Dog Almost Dies Of Heatstroke After Owner Takes Him For A Walk

With temperatures set to soar today, pet owners are being urged to make sure their furry friends are being kept in the shade.

This comes after an American Bulldog called Finlay almost died of heatstroke while he was out with his owner.

The one-year-old, who was born with three legs, became overheated when owner Shona McLaren took him for a stroll around a local park in Glasgow.

Looking back at the incident, Shona said she quickly started to worry that something wasn't right.

She said: "I always bring water for Finlay to drink and keep his walks short.

"On this occasion, some children starting playing with him and he ran around for a few minutes.

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"I saw him panting and was concerned that he might be getting too hot so decided to take him home to cool down."

The 38-year-old went on: "His breathing became more laboured. He sat down and didn't want to move.

"Then he collapsed completely and his eyes became glassy and his tongue started to turn blue. I've never been more scared in my life."

Finlay was then rushed to Glasgow East PDSA Pet Hospital, where vets had to get his temperature down slowly to avoid shock or organ failure.

They then hosed his body down with cool water, put him on a drip and underwent oxygen therapy.

But finally, after a 'tense' couple of hours, the pup was reunited with his owner and has since managed to make a full recovery.

Vet Terri Steel said: "While any dog can suffer heatstroke, certain dogs are more at risk.

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"Flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Shih Tzus are more likely to experience heatstroke as they can't cool down as effectively through panting, compared to dogs with a longer nose.

"So it's especially important to make sure they don't overheat in the first place.

"Obese dogs, those with very thick coats, dogs that are dressed up, very young pets, and those with breathing problems are also all at higher risk."

And with this week set to be one of the hottest of the year, national pet charity Blue Cross is warning owners of flat faced dog breeds to make sure they are taking extra care to keep them protected.

Caroline Reay, Blue Cross Head of Veterinary Services, said: "It is important to keep all dogs cool in hot weather, but for flat-faced breeds it is particularly vital.

"Dogs pant to keep cool and flat faced breeds have a physically reduced airflow so they really struggle to stay cool which can be extremely dangerous.

"Some may think their panting and snorting is 'cute', but actually it is more like a fight for survival."

Topics: Weather, UK News, Interesting, Animals, Dogs

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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