WITH temperatures predicted to rise to almost 30°C in parts of the country over the weekend, Dogs Trust’s rehoming centres in Cardiff and Bridgend are warning that exercising dogs in hot weather can be fatal for our canine friends.
Dogs can’t regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken in hot weather. If dogs are too hot and can’t sufficiently manage their body temperature, they may develop heatstroke which can be fatal. While most of us know that leaving dogs in hot cars is incredibly dangerous, one study found that almost three quarters of heat related illnesses in dogs were actually exercise related.
Heatstroke can affect any type of dog, but certain breeds and types of dogs are at increased risk, including brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, as well as older dogs, overweight dogs and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting and / or diarrhoea and collapsing.
Emergency first aid for dogs with heatstroke
If you suspect that your dog may be displaying signs of heatstroke, call your nearest vet immediately. They can advise if your dog is suffering from heatstroke and what to do. While you contact your vet, here are some things you can do to help cool your dog down:
- move the dog to a shaded and cool area
- place them in the breeze of a fan, or in an air-conditioned room
- offer them drinking water
- start cooling them down by soaking their body with tap water, avoiding their face
- lie them on a cold wet towel or cooling mat, but don’t place a towel over them as this can raise their temperature.
Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, says: “Most responsible dog owners know never to leave a dog in a hot car, for any amount of time. But the majority of heat related illnesses seen in dogs are actually caused by dogs being walked or exercised in hot weather.
“While we might like the sunshine, heatstroke can be rapidly fatal to dogs. The good news is that steps can be taken to prevent our dogs suffering in this weather, such as only walking dogs in the coolest parts of the day, ensuring dogs have access to somewhere cool and shady to lay down and making sure they always have access to fresh water.
“If you do suspect your dog has heatstroke, call your vet immediately as it is vital they receive the care they need as soon as possible.”
Dogs Trust Tips for caring for your dog in hot weather
- Avoid walking or doing activities either indoors or outdoors with your dog at the hottest times of the day, so early morning or later in the evening is often best.
- Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog and make sure they have access to fresh water at home at all times.
- Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – check it with your hand before letting your dog walk on it so they don’t burn their paws. Try the ‘five-second test’ – if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
- If you cannot avoid taking your dog out in the car on a hot day, even if travelling a short distance, avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day.
- Never leave your dog in a vehicle on a warm day. Not even with the window open. (Leaving your pet alone in a vehicle or tied up outside can also put them at greater risk of being stolen.)
- Use a cooling mat or wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for your pet to lie on if they wish.
- Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.
- Don’t let your pet get sunburnt – use pet-safe sun cream.
Dogs Trust also advises that dogs should never be left alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. On a 22-degree Celsius day, the temperature inside a car could rise by eleven degrees in just ten minutes and as dogs can’t cool down the same way as humans, the heat can rapidly become fatal for them.
If you see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises that members of the public call 999.
To find out more about how to keep your dog safe this summer, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk
