Leave pets at home when it’s over 25 C, Medicine Hat expert says

Owners should also do elasticity checks on their dog’s skin to make sure it’s rebounding properly.

When it comes to dogs with thick fur coats such as Labradors, huskies and others, the B.C. SPCA says it’s important for the dogs to receive a a daily brush.

Puppies are not able to regulate their own body temperature as well as adult dogs and are high-energy, the SPCA adds.

Owners should watch out as they tend to run and play and can easily overexert themselves outside on hot days.

Exaggerated panting, rapid or erratic pulse, salivation, anxious or staring expression, weakness and muscle tremors, lack of coordination and convulsions or vomiting and collapse are all signs that a pet is having a heatstroke.

In the case of a heatstroke, a pet should be moved to a cool, shady place, cooled off with water, fanned as much as possible, drink cold water and taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment, according to the SPCA.

Do not apply ice, as this will constrict blood flow and discourage cooling, the SPCA added.

Temperatures in Medicine Hat are expected to reach a high on Thursday of 36 C amid an ongoing heat warning from Environment Canada.

by Eli J. Ridder, Dan Reynish, Jesse Gill

Leave pets at home when it’s over 25 C, Medicine Hat expert says

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