Even though most of us humans love the hot weather and prefer to spend time outside, our four-legged friends do not like the heat; they would prefer it to be cold and wet if anything, dogs can die on hot walks.
It is common knowledge that leaving dogs in a hot car on their own is dangerous, but many people do not realise that walking your dog during the summer is also harmful to their health. Dogs are profound to sunstroke, overheating as well as the risk of burning their paw pads on hot pavements and roads.
We dog owners are being urged by veterinarians and animal welfare groups to be aware of the early signs of heat-related illness and what to do if we discover them.
The effects of heat on dogs can range from organ failure to brain damage, even death. No dog owner wants to see their pet suffer.
Like us humans, dogs also need time to get used to the warmer weather and acclimatise themselves over a period of weeks, especially if the weather suddenly changes from beginning cold to extremely hot. Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat and find it hard to cool down.
By providing cool refreshments like frozen dog treats, and even a paddling pool or a dog cooling coat. Even a wet towel or a cool mat to lay on can help in keeping them cool. And it goes without mentioning, lots of readily available fresh water at all times. There are even cooling toys that you can buy, like dog cooling bones or a soak ball.
You should also look after your dog’s paws all year round and apply dog paw cream and Pet safe sunscreen on exposed parts of your dog’s skin. My favourite is the 'Chill Out Water Fountain'. There are lots of other items that are available, so take a look at the full list here.
If you still want to exercise your dog in the hot months, plan ahead. Do your walks early in the morning when it’s cooler and instead of taking your dog for a walk when you get home from work, have your tea earlier and take the dog for a walk later on in the evening. You will be surprised at just how pleasant and enjoyable walking is, not only for you but your dog too. Still avoid over-exercising your dog, even at these times.
When going on any walk in the warmer months, always carry some fresh water with you and think about the route. This handy all-in-one water bottle from the RAC is great for these walks. Keep out of the sun, walk in shaded areas, such as a wood walk, or a river walk where the dog can take a dip into the water. Be careful taking your dog for too long on the beach, and don’t let the dog drink lots of seawater, this can be bad for their health.
As you can imagine, all dog breeds are at risk, but different breeds of dogs are more susceptible than others. Flat-faced dogs that have narrow airways and dogs with respiratory diseases and/or cardiovascular diseases are always more likely to be affected by warm weather.
Signs of heat-related illness.
· Less keen to play
· Behaviour changes, lying down more frequently and stumbling.
· Excessive panting, that doesn’t stop with rest
· Breathing difficulties, and look out for unusual noise or any blue/grey tinge to the gums or tongue.
If you see any of these signs, stop immediately the activity and move them into the shade. Lay the dog down in water or pour water over the body to cool them down. If you are concerned at all, ring your vet immediately.
So the message is for this summer, NEVER leave your dog in a hot car, because, ‘not long’ is too long, ad when it comes to walks, ‘if in doubt, don’t go out’. Use your common sense, and enjoy the summer months together.
Updated 02/8/2023
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