Veterinarians Warn of Heat Risks for Pets in Barbados

Barbados is heating up and with the humidity rising, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can become a real risk for domestic animals, says veterinarian Dr Manoj Vensimal.

The veterinary surgeon and managing director of Central Veterinary Clinic gave a few tips he said could help at this time.

• Always provide shade and shelter.

• Keep plenty of cool, accessible water available to all pets and refill often.

• Walk pets early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are cooler.

• Wet your dog(s) prior to taking them on walks and then again after their walks.

• Always carry water with you when taking you pet(s) on a walk.

• Feed them frozen snacks As temperatures rise, staying mindful of heat stress can help keep your pets safe and comfortable this summer, Vensimal said.

He also gave some signs to look out for. These include:

• Brain – seizures

• Eyes – glassy eyes

• Fearful expressions

• Mouth – heavy panting

• Excessive drooling

• Red or purple gums and tongue

• Vomiting

• Excessive salivation or frothing

• Legs – collapsing or staggering Vensimal urged individuals to contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect heat exhaustion or have concerns about their pets in the heat.

General manager of the Barbados Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Charmaine Hatcher, said livestock were more vulnerable, as domesticated animals were generally cared for by owners. However, she said all animals needed proper hydration, whether tied out for grazing or relaxing at home.

Water

“The most vulnerable ones are literally tied out, being cows and sheep. The problem would be, if livestock are left out overnight, to ensure that owners go back and water them in the morning before they go to work and immediately when they come back home from work. Mind you, sheep and cows, they are very hardy animals, but it’s not to say you should neglect them as they still do require a lot of water,” she said.

Hatcher said farm chickens were usually well provided for and wild chickens took care of themselves, but suggested people who were so inclined could build birdbaths for small wild birds, as they sometimes had a problem with finding water sources.

She also admonished the public not to waste water on gardens and lawns to the detriment of everything else.