As temperatures are forecast to soar over the next few days, a vet has warned to keep an eye on pet dogs for symptoms of heatstroke.
With the possibility of temperatures reaching as high as 34C in some areas in the coming days, Veterinary Physiotherapist Tilly Wild has warned overheating can potentially be fatal for our pets. All pets, including dogs, need to be protected from overexposure to the heat.
Dogs can develop heatstroke in high temperatures in the same way humans do. Vet Tilly warns that heatstroke can be a serious illness for dogs. Heatstroke can affect any breed or age of dog and pet owners should try to keep their pooches as cool as possible to avoid them getting ill. Tilly said: "Heatstroke is potentially fatal if not caught quick enough."
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Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs to look out for include: excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, shaking, vomiting, and in severe cases, collapse, reports Birmingham Live.
Tilly advises that dog owners need to be aware of the heat and its impact on their dogs as soon as temperatures exceed 19C. Owners should make sure their pets have access to shade and plenty of water to drink when they are outside.
When is it too hot to walk my dog?
If the temperature is over 19C, it is important to supervise your dog and keep an eye on them when on walks for signs of overheating. Veterinary Physiotherapist, Tilly Wild advises avoiding walking your dog in the hottest part of the day.
She said: "Prevent heatstroke by avoiding walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. 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."
Dog walkers recommend testing the temperature of the pavement by placing the back of your hand on the ground. If you can't keep your hand on the hot floor for seven seconds without it causing pain then it is likely too hot for your dog to walk on comfortably.
Paddling pool warning
Although paddling pools, like this one from Next, can be a great way to help dogs keep cool, they can cause shock for hot and bothered pooches. 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.
Cool mats have become increasingly popular in recent years and are especially useful for older dogs. Tilly said: "Cool mats are also useful for older dogs with arthritis, 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."
