Latest news with #Frenchbulldogs
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Major hot car warning issued as dog dies trapped in traffic during heatwave
As tempeartures soar outside in the UK this week, the mercury inside a vehicle can rocket up quickly, putting dogs at heightened risk of heatstroke - especially flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs and pugs Pet owners are being urged to remain vigilant during the heatwave after a French Bulldog died while trapped in traffic in a hot car. The Frenchie - a breed which is at particular risk in hot temperatures - had to be rushed to Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria, London after the owner got stuck in traffic and the poor pooch collapsed in the car as temperatures roared over 30C last weekend. Despite the best efforts of the vets, the beloved pet couldn't be saved. Vets at Blue Cross are now warning pet owners of the dangers of travelling with their pet in the car during extremely hot weather. Temperatures are expected to surpass 30 degrees several days this week and as the mercury rises outside, inside car temperatures can rocket up in a matter of minutes - meaning pets can succumb quickly to heatstroke. Aysha Kent, vet at Blue Cross, said: 'With temperatures set to soar in the coming days we'd really urge anyone to reconsider travelling with their pets during the hot weather – especially long distances. 'This is such a terribly distressing and sad case, and our thoughts are with the owner who did what they could to save the pet by rushing them into our care but sadly it was too late. 'While we often think our cars are cool when we're driving, this is often due to the active cooling of fans, and the actual vehicle temperature is much higher than we know. Putting the windows down isn't enough to stop the heat rising. 'Many pet owners will be aware of the risk of leaving dogs in parked cars but we're sharing this incredibly sad story to make people aware of the dangers of travelling with your pet during the hot weather.' Flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs and pugs are at higher risk in hot temperatures, along with overweight pets, very young or elderly pets, and pets with thick coats. The charity - which has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets for more than 100 years - is also urging owners to consider keeping their pets inside, rather than walking them outside if the temperatures remain too high. Aysha added: 'Avoid the usual walks and just take dogs for brief toilet breaks in the garden or outside nearby. Give pets frozen or cooled treats to stay cool and, if possible, provide dogs with a paddling pool to cool them down. 'We'd recommend trying to leave your pet in a room with shade (for example with the curtains closed) and opening windows (where this is safe) if the air is cooler outside or there is a breeze." Early signs that your dog might be struggling with the heat include panting (especially if they have a curled tongue), slowing down or stopping on walks, and fast or heavy breathing. After this, you might see them drooling or lying down, followed by more serious symptoms such as vomiting, collapse or fits. Aysha added: 'If your dog shows any signs of heatstroke, start cooling them by moving them out of the heat and pouring cold water over them (not using wet towels as these warm up the skin too quickly) and take them to the nearest vet. This may not be your usual vet but will be quicker in getting your pet treated.'
Indianapolis Star
23-06-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
Heat waves pose a risk not only to Hoosiers, but their pets. How to keep your pets safe
It's going to be hot in Indianapolis next week, and the severe heat not only poses health risks to Hoosiers, but also family pets. To understand how to keep animals safe and comfortable, IndyStar previously spoke with Dr. Aimee Brooks, an emergency critical care specialist at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine, for advice. Pets, just like humans, can experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke when exposed to high temperatures, and time is the biggest factor in both severity and seeking help, Dr. Brooks said. Cats are good about regulating themselves in the heat and generally more tolerant, Dr. Brooks said, it's uncommon to see them with heat-related illnesses. But dog owners need to be more vigilant. Pets need to acclimate to heat, and during a heat wave is not the time to do it, Dr. Brooks said, as the process can take weeks or months. Dogs that are outside during times of high heat should have access to shade and all the water they want, and if they are not acclimated to the heat, they should not be outside for long periods of time. 'I would try to avoid vigorous exercise in the heat of the day,' Dr. Brooks said. 'If you're going to take them for walks, mornings and evenings are better ― not only because of the environmental heat, but the pavement gets really hot, and they can actually get burns on their feet from blacktop.' Some dog breeds with short faces (like French bulldogs) are really prone to heat stroke since they can't pant, and that's how they cool off, Dr. Brooks said. Animals that are obese, have heart disease or respiratory issues are also more prone to heat-related illnesses, so owners should take more care. If a pet is outside in the heat for too long, there are ways to tell if they are suffering from heat-related illnesses. Dogs will pant more heavily when they first start to overheat. The first signs of heat exhaustion to look out for are when dogs seek out shade and lie down to try and cool off. Some dogs might start drooling a lot, Dr. Brooks said. Story continues after photo gallery. If these symptoms continue, or the dog is unable to cool off, the illness can progress to heat stroke. 