A reminder to pet parents and animal lovers has been issued by the MSPCA on how important it is to keep pets safe and healthy during these hot days and throughout summer.

“As we are in the middle of our first summer heat wave, we must take some time to think about our four legged, furry companions and how to keep them cool,” it said.

Unlike us, dogs only have sweat glands on the pads of their feet which means dogs rely on panting to regulate their body temperature.

MSPCA advised that dogs are at high risk of heat stroke in these soaring temperatures. The following measures will help to keep them cool and maintain a healthy body temperature:

Avoid walking dogs during the middle of the day. Aim to walk dogs early in the morning or during the evening when it is cooler. It is important that people should be aware that hot pavements can burn pads, if it is too hot to put your hand on the floor then it is too hot for your dog’s pads

Ensure your pet has access to a cool, shaded area at all times

Providing your dog with a cooling mat or an ice pack can help them stay cool.

Some dogs love water and a paddling pool can be a fun way for your dog to cool down. However, if your dog does not like water, it is important not to force them!

Ensure there is always plenty of drinking water available, adding ice cubes to the water can help

NEVER leave dogs or cats in cars

The MSPCA also stressed that “if your dog or cat has a white coat, it is important to apply sun cream, particularly to the tips of their ears and their noses to prevent sunburn.”

It warned that heatstoke is a potentially life threatening condition which occurs when a dog’s temperature is elevated above the normal range, this can become fatal rapidly if treatment is not urgently provided.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

Panting excessively

Drooling

Confused, agitated and restlessness

Vomiting and diarrhoea

Red gums and/or tongue

These can rapidly progress to:

Little to no urine production

Lethargy or collapse

Seizures

MSPCA went on to explain that all dogs are susceptible to heatstroke however, some have an increased risk:

Animals that are overweight

Animals with flat faces such as French bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats

Large breed dogs

Animals with thick coats

Very old or very young animals

Animals with pre-existing health conditions, in particular heart or lung disease

Dr Rebecca Hampson, MSPCA’s Education Manager said that, “if you are concerned that your dog is suffering from heatstoke it is important to contact your vet immediately as heatstroke is an emergency.”

Here are some measures MSPCA advises owners to take at home to prevent their dogs condition if heatstroke is suspected:

Place your dog in a cool area immediately and use a fan to cool them if possible

Offer water but do not force them to drink.

Actively cool with lukewarm water, it is important not to use cold water. Either pour a small amount of water directly onto their fur or place a wet towel on them.

Please also see information on travelling to Gozo with your pets by clicking here.

Photo: MSPCA

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