Early summer temperatures can cause heat stroke, Dogs Trust warns

WITH sunshine finally arriving in many parts of the UK, Dogs Trust, the nation’s largest dog welfare charity with rehoming centres in Cardiff and Bridgend, is warning dog owners that too much exercise in warm weather – even as mild as those forecast for this weekend - can cause severe health problems for our canine companions.

While most dog lovers will be aware that extreme weather and heatwaves can be dangerous for dogs - sometimes even deadly - many will be unaware that exercising dogs in early summer temperatures can cause heatstroke in dogs. In some cases, heatstroke can prove fatal.

A recent study1 showed that nearly 75% of cases of heat-related illness in UK dogs were because of exertion, and over two thirds were just from walking only.

Brachycephalic, or “flat-faced”, breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, are especially vulnerable in hot weather. Recent research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University found that English Bulldogs are fourteen times more likely to suffer heatrelated illness compared to Labrador Retrievers. Over a third of owners of flat-faced dogs reported that heat regulation is a problem for their pet. 2

The symptoms of heatstroke can include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapsing.

Dogs Trust has shared the following advice to spray them with room owners if they suspect temperature water,

nd their dog is experiencing avoiding their face, heatstroke: and combine with air

Act immediately movement from a breeze, to prevent your dog’s fan or air conditioning. condition getting worse. Place ice, wrapped in a

Cool first, transport tea towel to prevent ice second. burns, in their groin and

Stop them from armpits. playing, walking or Always closely whatever activity they’re monitor cooling and stop doing and move the dog if you notice signs of to a shaded and cool area shivering

Start cooling them Don’t place a wet towel down urgently. For young, over them as this can conscious, healthy dogs, raise their temperature. this means immersing Call your vet urgently them in cold water, for for further advice and example in a paddling transport them there pool if possible, keeping as quickly as is safely their head above water. possible. Keep the air Use any water available, conditioning on in the car provided it is cooler than or the windows open. your dog. If immersion is If your dog has not possible, continuous collapsed or is struggling dousing with cold water is to breathe, call your an alternative. nearest vet immediately.

For older dogs or dogs Dogs Trust also with health conditions, advises that dogs should never be left alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. As dogs can’t cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them.

If you see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises that members of the public call 999 immediately.

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust, says:

“After weeks of rain, it’s great to see the sun shining, and many of us will be taking advantage of it to enjoy the great outdoors. And with over a third of households now shared with a dog, we have no doubt that people will be keen to take their dogs along to join in the fun.

“But, while most of us know not to walk or exercise dogs in extreme weathers, even these lovely early summer temperatures can cause problems, especially for those dogs with flat-faces or underlying health conditions.

“As owners, we need to know the signs that our dogs are getting too hot and help them take a rest and cool down when they need to. Some dogs aren’t good at self-regulating and may continue to run and play even though they’re hot and tired, which increases their risk of heatstroke.

“If you do spot the signs of heatstroke in your dog, take steps to cool them down and contact your vet immediately.”

To find out more about how to keep your dog safe this summer, visit www. dogstrust. org. uk/ hotweather