As the temperature steadily rises you must be thinking about ways to keep yourself hydrated and cool. But the RSPCA reminds you that the same must be done for your pets as well. The move comes following a huge surge in the number of calls to RSPCA reporting a pet trapped in hot environment. According to official reports, within April 1-April 26 the RSPCA received information about 968 dogs along with 281 other animals that were trapped in hot buildings, cars or gardens without shade. The number for the same was 610 dogs and 81 other animals last year.

The Easter weekend has already recorded a high temperature and it is likely to become sunnier in the coming weeks. Hence RSPCA urge pet owners not to leave their pets in cars, caravans or conservatories. Pet owners need to understand that leaving a window open or keeping a bowl of water is not enough to protect your pets from heatstroke. The RSPCA especially cautions against leaving pets in vehicles. The inside temperature of a vehicle can rise up to 47 degrees within an hour when the outside temperature is only 22 degrees.  Even air-conditioned cars do not help as these cars reach the outside temperature within 5 minutes of switching off the air conditioner. A dog can even die if left inside a hot vehicle, says RSPCA.

Also, some breeds of dogs are at a higher risk of experiencing heat strokes. These include brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds like Pug, Pekingese, Boston terriers and Lhasa apso. Very young, very old, overweight, long haired, or heavily muscled dogs as well as cats also are more likely to have a heatstroke.

Hence it is extremely important to know the symptoms of heatstroke.  Some signs and symptoms mentioned by the RSPCA are:

·         Profuse salivation and excessive panting

·         A rapid pulse

·         Extremely red or purple gums

·         Vomiting, diarrhea, seizure, lack of coordination, incapability to rise after collapsing

In extreme situations a heatstroke can even cause death or coma. Hence as soon as you realize that your pet is having a heatstroke take the following steps:

·         Pour cool water on the pet. But make sure the water is not cold. You can either take him/her to a shower or spray cool water on his/her body. Alternatively you can also put him/her in the breeze of a fan. The point is too cool him/her down. But do not let the pet shiver. Continue the cooling procedure till the breathing becomes stable

·         Next let the pet drink cool water, but in small amounts

·         Rush the pet to a vet.

But it is always important to prevent heatstroke by offering shelter for your pet. As Rosemary Lyons, education and volunteer coordinator, Pasco County Animal Services puts it, “Pets should always have an opportunity to get into some type of shelter, as a pet owner you are legally required to provide shelter.”