Rising temperatures a factor in increased risk

Dog owners have been reminded of their legal duties to protect their four-legged friends from heatstroke amid the rising risks posed by climate change and breeds with flat faces or thick coats.

An analysis from the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs (LAGECDogs) warned that failing to take all reasonable steps to prevent heat-related illness can break the law, namely the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and lead to prosecution, fines or imprisonment.

The advisory group said there are extra requirements for those responsible for dogs with extreme face or body shapes, adding temporary carers such as walkers, sitters and groomers must also uphold the law.

LAGECDogs said the risk of heatstroke in dogs is rising, partly due to climate change but also 'ongoing high demand' for flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, and those with thick coats such as Chow Chows and Newfoundlands.

The advisory group drew on extensive research on heat-related illness at the Royal Veterinary College's (RVC) VetCompass Programme.

Key findings included that exercising during warm weather causes up to 70% cases of heat-related illness in dogs, with the other 30% due to dogs being confined in a warm space.

Pooches with extreme characteristics such as flat faces and thick coats are also 'significantly' more at risk: Chow Chows are 16.6 times more likely to suffer from heat-related illness than Labradors, with English bulldogs 14 times more likely and French Bulldogs 6.5 times more likely.

Dogs who are older, overweight or suffer respiratory impairment are also susceptible.

The advisory group said reasonable steps to protect dogs include: only exercising during cooler parts of the day and for less time and at less intensity; providing shade and avoiding hot tarmac and paths; ensuring constant access to drinking water; wetting the dog where appropriate; keeping vehicle interiors cool; and recognising the signs of heat illness such as panting, drooling, vomiting, and lethargy, and taking immediate action, including seeking veterinary advice.

Owners with flat-faced or thick-coated dogs should follow similar advice but more closely - so careful limits of exercise, more frequent cooling and wetting, more frequent observations for the symptoms of heatstroke, and monitoring weather forecasts so that adaptations can be made to the dog’s environment or exercise plans in advance.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, and part of LAGECDogs, said: "Owning a dog brings great joy but also holds a responsibility to protect that dog from unnecessary harm or suffering, and the RVC continues to support strengthening public and professional awareness of the steps that should be taken during warm conditions.

"This new legal analysis from LAGECDogs is a critical tool that links legal and scientific evidence to explain to the UK general public about their legally binding responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent heat-related illness in dogs.

"As climate change progresses, it may become a legally reasonable step in the future to avoid acquiring a dog with an extreme conformation that predisposes the animal to heat-related illness."

Dr Helena Howe, Associate Professor in Law at The University of Sussex and chair of LAGECDogs, said: "Warm weather poses a serious risk to dogs, especially those with extreme conformations.

"As a nation of dog-lovers we want our dogs to be safe and comfortable during the summer but not everyone is aware of their legal duties to protect dogs from heat-related suffering.

"This analysis explains that anyone responsible for a dog is legally required to take reasonable steps to prevent them from developing a heat-related illness.

"Notably, extra steps are legally required to meet the additional needs of dogs whose extreme conformations have been shown to make them particularly vulnerable to heat."