By Tania Martin
A SHADY spot and a bowl of cold water is all the family dog needs on a hot summer day.
Heat stress is a danger for dogs this summer and in some cases can be fatal if pet owners are not careful.
Monbulk veterinarian Andrew Byrne said heat stress can kill a dog very quickly and the animal can display signs of distress such as panting uncontrollably and diarrhoea.
“If you see your dog panting you should contact your vet straight away,” he said.
“If you can’t get to the vet straight away you should run a hose over the dog or put it in a cold bath.”
Dr Byrne said there are deaths every year from owners leaving their dog in the car on hot days or not giving them enough water or shade.
He said dog owners should understand that their pet dying of heat stress is a real risk during summer.
Dr Byrne said it is also important to watch out for snake bites.
He said dogs often like to chase snakes but it can be life threatening if bitten.
“It’s hard to know if your dog has been bitten unless you see it happen,” he said.
“A dog has very little time to get to the vet once bitten.”
Dr Byrne said a dog can have from 25 minutes up to two hours before it dies from a snake bite but it all depends on the snake and size of the dog.
“We have anti-venom these days but if you see your dog has dilated pupils, is panting, or has diarrhoea get it to the vet straight away,” he said.
People living in the Dandenongs are also urged to make a plan for their pets when deciding whether to stay and fight or leave early in the case of a bushfire.
Dr Byrne said it is important for people to plan enough cat cages or boxes to evacuate their pets in a fire.
He said it can be very heartbreaking to see an animal left behind and perish in a fire.
