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Vet Craig Mitchell warns after dog almost dies of heatstroke

A Canterbury vet has issued a warning to pet owners after a dog almost died of heatstroke.

As temperatures remain high, there are fears animals are at risk of going into shock, suffering organ failure, falling into a coma or even dying.

Pepsi, a three-year-old cocker spaniel from Herne Bay, was admitted to an emergency vets on Sunday with sickness and diarrhoea.

Tracey Needham and her dog Pepsi. Picture: Chris Davey
Tracey Needham and her dog Pepsi. Picture: Chris Davey

Her owner, Tracey Needham, said she tried “everything possible” to cool her down.

“She was sick all of last week,” the 47-year-old said. “I didn’t let her out except to go to the toilet.

“She was struggling with the heat. She was very tired, didn’t want to go out and had been panting a lot.

“I hadn’t taken her for a walk between 10am and 5pm in the heat – it’s either early in the morning or in the evening. It shows how vulnerable dogs are in this heat.”

Pepsi spent more than a day under medical supervision before being discharged on Monday.

Craig Mitchell from Vets4Pets (2975833)
Craig Mitchell from Vets4Pets (2975833)

She is now recovering at her home in Hampton and is on a five-day course of antibiotics.

“The vets said if I didn’t get her there in time, she would have died because she was so dehydrated,” Ms Needham added. “I was scared – she’s my world.”

Canterbury vet Craig Mitchell, from Vet4Pets in Sturry Road, has urged dog owners to take precautions during the heatwave.

“During the day, simple stuff can make a big difference,” he said. “Providing shade and making sure they have access to water and paddling pools help.

“Never muzzle because it prevents them from panting effectively. It is their main way of cooling down because they only sweat from their paws. Other people groom their dogs to stop their hair from trapping the heat in.”

He said owners should exclusively walk their pets in the mornings and evenings, when the weather is at its coolest.

This reduces the risk of heatstroke, but also prevents them from burning their paws on pavements and roads.

“The most basic symptom of heatstroke is deep, heavy panting,” Mr Mitchell continued.

“They can also have bright red gums and tongues, they can vomit, have diarrhoea, collapse, and be exceptionally hot to the touch and lethargic.

“If there’s an emergency, get to the vet as soon as possible.”

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