I HAVE been asked by the devastated owners of two beautiful dogs to alert all dog owners about the danger of the extreme temperatures in Bahrain after their two much-adored dogs accidentally died of heatstroke on Wednesday.
My friends have owned dogs for many years and are very experienced with Bahrain’s high summer temperatures and the implications for the health of their dogs. Their dogs have always had full access to AC and were dearly loved.
On this occasion, somehow the dogs got out of their air-conditioned area and into the garden. Sadly, they were unable to get back to safety and despite being in a shaded area for a relatively short period of time, they passed away before anyone realised what had happened.
A tragic freak accident, yes. But unfortunately not without precedence. A couple of years ago, I learned that another friend’s dog died of heatstroke during the summer in Qatar when, while he was at work, the AC unit failed in the kitchen where his dog slept.
So please take all necessary precautions to secure the safety of your dogs during the extreme heat. Monitor your dogs closely and make sure AC and water are available at all times, especially for elderly dogs, breeds that may have compromised breathing and those with underlying health issues.
Expect the unexpected. It could happen to anyone.
Heatstroke is a killer and, should you suspect your dog is overheating, take immediate action to slowly cool him/her and seek veterinary advice.
My thoughts go out to my friends who continue to deal with this tragedy and feel they have lost two of their children.
Their dogs will never be forgotten and they sincerely hope that no one else has to deal with such a devastating loss.
Please give your dog an extra hug tonight.
Dr Sarah Clarke
Founder of Baloo’s Buddies
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
1. Faster, heavier panting
2. Barking, whining or signs of agitation
3. Excessive thirst
4. Excessive drooling
5. Increased pulse and heartbeat
6. Dark-coloured (red or purple) gums or tongue
7. Glassy eyes
8. Elevated body temperature of 40C (104F) and up
9. Staggering, weakness or collapse
10. Seizures
11. Unconsciousness
Emergency First Aid for dogs with heatstroke posted on Facebook by Pam Kamal:
For the best chance of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually.
- Move the dog to a shaded and cool area
- Immediately pour cool (not cold to avoid shock) water over the dog. If possible, you can also use wet towels or place them in the breeze of a fan
- Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water
- Continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not too much that they start shivering
- Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet.
&uuid=(email))