'That usually happens when their body gets above 105 degrees Fahrenheit or so,' Dr. Brooks said. 'Then you might see vomiting, diarrhea or collapse.' The dog's mental state can also be affected from heat stroke. These symptoms show up as a decreased level of consciousness and could lead to unresponsiveness. A dog's gums will initially get very red and, as they progress into shock, become a pale purple. The longer a pet is exposed to the heat, the worse the outcome could be. If a pet is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, Dr. Brooks said the best thing to do is cool them off with cool water from a sink or hose. 'One thing people do need to be aware of about the hose is that if the hose has been sitting out in the sun with water in it, the first water that comes out of the hose is really hot,' Dr. Brooks said. 'I've actually seen animals with burns from the water.' Once the dog is wet to the skin, bring them into a shady area or air-conditioned space. If an owner is able, check the dog's temperature to make sure it's not above 105. Dr. Brooks also points out that overcooling can also cause issues, so don't cool them off so much that their temperature drops below 103. If symptoms get beyond heavy panting (or don't stop within 30 minutes to an hour) and into gastrointestinal issues, Dr. Brooks said it's time to take them to a veterinarian. It's best to take the pet to the closest veterinarian so they can be cooled and rehydrated as soon as possible. 'Time matters when it comes to getting them cooled off and resuscitated,' Dr. Brooks said. Nearly every vet is equipped to administer fluids and cool a dog off and can refer a pet to a more capable hospital if the symptoms are more severe. It is never safe to leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, it is especially important on warm or hot summer days. Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles, according to the American Veterinarian Medical Association. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise almost 20° F in just 10 minutes, and almost 30° F in 20 minutes. Story continues after photo gallery. The longer a pet, child or person is inside a car turned off in the heat, the higher it goes. At one hour, your vehicle's inside temperature can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Even on a 70-degree day, that's 110 degrees inside a car. For more summer safety tips from the ASPCA visit Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@ Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman. Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Dog breeds most at risk in scorching heatwave as vet tells owners to check gums
As temperatures are set to soar to 33C this weekend, The Yorkshire Vet's Matt Jackson-Smith has warned pet owners of one major mistake that people make during heatwaves With the UK baking in a scorching heatwave, The Yorkshire Vet 's Matt Jackson-Smith has warned that some dogs are much more vulnerable to the soaring temperatures - and pet owners need to take urgent precautions. The Channel 5 vet says that certain breeds are significantly more at risk of heatstroke and should be closely monitored in hot weather, especially when temperatures climb above 25C. "The first thing to do is look at the breed of dog you have. Certain breeds of dogs struggle more than others,' Matt told the Mirror. "Smaller dogs like bulldogs and mastiffs can have heat stress at lower temperatures than others." Flat-faced dogs, also known as brachycephalic breeds - like pugs, French bulldogs, boxers and Shih Tzus - are particularly vulnerable because of how they regulate their body temperature. "There's so much heat they lose through panting, and they can't pant and breathe at the same time," he explained. "Those really struggle." But it's not just the small, flat-faced pets at risk. Larger breeds, especially those with thick coats, are also in danger when the mercury rises. "The bigger the dog, they can't bear the heat as well because of heat loss," Matt warned. "They are more at risk than smaller dogs." Dogs with thick fur or double coats, such as Newfoundlands, St Bernards, Huskies and Akitas, can quickly overheat, especially if left in stuffy indoor spaces or exposed to direct sunlight. Even indoors, owners need to be mindful of high temperatures, especially in areas like conservatories or poorly ventilated rooms. "Temperatures in a conservatory can reach well into the 30s so keep them well away from there," he said. "If the inside of the house is reaching high temperatures, you have to look for stone floors that provide a cool area for dogs." Matt recommends using cooling mats, frozen treats, and plenty of water to help dogs cope. But he warns against a common mistake many owners make - using ice baths or plunge pools. "You shouldn't use ice wash to cool them down when they are showing signs of heatstroke, or plunge pools - that can induce shock," he said. "You want them to cool down gradually. Get some cool wet towels and put them down." He also urged owners to watch for signs of heatstroke, including uncontrollable panting, vomiting, diarrhoea, red or pale gums, and collapse - and to skip walks altogether during the hottest part of the day. 'When you're getting over 25C, you're into the risk area for any dog,' he said. 'Some dogs will just sit in the heat and get themselves into a real mess.' And while cats can suffer from heatstroke too, Matt says it's far more common in dogs - especially those big, woolly breeds or smaller flat-faced pets. 'Plenty of water, cool areas, and being mindful of the time of day for any activity is crucial,' he added. For sun-loving pets, he even recommends using pet-safe suncream - especially for animals with light fur or exposed skin. 'The whiter the animal and the more exposed the skin, put suncream on,' Matt advised.
