PD Insurance warns of surge in heatstroke claims for pets

Pet insurance specialist PD Insurance has reported a noticeable increase in claims for heatstroke among pets, even before the peak of summer heat.

As New Zealand braces for warmer weather, the risk of heat-related illnesses in pets is garnering attention. Michelle Le Long, COO of PD Insurance, highlighted a recent case where a dog suffered from heatstroke and required hospitalisation, including respiratory distress management and a temporary tracheostomy.

“Luckily for him and his parent, we provided a soft landing by paying out a claim of over $4,711 for all the vet costs,” Le Long said.

Cats and dogs are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to their inability to sweat like humans and their fur coats. To address this, PD Insurance offers eight tips for pet owners to safeguard their animals during hot days:

• Ensure pets have access to fresh water and a cool, shaded area
• Avoid overexercising pets in extreme heat, preferring early morning or evening for outdoor activities
• Protect pet paws from hot pavements and surfaces, which can cause burns
• Never leave pets in parked cars, as temperatures can rise rapidly, posing severe risks to animals
• Apply pet-specific sunscreen to breeds susceptible to sunburn, such as Dalmatians and hairless cats
• Provide additional cooling measures for pets that struggle with heat, like Bulldogs and Persian cats, including cool showers and air-conditioned environments
• Monitor pets for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, difficulty breathing, and increased heart rate, and seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms arise
• Exercise caution around water bodies, as pets can face risks such as exhaustion and strong currents

“A hot summer is something to be looked forward to. Make this one the best by taking your pet along to enjoy every moment while being sure to take special care of their needs. And remember, a vet bill for an overheated pet can be expensive, but insurance isn’t,” Le Long said.

Elsewhere in the space, AA Pet Insurance has also confirmed the continuation of its sponsorship partnership with the New Zealand Epilepsy Assist Dog Trust (NZEADT) in 2024.

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