As temperatures soar, a common issue that all caring pet owners should be aware of is heatstroke (also known as heat stress).
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With the heat of the summer months, the number of cats and dogs visiting the vet due to this condition rises …
Many pet owners do not even realise their cats and dogs can overheat when the weather is hot, and may only seek treatment at the eleventh hour.
While heat stress is more common in warmer months, it can occur at any time throughout the year even when the weather is mild.
Cats and dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way as humans. They do not have sweat glands all over their bodies like us to regulate temperature, rather only have a few in their feet and around their noses.
Many animals rely on panting and external cooling to lose heat. Their long thick hair coats can also predispose them to heat stroke.
Because they’re not able to cool themselves down as easily as us, we have to be extra careful to provide them with a cool, well-ventilated and shaded environment with access to clean fresh drinking water.
Pets are very susceptible to heat stroke – and it can happen a lot faster than you may think
- RSPCA
Weather outlook for Kempsey Shire:
The maximum temperature on the Macleay today was 34 degrees, according to Weatherzone, and similar temperatures are expected for the remainder of the week.
On Friday, a 35 degree day is expected while Saturday is predicted to be 37 degrees.
Fortunately the temperature will drop to 30 degrees on Sunday before it rises steadily to 31 degrees for Monday and 33 degrees for Tuesday.
There’s also a small chance of shows on Sunday and Monday.
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