Dogs Trust Newbury issues warm weather guidance for pet owners as summer temperatures rise

Dogs Trust Newbury has issued guidance to protect dogs with the arrival of the warmer weather.

While most pet owners know extreme weather and heatwaves can prove fatal for dogs, many will not realise that even low temperatures can cause dogs to experience heatstrokes.

Symptoms of heatstroke can include heavy panting, excessive drooling, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting, diarrhoea and collapsing.

The charity has issued the following advice to pet owners:

· Exercise dogs during the early mornings or evenings rather than during the hottest periods of the day.

· Ensure dogs have regular access to fresh water at home and outdoors at all times.

· Feel tarmac before letting dogs walk on it so they do not burn their paws. If five seconds is too hot for a human hand, then it is too hot for a dog’s paws.

· Avoid travelling with dogs in cars during the hottest times of the day.

· Never leave dogs inside a vehicle on a warm day, not even with the window open. The charity says leaving dogs alone in cars for even just a few minutes can prove fatal.

At 22 degrees celsius, the temperature inside a car can rise by 11 degrees in just 10 minutes, and as dogs cannot cool down in the same way as humans.

· Use a cooling mat, wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for dogs to lie on if they wish.

· Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.

· Use pet-safe sun cream to stop dogs becoming sunburnt.

· And take immediate action if dogs show signs of heatstroke.

Recent research from the Royal Veterinary College, in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, shows English bulldogs are 14 times more likely to suffer heat-related illnesses compared to Labrador retrievers.

And more than a third of owners of flat-faced dogs reported that heat regulation is a problem for their pet.

“There are so many things we can do to make sure our dogs stay happy and healthy in hot weather, but it is crucial we keep a close eye on them, even if we are playing indoors,” says Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden

“That way, hopefully we and our dogs will be able to enjoy a long hot summer.”

The charity advises members of the public to call 999 if they see a dog in a car in distress.

Visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/seasonal/warm-weather to find out more about how to keep dogs safe this summer.