The Met Office has issued a warning to dog owners, advising them to avoid walking their pets during certain hours of the day this week to avoid dangerous weather conditions
Dog owners are being issued a stark warning to dodge walking their four-legged friends during certain times this week, as hot weather conditions loom large. The Met Office forecasts suggest a scorching heatwave is on the horizon, with mercury levels set to soar past 30C.
With temperatures on the rise, even brisk strolls could endanger dogs with overheating or paw pad burns. Animal care specialists are sounding the alarm, advising pet owners to tweak walkies timetable to shield pups from scorching climes. Here’s the lowdown on how to keep your furry companion chilled out during this hot weather.
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Sean McCormack, the head vet at Tails.com, warned: “While enjoying the sunshine is something both humans and dogs often love, it’s important to understand that a dog’s ability to regulate heat is very different from ours.
“This makes it essential for pet owners, particularly those new to dog care, to take proactive steps to keep their pets cool, safe, and comfortable during hot spells.”
The proffered tip to prevent pooches from sweltering is simple – sidestep the sun’s zenith by opting for walks in either the freshness of the early morning or the cooler evening hours, reports the Express.
At a mere 25°C outside, surfaces like tarmac can scaldingly escalate to 52°C, and with temperature predictions hitting 29°C this week, the hazard intensifies. If you’re testing the pavement’s heat, perform the palm test – a seven-second touch should tell you if it’s too torrid for your pup’s paws.
A crucial piece of advice is to never leave your dog alone in the car. The expert warned, “One of the most important things to remember during warm weather is to never leave your dog unattended in a car, especially when temperatures rise above 20°C.
“Even with the windows slightly open or if you’re stepping away for a short time, the risk is significant.” This is because cars can quickly become like “greenhouses, trapping heat and becoming much hotter inside than the outside air.”
Without proper airflow, dogs are at risk of developing heatstroke within just 15 minutes. On sweltering days, it’s often best to keep your canine companion at home in a cool, airy space.
Should you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, immediate veterinary care is critical.
Tails.com lists symptoms to watch out for:
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Excessive thirst
- Lying on their side or collapsing
- Lethargy or weakness
- Appearing unresponsive or unusually quiet
- Signs of agitation or stress
- Vomiting
- Lack of coordination or stumbling