The Advertiser
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Research the whole kit and cavoodle, vet costs can bite
Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases. Rising pharmaceutical costs continued to outpace broader rises, according to insurer PetSure's latest Pet Health Monitor. Some owners are diligent researchers, the company's chief veterinary officer Simone Maher told AAP. "But then there are others who unfortunately are caught out because there are some underlying predispositions that they're not aware of and not prepared for," she said. According to the insurer's data, from more than 700,000 insured pets across Australia, the average dog owner claimed $1047 in vet bills in 2024. No longer relegated to "outside", dogs are now allowed at many cafes, pubs and offices. Virgin Australia has announced plans to allow them on domestic flights. Owners were willing to spend more and plan for vet costs amid the increasing the "humanisation" of dogs, Dr Maher said. The popular cavoodle accounted for 10 per cent of the insured breeds and were second in costs only behind border collies, with owners claiming less than $800 a year. Traditional working dogs such as collies and kelpies are less prone to obesity and related diseases, and less likely to need corrective surgeries than dogs bred for exaggerated anatomical features. The same can't be said for flat-faced dogs such French bulldogs and pugs, which sometimes require complex treatments. French bulldogs had an average annual claim of $1641. They also had great personalities, Dr Maher said. But as with any breed it helps to research, and financial costs aren't the only ones to consider. "We do need to be mindful that if we are selecting for those features, they do come at a welfare cost," Dr Maher said. The report also provided some insight into pet name trends. Whether it's a certain generation of first-time pet owners' enduring affinity for Harry Potter, or perhaps the canine tendency to howl at the moon, Luna is once again the most popular name for female dogs. It proved similarly popular for cats. Teddy was most popular for male dogs, while Milo topped the list for for male cats. Dr Maher advised prospective owners to put some thought into what they call their dog. "Just make sure it's something you're comfortable yelling out for the next 15 years or so." Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases. Rising pharmaceutical costs continued to outpace broader rises, according to insurer PetSure's latest Pet Health Monitor. Some owners are diligent researchers, the company's chief veterinary officer Simone Maher told AAP. "But then there are others who unfortunately are caught out because there are some underlying predispositions that they're not aware of and not prepared for," she said. According to the insurer's data, from more than 700,000 insured pets across Australia, the average dog owner claimed $1047 in vet bills in 2024. No longer relegated to "outside", dogs are now allowed at many cafes, pubs and offices. Virgin Australia has announced plans to allow them on domestic flights. Owners were willing to spend more and plan for vet costs amid the increasing the "humanisation" of dogs, Dr Maher said. The popular cavoodle accounted for 10 per cent of the insured breeds and were second in costs only behind border collies, with owners claiming less than $800 a year. Traditional working dogs such as collies and kelpies are less prone to obesity and related diseases, and less likely to need corrective surgeries than dogs bred for exaggerated anatomical features. The same can't be said for flat-faced dogs such French bulldogs and pugs, which sometimes require complex treatments. French bulldogs had an average annual claim of $1641. They also had great personalities, Dr Maher said. But as with any breed it helps to research, and financial costs aren't the only ones to consider. "We do need to be mindful that if we are selecting for those features, they do come at a welfare cost," Dr Maher said. The report also provided some insight into pet name trends. Whether it's a certain generation of first-time pet owners' enduring affinity for Harry Potter, or perhaps the canine tendency to howl at the moon, Luna is once again the most popular name for female dogs. It proved similarly popular for cats. Teddy was most popular for male dogs, while Milo topped the list for for male cats. Dr Maher advised prospective owners to put some thought into what they call their dog. "Just make sure it's something you're comfortable yelling out for the next 15 years or so." Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases. Rising pharmaceutical costs continued to outpace broader rises, according to insurer PetSure's latest Pet Health Monitor. Some owners are diligent researchers, the company's chief veterinary officer Simone Maher told AAP. "But then there are others who unfortunately are caught out because there are some underlying predispositions that they're not aware of and not prepared for," she said. According to the insurer's data, from more than 700,000 insured pets across Australia, the average dog owner claimed $1047 in vet bills in 2024. No longer relegated to "outside", dogs are now allowed at many cafes, pubs and offices. Virgin Australia has announced plans to allow them on domestic flights. Owners were willing to spend more and plan for vet costs amid the increasing the "humanisation" of dogs, Dr Maher said. The popular cavoodle accounted for 10 per cent of the insured breeds and were second in costs only behind border collies, with owners claiming less than $800 a year. Traditional working dogs such as collies and kelpies are less prone to obesity and