Dog owners urged to heed heat warnings

Dogs Trust is reminding owners to beware the lethal hazard of leaving their four-legged friends alone in a car for any amount of time during warmer weather.

Even a few minutes can be fatal, and anyone who sees a dog in distress inside a car is urged to call 999.

Dogs Trust, the nation's largest dog welfare charity, added that exercising during warm weather can also cause heatstroke, which can be lethal, for dogs due to how they regulate body heat, relying on panting to cool down.

Three quarters of heatstroke cases are caused by exercise and even short walks in the heat should be avoided.

Any type of dog can be affected but certain breeds face increased risk, including brachycephalic or flat-faced types such as English bulldogs, pugs and French bulldogs, as well as those that are older, overweight or have pre-existing medical conditions.

Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting, diarrhoea and collapsing.

Charlie Dobson, Dogs Trust senior vet, said: "After so many weeks of grey skies, it’s lovely to finally enjoy some summer sunshine.

"But while the warm weather may lift our spirits, it can pose serious health risks to our dogs.

“Unlike humans, dogs struggle to cool themselves down effectively, which means they’re much more vulnerable in high temperatures, especially during exercise or when left in a vehicle.

"Even with the windows cracked open, it simply isn’t safe to leave a dog in the car at any time in this heat.

"The good news is that these risks are avoidable.

"Walking your dog during the cooler times of day, keeping their activity levels lower, ensuring they have a shady spot to rest, and providing constant access to fresh water can all help keep them safe.

“And above all, never leave your dog alone in a hot car—not even for a few minutes.

“If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, begin cooling them down immediately and contact your vet straight away.
"Prompt action is crucial and could save their life.”

Dogs Trust has issued the following advice to support dog owners during hot weather:

Avoid walking dogs or doing activities either indoors or outdoors at the hottest times of the day; so early morning or later evening is often best.

Always take plenty of water when out with a 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 a hand before letting a dog walk on it so they don’t burn their paws, and if taking a dog out in the car on a hot day is unavoidable, even if for a short distance, avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day.

Never leave a dog in a vehicle on a warm day, not even with the window open.

Use a cooling mat or wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for pets 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 pets suffer sunburn; use pet-safe sun cream.
    
Know the early signs of heatstroke such as panting, difficulty breathing, tiredness, less keen to play, drooling and vomiting, and take immediate action.


If a dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call the nearest vet immediately.

They can advise if the dog is suffering from heatstroke and what to do.

Also:
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.