Temperatures are set to soar over the next few days and the forecast is warning of potential highs of 34 degrees Celsius in some areas of the UK. For pet owners, now is a crucial time to keep an eye on your much-loved animals, and knowing the signs and symptoms of heatstroke can help you keep them safe during the heatwave.
Veterinary Physiotherapist, Tilly Wild, has issued a warning to pet owners stating overheating can be potentially fatal and it's important to protect our pets from overexposure to the heat. Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs can include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, shaking, vomiting, tiredness and in severe cases, collapse, the Liverpool Echo reports.
In the same way we get hot during warmer weather, so do our pets. Tilly warns that heatstroke can be a serious illness for our dogs. "Heatstroke is potentially fatal if not caught quick enough," she says.
Read more: Met Office warning as temperatures expected to hit 30C in Nottinghamshire this week
Owners need to be aware of the heat and the impact it can have on their pets as soon as temperatures exceed 19C. In the next few days temperatures are predict to be above 20C's in Northern parts of the UK, whilst most parts in central UK will reach 25C and over and the hottest weather is currently reported by the Met Office to in the South of England reaching over 30C.
Never leave your dog in the car, temperatures can quickly rise rapidly in a matter of minutes and this can lead to them being dehydrated. Animal charities such as the RSPCA and BlueCross advise that if you see a dog alone in a car on a hot day you should call 999. Here are a couple of other tips you can use to help keep your dog cool during the upcoming heatwave:
When is the best time to walk your dog
Vet Tilly advises pet owners to avoid walking their dog in the hottest part of the day. "Prevent heatstroke by avoiding walking your dog during the hottest part of the day," She said. "Also ensure they have access to shade and water when playing in the garden, and that pavements are not too hot by checking with your hand and avoid travelling in the car on hot days."
It's best to take a stroll in the early morning or evening to avoid your dog being exposed to the rising temperatures. Before you do head out for a walk, make sure to check the pavements. If it's too hot for you to touch with the back of your hand for seven seconds, it will be too hot for your dogs paws and so it's best to wait until the pavement is cooler.
Freeze treats and keep dogs in the shade
If possible it's always best to keep your dog in the shade on hot days, and make sure they have plenty of clean, fresh water. There's nothing better than having an ice lolly on a hot day and you can treat your dog to their own frozen treats too! All you need to do is simply put some of your dogs favourite treats into water in an ice cube tray and freeze.
If you haven't yet invested in a cool mat, these can also be a great cool option for your pet. Tilly suggest they're also good for older dogs to help with their joints. "Cool mats are also useful for older dogs with arthritis," she explains: "Who may find that their painful joints become warm or inflamed during the hotter months. A cool mat can help reduce inflammation and keep them comfortable."
Paddling pool warning
A paddling pool may be your go-to when your dog is overheating and they are a great way to make sure your pooch is keeping cool - but temperatures should be checked to make sure they aren't too cold. "It's important to supervise and check the water in paddling pools isn’t ice cold - cool or room temperature is ideal to prevent shock," Tilly explained.
