A high of 30C at the start of May would be the earliest point in the year on record for the UK.
A study by the Royal Veterinary College found in 2022 that dogs are five times as likely to have a stroke during “heatwave” periods, a quarter of which cause them to die.
And dogs can still be at an elevated risk of heatstroke, sunburn and skin cancer so caution is required.
“No matter your dog’s breed or how much they appear to enjoy basking in the sunshine, all animals are at risk.”
With temperatures set to rise pet owners will need to be wary about when to walk their dog (Photo: Tim Graham/Getty)
When is it too hot to walk you dog?
According to leading charity Dog’s Trust, there’s “no simple answer” to this question adding “your dog could overheat even in winter”.
British Veterinary Association junior vice-president Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux warned last summer that changeable weather conditions mean “it’s easy to get caught out”.
“So, remember, even if it’s overcast or raining, avoid the hottest parts of the day for dog walks, and never leave your pet in the car.”
If you are planning to take your dog for a walk in warmer weather, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
Do the five-second Tarmac test – Tarmac can get very hot in the sun and burn dog’s paws. Check the pavement temperature before letting your dog walk on it by holding your hand down for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, then it is better to walk your dog later when it has cooled down to avoid burning paws. Walk your dog at cooler times of day – try to take them out in the early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This will reduce their risk of heatstroke. Be particularly careful if your dog is old, overweight, suffers from breathing difficulties or is a flat faced breed like Pugs, French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs. Don’t run or cycle with your dog when it is hotDogs are at risk of over-heating because they can’t sweat (Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty)
Getting overheated for dogs is especially risky because they can’t sweat, except through their paws.
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Read MoreOver-heating will make them prone to a heat-related illness known as either heat stress, heat exhaustion or heatstroke depending on the severity.
Dogs won’t necessarily know when they are over-heating and may continue to run around and play, so owners need to look out for key signs:
Difficulty or changes to breathing Wobbly or uncoordinated movements Bright pink/ red gums and lips Lethargy, drowsiness, stiff or unwilling to move Heavy or continuous panting, even when they’ve stopped exercise Shade seeking Vomiting and diarrhoea Excessive drooling Collapse Seizures“Dogs die in hot cars and on hot walks. Owners must avoid known triggers to heat-related illness and, if in doubt, don’t go out,” Emily Hall, lead canine heatstroke researcher at the Royal Veterinary College, told The i Paper last year, “If there is concern a dog has overheated, our advice is: cool first, transport second.
How does heat affect other pets?
Cats can also be affected by the high temperatures and so pet owners should be aware of signs of discomfort or distress.
Like dogs, cats have a limited ability to sweat so they can be at risk from heatstroke if they are trapped in a warm place. Unlike dogs, they are less likely to overheat from physical exertion.
Signs of heatstroke in cats include:
Panting and fast breathing Bright/dark red or sometimes very pale gums Vomiting Diarrhoea Weakness Confusion Wobbliness and collapse Seizures Blindness UnconsciousnessThey should be kept hydrated, given a shady, well-ventilated space and protected from sunburn if outside. Ears and noses are are most likely to get burnt on cats.
How to keep your dog cool
Walking your dog early in the morning or late in the evening will help to keep them cool (Photo: Paul Quayle/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group/Getty)Here are ten top tips for keeping your dog cool during warmer weather:
Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest part of the day, especially if they’re older, overweight, flat-faced breeds, or have known heart of lung problems. Walk dogs during the early morning or late evening or skip altogether if temperatures are high. Avoid the mid-day heat. Never leave dogs in cars, not even for a few minutes, as in the hot sun it can be fatal. Give them plenty of fresh water to drink, ideally chilled. Give them plenty of ventilation. Keep them in the shade. Put their toys in the freezer and then take them out and thaw them a little until their nice and cold and your pet can play with them. Watch out for early signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums and lack of co-ordination. If you think your dog has heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take it to a cool, well-ventilated space, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Call your vet for advice immediately if you are concerned. Read More Details
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