Weekend dog shows are casualties of UK heatwave

National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) and Guide Dogs have cancelled events on Saturday and Sunday for the health and safety of pet pooches.

Shaw House, Newbury will be holdig its summer fair on Sunday from 11am to 4pm, but one of the highlights of the day will not be taking place.

NAWT took the decision earlier this week to cancel the dog show, which would normally take place, due to the ongoing hot weather.

Posting on social media the trust said: "We have decided to cancel the dog show we were hosting at the Shaw House Summer Fair this Sunday 17th July, on the grounds of welfare for dogs and our volunteers.

"With the temperature expected to reach over 30 degrees, we'd like to remind our followers to be vigilant in keeping your dogs cool in this hot weather."

Visitors to Shaw House can still enjoy refreshments, stalls and children's entertainment, including Mr Muddle the Magician.

The Guide Dogs Family Fun Day event that was due to take place at Burghfield Common on Saturday has also been cancelled, but organisers hope to run the event later in the year.

A statement from the organisers said: "POSTPONED... We are very sorry to inform you that due to the weather warning for extreme heat on Saturday and concern for dogs and people, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our Open Day until September. We will be agreeing a new date this week and will update the event in the next couple of days. For now, keep safe in the heat and we hope to see you all in September."

As temperatures soar, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is offering top tips to help owners make sure dogs can stay safe and happy in the sun and keep cool.

The charity is advising dog owners how they can keep their canine companions cool – indoors as well as outdoors - and prevent them from overheating as the days get hotter.

• 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.

Know the early signs of heatstroke which include panting, difficulty breathing, tiredness, less keen to play, drooling and vomiting, and take immediate action.

If you spot these signs -

• Stop exercising your dog, bring them inside into a shaded and cool area or an air-conditioned car/ building and seek veterinary advice immediately.
• Give your dog a drink of room temperature water, allowing them to drink small amounts.
• If your dog is conscious, start pouring small amounts of cool water onto the dog's body and re-apply water regularly until their breathing starts to settle, but not so much that they start to shiver.
• Don’t use wet towels as this can restrict air flow and make the dog’s body temperature rise even further, as can happen with cooling jackets/coats.