related diseases, and less likely to need corrective surgeries than dogs bred for exaggerated anatomical features. The same can't be said for flat-faced dogs such French bulldogs and pugs, which sometimes require complex treatments. French bulldogs had an average annual claim of $1641. They also had great personalities, Dr Maher said. But as with any breed it helps to research, and financial costs aren't the only ones to consider. "We do need to be mindful that if we are selecting for those features, they do come at a welfare cost," Dr Maher said. The report also provided some insight into pet name trends. Whether it's a certain generation of first-time pet owners' enduring affinity for Harry Potter, or perhaps the canine tendency to howl at the moon, Luna is once again the most popular name for female dogs. It proved similarly popular for cats. Teddy was most popular for male dogs, while Milo topped the list for for male cats. Dr Maher advised prospective owners to put some thought into what they call their dog. "Just make sure it's something you're comfortable yelling out for the next 15 years or so." Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases. Rising pharmaceutical costs continued to outpace broader rises, according to insurer PetSure's latest Pet Health Monitor. Some owners are diligent researchers, the company's chief veterinary officer Simone Maher told AAP. "But then there are others who unfortunately are caught out because there are some underlying predispositions that they're not aware of and not prepared for," she said. According to the insurer's data, from more than 700,000 insured pets across Australia, the average dog owner claimed $1047 in vet bills in 2024. No longer relegated to "outside", dogs are now allowed at many cafes, pubs and offices. Virgin Australia has announced plans to allow them on domestic flights. Owners were willing to spend more and plan for vet costs amid the increasing the "humanisation" of dogs, Dr Maher said. The popular cavoodle accounted for 10 per cent of the insured breeds and were second in costs only behind border collies, with owners claiming less than $800 a year. Traditional working dogs such as collies and kelpies are less prone to obesity and related diseases, and less likely to need corrective surgeries than dogs bred for exaggerated anatomical features. The same can't be said for flat-faced dogs such French bulldogs and pugs, which sometimes require complex treatments. French bulldogs had an average annual claim of $1641. They also had great personalities, Dr Maher said. But as with any breed it helps to research, and financial costs aren't the only ones to consider. "We do need to be mindful that if we are selecting for those features, they do come at a welfare cost," Dr Maher said. The report also provided some insight into pet name trends. Whether it's a certain generation of first-time pet owners' enduring affinity for Harry Potter, or perhaps the canine tendency to howl at the moon, Luna is once again the most popular name for female dogs. It proved similarly popular for cats. Teddy was most popular for male dogs, while Milo topped the list for for male cats. Dr Maher advised prospective owners to put some thought into what they call their dog. "Just make sure it's something you're comfortable yelling out for the next 15 years or so."
West Australian
25-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Research the whole kit and cavoodle, vet costs can bite
Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases. Rising pharmaceutical costs continued to outpace broader rises, according to insurer PetSure's latest Pet Health Monitor. Some owners are diligent researchers, the company's chief veterinary officer Simone Maher told AAP. "But then there are others who unfortunately are caught out because there are some underlying predispositions that they're not aware of and not prepared for," she said. According to the insurer's data, from more than 700,000 insured pets across Australia, the average dog owner claimed $1047 in vet bills in 2024. No longer relegated to "outside", dogs are now allowed at many cafes, pubs and offices. Virgin Australia has announced plans to allow them on domestic flights. Owners were willing to spend more and plan for vet costs amid the increasing the "humanisation" of dogs, Dr Maher said. The popular cavoodle accounted for 10 per cent of the insured breeds and were second in costs only behind border collies, with owners claiming less than $800 a year. Traditional working dogs such as collies and kelpies are less prone to obesity and related diseases, and less likely to need corrective surgeries than dogs bred for exaggerated anatomical features. The same can't be said for flat-faced dogs such French bulldogs and pugs, which sometimes require complex treatments. French bulldogs had an average annual claim of $1641. They also had great personalities, Dr Maher said. But as with any breed it helps to research, and financial costs aren't the only ones to consider. "We do need to be mindful that if we are selecting for those features, they do come at a welfare cost," Dr Maher said. The report also provided some insight into pet name trends. Whether it's a certain generation of first-time pet owners' enduring affinity for Harry Potter, or perhaps the canine tendency to howl at the moon, Luna is once again the most popular name for female dogs. It proved similarly popular for cats. Teddy was most popular for male dogs, while Milo topped the list for for male cats. Dr Maher advised prospective owners to put some thought into what they call their dog. "Just make sure it's something you're comfortable yelling out for the next 15 years or so."
