Dog owners may need to take action
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued a warning on its website, urging dog owners to take action next week.
It comes as the Met Office has predicted highs of 32C on Sunday (May 24) and Monday across London. Areas like Glasgow, Manchester, Aberdeen, Liverpool, Belfast and Brighton are all set to see temperatures rise.
Next week, May 25, marks the Spring Bank holiday for people living in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. With this in mind, the experts warn that over the Bank Holiday weekend, dog owners should walk pets early in the morning or later in the evening and avoid the hottest part of the day to prevent serious or potentially fatal heat-related illness.
Urging people to take action and walk them when it’s safe, it wrote on May 21: “Each summer, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving dogs who require treatment for heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, with some dogs sadly unable to be saved as a result.
“Unlike people, dogs struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions because they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can be fatal.
“Panting is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature. That is why flat-faced breeds such as English bulldogs and pugs, are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult. Overweight, old and densely coated animals are also at increased risk.”
British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: “While many of us will be looking forward to finally enjoying a bit of sunny weather this Bank Holiday weekend and in the coming week, our pets will need extra care to be safe from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
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“Make sure all pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, it’s important not to take them out during the heat of the day – stick to early morning or late evening walks only, and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while.
“It helps to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pet’s life. In dogs, signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. If you suspect heatstroke, take your dog to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cold water to drink if possible, and pour cold water over the body to cool it down, before contacting your vet.”
BVA’s top tips to keep dogs safe in hot weather
- Always ensure pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation, and shade from direct sunlight. Indoors, provide cooling aids such as a fan or cooling mat.
- Avoid exercising dogs during the hottest part of the day. This is especially important for older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds, and dogs with heart or lung conditions. Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening instead.
- Use the five-second tarmac test before walks: place your palm on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
- Never leave dogs inside vehicles. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999 immediately.
- Be alert for signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and poor coordination.
- If heatstroke is suspected, move the dog to a cool, well-ventilated area, offer small amounts of cold water, and cool them with cold water. Contact a vet immediately for urgent advice.
See more of their top tips for keeping animals safe in hot weather.
