Vet warns dog owners about TikTok heatwave hacks that could be fatal

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The recent heatwave has shown again how blistering heat is a struggle for the canine companions who rely on us, with dog owners looking for ways to keep their pets safe.

However, people following some viral tips to keep their pups cool in searing temperatures could be introducing new problems.Veterinary surgeon Dr Linda Simon at Pooch & Mutt has looked at some of the most popular videos on TikTok that demonstrate homemade cooling dog treats and warns of some of the dangers that could arise if users follow suit.The heatwave saw temperatures reach 40.2C at Heathrow today (July 19) as temperatures continue to rise.

For pups, heatstroke can progress very quickly and in severe cases, cause seizures, organ damage and death, says vet charity PDSA.Dr Simon has set out advice for well-meaning dog lovers taking care of their pets amid the heat.Dental sticks are for many dogs, considered a high value treat, so freezing them in water is a nice way to keep them cool and occupied, all whilst keeping their teeth clean.However, this particular video does pose one risk that users should be aware of before trying to recreate.When using packaging for enrichment purposes you should supervise your dog at all times to make sure they are not ingesting anything other than the dental stick and frozen water.Ingesting things such as card and paper can cause bowel obstructions which can be fatal if not treated quickly.Ideally, I would recommend taking the frozen dental stick out of the packaging before giving it to your dog to avoid any unwanted vet trips!Whilst this is a great idea in terms of keeping them both cool and entertained, the main concern with this frozen treat is the risk of overfeeding your dog.Overfeeding can lead to weight gain