Hook vet warns dog owners after Labrador falls seriously ill

Hook Veterinary Centre on Bell Meadow Road, issued the warning on their Facebook page after a poorly pup was admitted to the surgery.

Nala, a ‘young fit’ Labrador had been playing football on an overcast day and whilst the cloud blocked out the sun, the temperature was still high at 21 degrees Celsius.

At around 1.30pm Nala suddenly took ill and she was rushed to the veterinary centre where she was diagnosed with heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition which prompted the vet to issue a warning to all dog owners.

The centre wrote on their Facebook page: “This is Nala. She is a young fit Labrador who was playing football on a overcast 21'c day.

“At 1.30pm she was rushed to Hook Vets with heat stroke. Her temperature was at a whopping 41.3'c. A dogs normal temperature range is 38 - 39'c.

“Heat stroke can cause irreversible damage or even death. Thankfully her owner noticed and reacted quickly and Nala is doing well. His quick actions saved her life.

“Dogs that are more prone to heat stroke are old dogs, overweight dogs, flat faced breeds and puppies. However any dog of any age or breed or fitness can get heat stroke.”

The veterinary centre also highlighted the tell tale signs of heat stroke to look out for in your pooches.

Signs of heat stroke are:

• Faster, heavier breathing
• Excessive thirst and drooling
• Increased heart rate and pulse rate
• Dark coloured gums/ tounge (red/purple)
• Glassy eyes
• Staggering or weakness
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

It is important if you think your dog has heat stroke, not to throw cold water on them as this can cause the body to go into shock.

On warm days you can help your dogs by:

• Restricting exercise
• Making sure they have access to cool, shaded areas
• Give them access to fresh water
• Walking them first thing in the morning or last thing at night when it's cooler
• If your pet is over weight start them on a weight loss journey