Vets have shared a number of warnings for dog owners that will help keep their beloved pets safe as temperatures rocket.
Today has been the hottest day of the year so far, with the temperatures reaching 32.2C in Surrey.
The heat, which is forecast to last for a number of days, can sometimes be dangerous for dogs if proper precautions aren’t taken.
This can be simple steps taken from not walking them in the height of the heat, to knowing when it’s best to keep them in, even when you head out into the garden.
Vet Dr Shannon Barrett one was of a number of experts who shared a few key tips that all dog owners should know.
Speaking to Homes & Gardens, she highlighted one key pointers.
Keeping dogs in the garden with you
During the hot weather, those lucky enough to have a garden might enjoy lounging around in it, and might think it a good idea to bring their pet with them too.
But Dr Barrett warned not to do so.
“[Pets] are very susceptible to heat stroke, and the signs can be very subtle. They may not appear for hours after being outside. Therefore avoid the hottest parts of the day,” she said.
When this is can vary but it’s worth always keeping an eye on the forecast, especially on days like today when the heat really grows.
Keeping dog food outside
Keeping your dog's food outside can be an appealing idea for a number of reasons, but it’s not necessarily the best shout.
Vet Paola Cuevas Moreno from petkeen.com cautions the warmer weather creates a “breeding ground of bacteria” that is harmful to your dog or cat.
She said: “Bacteria tend to thrive in warm conditions, increasing the chances of pollution.
“Remove anything your pet does not eat within 30 minutes and make sure you wash their food plates after every meal, just like you would wash yours.”
Putting your dog in a room with direct sunlight
Although we think it may be nice to give our dog some direct sunlight if we leave them for a bit of the day, one vet warned it could actually be really harmful.
Dr. David Littlejohn, the Lead Veterinarian at Pawscessories, told Homes & Gardens that: "If they're unable to leave that room, it can get considerably warm for them to the point of extreme discomfort.”
If you do have to leave your house, and keep your pet in one room, try pick one that can keep cool, or keep the curtains closed to help keep the heat out a bit.
