A dog had to be carried off a mountain on a stretcher after being taken for a walk on the hottest day of the year. 12 mountain rescue volunteers were sent to retrieve the dog.
The Golden Retriever was being walked in the Glen River area of the Mournes when it began showing symptoms of suspected heat exhaustion, which can quickly be deadly for dogs. Mourne Mountain Rescue received the call for assistance shortly before 5pm on Monday.
It took three hours to get the dog to the owner's car for an onward journey to a vet, reports BelfastLive.
A spokesperson for Mourne Mountain Rescue, said: "The dog was treated, packaged and evacuated by stretcher to team vehicle before transfer to Donard Park and owner's vehicle for onward transfer to a local vets. Twelve members responded and stood down at 7.43pm."
Research shows that more than half of all dogs taken to vets with severe heatstroke die. Vet advice remains straightforward: if in doubt, don’t take them out.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
- Panting, which increases as heatstroke progresses.
- Drooling, salivating.
- Agitation, restlessness.
- Bright red tongue.
- Very red or pale gums.
- Increased heart rate.
- Breathing distress.
- Vomiting, diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
