Heatstroke-related claims expected to rise: how to prepare your pet for summer
With temperatures already approaching the high twenties, many dog owners across the country will need to stay vigilant with their dog's behaviour.
Heatstroke remains one of the biggest worries for dog owners during warmer months, with brachycephalic breeds twice as likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses.
Some of the most common breeds that fall into this category include American Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pugs and French Bulldogs. Dogs with thicker coats are also high risk breeds.
Puppies and senior dogs in particular also are more predisposed to heatstroke as both can struggle to regulate their body temperature.
When managing heatstroke, prevention is key. Making small changes to their routine, like walking them during cooler moments of the day, providing more drinking areas and more frequent hair trims can play a major part in keeping their temperature down.
If your dog loves the outdoors, ensure there's plenty of shaded space for them to rest.
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Five common signs of heatstroke
Without proper and immediate medical attention, heatstroke can turn deadly. Some of the signs you need to watch out for include:
- Dilated pupils. During heat exhaustion or heatstroke, a dog's pupils will widen as they are unable to get enough oxygen in their blood. You might also notice a dazed expression or glassy eyes.
- Blood in vomit. Many dogs will also vomit during heatstroke as an attempt to cool themselves down. If you notice blood in their vomit, visit a vet immediately.
- Weakness and lethargy. If your dog is struggling to move around on their own and seems slower than usual, it could be a sign of heat exhaustion.
- Drooling and excessive panting. Thick and sticky saliva combined with excessive panting, even when they're resting, can be a sign to visit the vet.
- Seizures. In more serious cases, heatstroke can also lead to seizures and sudden collapse.
Heatstroke-related claims expected to climb as summer approaches
As many Australian households brace themselves for another scorching summer, pet insurers are also expecting a surge in heatstroke-related claims.
Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) reported seeing an alarming 10 to 20-fold increase in heatstroke claims during warmer months.
Treatment costs for heatstroke can vary drastically, as it depends on the severity of the case. According to PIA, the average claim for heatstroke-related conditions in 2023 was $1,707 and in one special case, the insurer was involved in an eye-watering $15,000 claim.
So if you haven't taken out a dog insurance policy yet, take those jaw-dropping figures as a sign to start shopping around.
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