Summer is coming soon, it’s hot, and the animals won’t have it easy…

As the weather warms up (in the first week of June) and summer is just around the corner, veterinarians warn that pets may struggle to adapt as temperatures rise.

Following a survey of vets by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the following conclusions were reached: almost half of vets (48 per cent) were hesitant about treating animals in conditions associated with the 2014 summer heatwave.

More than a third of practicing veterinarians (36 percent) saw cases of heatstroke in animals last summer, while a similar proportion (31 percent) saw pets with symptoms not consistent with heatstroke, including:

• Breathing problems and deterioration of heart or lung function (this was noted in 11 percent of small animals).
• Skin lesions (7 percent).
• Fasting, loss of appetite (7 percent).
• Heat stress (4 percent).

Cats and other pets have a hard time surviving in high temperatures because they cannot cool down quickly by sweating. This makes them vulnerable to overheating.

The BVA and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) have outlined seven simple steps to help keep pets healthy and alive if temperatures rise:

• Do not leave pets in closed vehicles or buildings.
• Make sure pets always have free access to cold water for drinking.
• Provide ventilation throughout the day to prevent the room temperature from rising.
• Prevent your cat from walking outside on a hot day.
• Provide shade from the sun during hot periods of the day.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet does not respond to your attempts. cool down his (he still feels bad).

Veterinarian John Blackwell, President of the BVA, said: "As the weather heats up this summer, all pet owners should consider following simple steps to keep their pets safe and healthy. If your pet is suffering from heat, you should get them help quickly." helpThe sooner you do this, the better the animal's chances of survival.

If the first symptoms of overheating are detected early and treatment is started promptly, an overheated animal can recover quite well. Signs of overheating may include rapid and labored breathing, restlessness, and loss of coordination. They may produce more saliva than usual, and their gums may be darker than usual. Eventually, their eyes may become glassy, ​​and they may become unresponsive to you and commands. In severe cases of overheating, the animal may lose consciousness.

Pet owners should consult a veterinarian immediately if they are concerned their pet is suffering from heat exhaustion or if any of the characteristic symptoms are noticed. Furthermore, if heat stroke is suspected, the animal should be placed in a cool, well-ventilated area. Access to cool, clean drinking water should also be provided. Pet owners should always consult a veterinarian rather than attempt to treat their pet themselves, which may be suffering from both heat exhaustion and a related health condition.

Read also:

• Why does my cat shed so much hair in the summer?
• Why does a dog stick out its tongue in hot weather?
• Can you bathe a dog in hot weather?