancing evaporation by providing air movement. These should be done until you reach the hospital.

How to prevent a heat stroke?

In order to keep your pet away from harm, exercise restriction during the summer period (June to September) is required. Dogs in general should not be kept outside for too long and should be monitored at all times.

They should be taken out for walks early morning or at night when temperatures cools down.  Dogs should regularly be sprinkled with water to compensate their ability to sweat and so cool down their body temperature.

Particular attention should be given to brachycephalic breeds (flat nose breeds) e.g. bulldogs, pugs, shih-tzus, pekingese, etc.

When kept outside, dogs should have free access to plenty of water and shade. And, never ever leave a dog in a car with no air conditioning.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.