50 Raw And Funny Pics From People Who Were Just Trying To Get Through A Summer Heatwave (New Pics)

"Heatstroke is an extremely dangerous condition that develops when a dog gets too hot. It is an emergency so it’s very important for owners to know what to look for and what to do if they suspect their dog may be suffering from heatstroke," PDSA Vet Burke explained to Bored Panda.

"Normal body temperature for a dog is between 38.3-38.9°C, (100.4-102.2°F), this can rise a bit with exercise or stress. If your dog’s body temperature goes above 40.5°C (104°F) they are at risk of heatstroke, which can cause seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma, and even death."

The vet noted that individual dogs have different abilities to cope with the heat. Factors like their breed, overall health, and how used they are to hotter temperatures can affect it, as can things like the humidity of the day. "While the risk of heatstroke may seem obvious when we’re in the middle of a heatwave, it’s essential that owners know how to spot the signs of heatstroke in their dog, as some may struggle at surprisingly low temperatures," she warned.

"Signs of heatstroke in pets include:

• Excessive panting or faster than normal breathing
• Stopping on walks or seeming to tire easily
• Confusion
• Bright red or pale gums
• Shaking
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Foaming at the mouth
• Having fits/seizures
• Falling unconscious"

According to Burke, heatstroke is more dangerous the longer it lasts. That's why it's vital to cool your pet down ASAP. "If you think your dog could have heatstroke, start cooling them immediately with cool water, before traveling to your vet, to give them the best chance of recovering," she said.

"To cool your pet effectively, move them into a cool space and gently pour cool water over their body, avoiding their nose and mouth. If they are able to drink, offer them fresh cool water, and keep pouring water onto them. Phone your vets straight away and follow their advice," the PDSA Vet said.

"On warm days, it’s always better to stay safe and not risk going out in the heat with your dog. Some top tips include:

• Never leave your pet in a car, caravan, conservatory, porch, or shed, especially on hot days.
• Make sure they always have access to lots of shelter and shade.
• Always make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh cool water.
• Don’t walk dogs during the hottest part of the day – choose a time when it’s cooler, such as early morning or later in the evening, but if it’s particularly hot, skip the walk completely – missing one or two walks is much safer than risking it.
• Keep any walks to a short gentle stroll with lots of breaks and avoid heavy exercise like running and games (such as fetch)."