251 August 2015 - Gryffe Advertizer

www.advertizer.co.uk august 2015
Pet Blog
by PetVets
Heat Stroke
Hot sunny days are the perfect time to get out and enjoy the great
outdoors, but it’s important to remember that even fit and healthy
dogs can easily overheat in this weather. Dogs do not tolerate high
temperatures as well as humans.
They are less efficient at cooling
themselves down as they only
have sweat glands in their paws
and nose, so rely primarily on
panting.
Heatstroke can affect any dog but
certain breeds (especially cold
weather breeds and short nosed
breeds) and overweight animals
are at higher risk.
Heatstroke takes effect very
quickly and is a potentially
fatal emergency that requires
immediate recognition and prompt
treatment.
During periods of hot weather
take steps to keep your dog cool
and reduce the risk of heatstroke:
• Restrict outdoor exercise, making sure they don’t play too hard and
have plenty of breaks
• Walk them early in the morning or later in the evening, and avoid
being outside during the hottest part of the day
• Make sure they have access to a cool shaded place and fresh bowl
of water.
• Always take water on a walk
• Spray them with cool water or hose them down
• Avoid leaving them in a suntrap such as a conservatory, greenhouse,
tent or car
• Trim the coat of long haired and thick coated dogs in summer
Signs of heatstroke can include:
• Excessive panting and drooling
• Excessive thirst
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Staggering, weakness or collapse
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
If you suspect your dog may have
heat stroke:
• Contact your vet immediately for
an emergency appointment
• Remove your dog from the heat to
a cooler area
• Use cold water, ice packs or wet
towels to cool the head and body.
Do NOT immerse your dog in
cold water.
• Offer small amounts cool water
Detecting heatstroke early and
treating it promptly gives your dog
the best chance of making a full
recovery.
The Great Scottish Swim
This is a new and exciting event to the Scottish
SPCA calendar!
Set in the majestic surroundings of Loch Lomond and
the Trossachs National Park, and only a 40 minute drive from Glasgow city
centre, swimmers can choose from a 1/2 mile, 1 mile or 2 mile swim.
This fantastic challenge is being held on Saturday 29 August.
A key part of the entry process is that all runners are asked if they wish to
choose a charity to fundraise for. Swimmers are responsible for contacting
their chosen charity to request the fundraising materials they need.
If you wish to
support the Scottish
SPCA by taking
part in the Great
Scottish Swim,
please contact
fundraising@
scottishspca.org
and you’ll receive
your very own
fundraising pack.
If you would like to take part and help raise much needed funds for
Scotland’s animals, please apply for your own place by visiting the Great
Scottish Swim, via http://www.greatrun.org/great-swim/great-scottishswim#how-to-enter
DOG
LOVERS
WANTED!
Do you miss the
company of a dog?
Do you have some
spare time?
Do you have a dogfriendly
home and
garden?
If so, you could
be suitable to look
after friendly dogs
on an as required
basis. Remuneration
available.
Please phone Faye on
01505690391 or email
faye.carruthers@
barkingmad.uk.com
Rescue Centres
Dogs Trust Glasgow: 0141-773-5130 - www.dogstrust.org.uk
Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue: 01505-502415 - www.hessilhead.org.uk
Johnstone Cat Rescue: 01505 337321
Cat Protection: 0141-779-3341 -www.cats.org.uk/glasgowac/adopt-a-cat
Scottish SPCA: 0141-882-1688 - www.scottishspca.org
These centres are always on the lookout for donations and fundraising.
If you can help, please get in touch with any of the centres above.
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