Stories like these need to be shared, so that dog owners are able to avoid the sadness that takes place in these scenarios. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is sharing this story in hopes of assisting other pet parents. They recently received a call about a dog that was otherwise healthy. The news was absolutely devastating.

“This morning we were informed a local dog died of heat stroke after being taken on a walk at 9 am when the temperature was 21 degrees (Celsius)” RSPCA Altrincham Cheshire Branch

The dog had been taken for a walk on a very hot day. The temperatures were at a record high. Pet owners were being advised to take the necessary precautions.

Sadly, the call that they received was about a dog that had passed away due to heat stroke. Dog owners did not heed the warnings that they were given by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“The dog was otherwise fit and healthy. Despite lots of warnings about the heat we still see dogs being walked to the shops, on the school run, or as soon as owners get in from work,” RSPCA

These warnings are being given for an important reason. Dogs cannot handle the heat and humidity. They are not made to handle such weather. The dogs that are passing away due to the extreme heat are all perfectly healthy. These conditions affect all dogs, not just those who are older. This is something that pet owners need to be bearing in mind.

If warnings are given, it is time to pay close attention. Don’t be shy about passing such warnings along to other pet owners who may not be taking the proper precautions. Let’s all do our part to help each other in these instances. All it takes is one phone call or text message to potentially save an animal’s life. There is no dog that is “used to the heat”.

Even younger dogs need to be shielded from these temperatures before it is too late. If the dog is panting excessively, experiencing seizures, staggering as they walk or has a dark tongue, these are all signs of heat stroke. Vomiting and bloody stool are also indications that the animal is experiencing serious distress.

Signs of Heatstroke:

excessive panting
staggering while walking
seizures
high body temperature
a dark or bright red tongue
sticky or dry gums
bloody diarrhea
vomiting

Do not neglect these signs and do not expect your animal to simply “push through” it.

“Yesterday the highest temperature for the day was at 4 pm but this is when most of the dogs we spotted were out and about. It does not matter if your dog is white, young, not a bull breed or ‘used to the heat’. Please be mindful of its needs.” RSPCA

Pick up the phone and contact your local vet’s office as soon as these symptoms present themselves. Give the dog cool water when you are trying to bring their temperature down.

It is important for owners to walk their dogs but that does not mean that they should disregard the potential health risks that take place on a particularly hot day. Keep your pets safe and take a moment to pass this one along.