Hot dog’ owners turn to pet advice line this summer
As the UK experiences the driest period for more than 80 years, dog owners have been turning to a specialist pet advice line for help in dealing with heat related injuries and illnesses.
M&S Pet Insurance policyholders have been receiving help and support from a 24-hour advice line. VetfoneTM, whose nurses provide concerned animal lovers with immediate advice on a pet's condition.
Heat stroke
When a dog is exposed to high temperatures they can suffer from heat stroke - a very serious condition which requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are noticed, there is little time before serious damage or even death can occur. Certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat - especially obese dogs and short nosed breeds such as Bulldogs.
Signs of heat stroke in a dog include vigorous panting, dark red gums and dizziness or disorientation. If you suspect heat stroke, immediate action must be taken:
Move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun immediately.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cold wet towels on his body, especially around the head.
Do not use ice or very cold water, as extreme cold can causes the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, therefore preventing the body's core temperature from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to rise. A spray from a cool hosepipe can be used to wet the animal.
Offer your dog water, but do not force this into the dogs mouth.
Call Vetfone or your vet immediately for further advice.
Prevention is better than cure. In order to prevent heat stroke from occurring:
NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Even if the weather is not extremely hot, the inside of a car can feel like an oven and temperatures can get dangerously high within a few minutes.
Avoid vigorous exercise on warm days and when outside choose shady areas.
Keep fresh, cool water available at all times.
Adder bites
Dog owners have reported that their pets have been bitten by European adders - Vipera berus berus - the only species of snake native to the UK which is venomous.
The species reaches 50-60cm long as an adult and can be identified by a black/brown dorsal zig zag on its back and a ‘V' marking on its head. Adders are found in all counties within the UK, but most commonly inhabit chalk downs, heaths, edges of woodland and grassy verges.
Many dogs are wary of snakes, and adders rarely bite, but they may do so if disturbed by an over inquisitive dog. Bites are most common on the nose and paws.
Vetfone Deputy Operations Manager, Clare Scantlebury, said: ‘If a bite has occurred, the area will become swollen and very painful, usually within 30 minutes. Any animals who have sustained an adder bite should be kept well hydrated.
‘They may become restless or depressed and vomiting may occur, as well as shock and collapse. If you think your dog has been bitten by an adder, veterinary attention should be sought immediately as adder bites can be fatal.'
M&S Premier Pet Insurance offers a total of £7,000 a year in claims for vets' fees for illness and injury, renewed each year to help with the continuing costs of long term vet treatment
For more information about M&S Pet Insurance or to apply, customers can visit marksandspencer.com/petinsurance.