Government issues advice for all animal owners as hot weather continues
The Government has issued advice to all animal owners to take care of their animals during this spell of high temperatures across the country.
Dog owners need to be aware of the signs of heat stroke, which can happen when dogs become too hot, and it can be fatal. If you suspect that your dog has heat stroke, seek immediate veterinary attention and try to cool the dog down.
Signs of heat stroke include heavy breathing, drooling, confusion, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or seizures.
Some of the government's advice for pet owners includes:
- Ensure a consistent and plentiful supply of drinking water inside and outside.
- Never leave your pet unattended in a car, as temperatures can rise rapidly and cause heat stroke, which can be fatal.
- When outside, make sure there is easy access to shade or shelter, clear of direct sunlight.
- If exercising your dog, do so in the early morning or evenings, as temperatures are cooler.
- If pavements, tarmac or sand is too hot for you to touch, then you should walk your dog on grass or shaded areas instead.
- Dogs can get sunburn, so limit their exposure to the sun and apply sunscreen to the ear tips and bridge of the nose if needed.
For farm animals and horses, the Government has issued further advice.
- Ensure there is access to plenty of drinking water. Drinking points need to be checked more often to ensure they are working properly.
- Reducing the handling and transport of animals, as this can increase their body temperature up to 3.5° C, causing heat stress.
- Ensure that there is suitable access to shade or shelter, especially for vulnerable animals.
- Animals like pigs and poultry that are intensively housed need additional checks, as their accommodation can lack adequate ventilation and get too hot.
- Monitor livestock for heat stress or any other health issues, as younger, dark coloured and pregnant animals can be at a higher risk of issues.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Marine Heydon said: “The current high temperatures affecting Ireland can pose a risk to both pets and livestock. It is important that farmers, horse and pet owners take steps to protect their charges during high temperatures to avoid serious health and welfare problems arising due to the heat.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture Niall Collins added: "Due to continued high temperature weather patterns, the potential for the outbreak of fires remains high, and I am calling on all forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the Gardai and to report all fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999.”