King Charles' Coronation is now just two days away, and those of us who plan on heading to London to witness the historic event firsthand will be spending the next couple of days finalising our travel plans.
And as with other royal events, many onlookers are likely to consider bringing their dogs with them to involve them in the festivities, as we know the Royal Family have a soft spot for pooches, as many of us do.
But according to one dog behaviourist, it could actually be unsafe to bring your dog to a Coronation event - and she has warned pet owners to take extra care this weekend.
Caroline Spencer, a dog behaviourist at ProDog Raw, told The Mirror that bringing your dog to watch the Coronation proceedings could do more harm than good, as you'll likely be in a crowded area which may cause your pooch unnecessary stress.
She said: "I do not think dogs should be taken to the Coronation unless they are service or assistance dogs. Ultimately, you must think about your dog's needs, as opposed to your wants. London will be extremely busy and this can be stressful for dogs - particularly those prone to reactivity. Consider why you are taking them along. What will your dog get out of the experience? Have they been in overcrowded spaces before?
"If your dog is reactive, I would urge you not to take them to the Coronation. You will be shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers and will probably struggle to see what's happening at your feet; people could easily step on their paws by accident, not notice them, you might encounter other dogs in a confined space (which could trigger anxiety), and more. The city will also be rife with over-stimulating scents, sounds, police horses, and more."
Caroline also noted that the weather on Saturday, May 6, is set to be "warm and sunny". And while this is great news for royal fans wanting to catch a glimpse of the Coronation in action, it can be tough for dogs, especially if they are "prone to heatstroke" or regularly experience "breathing difficulties".
The expert pointed out that if your dog does have a medical emergency due to the heat, you could find it difficult to leave the crowded area you're in, which could "quickly become a difficult situation".
Ultimately, if you do plan on taking your dog to a Coronation event this weekend, then Caroline suggests being equipped to spot the signs of stress so that you can help make your furry friend as comfortable as possible.
She explained: "If you do take your dog to the coronation this Saturday, it's important that you understand signs of stress so you can help to ease their anxieties and make them comfortable on the day.
"This includes panting, their tongue being turned up at the end or spoon-shaped, licking their lips, a tense muzzle and forehead, their ears being pinned back, 'whale eyes' (where you can see the whites of their eyes), dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, and diarrhoea.
"Should you notice any signs of stress in your dog, it's important that you remove them from the situation as quickly as possible and help to calm them down. Even if your dog has shown no signs of stress before, putting them in an unfamiliar situation can make them feel trapped; in extreme cases, this can lead to dogs biting out of fear.
"As an owner, you should always avoid putting your dog in any situation that might make them feel uncomfortable."
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