Dogs can overheat, which can be fatal for them (Image: Getty)
If you’ve got a dog, you’ll know how important it is to keep them cool when the weather is warm. Unlike humans, dogs can’t cool themselves by sweating, so it’s often harder for them to regulate their own body temperatures.
Dogs can get heatstroke just like humans, but depending on the breed, it can sometimes end up being fatal. Owners are now being urged to carry out a quick five-second task before allowing your dog to go outside, which could save your pet’s life on hot days. It comes at Vets Now has warned of a sharp rise in heatstroke emergencies in animals, with most owners unaware of the signs.
Sadie Spencer, Principal Vet at Vets Now, said: “Heatstroke is one of the most serious emergencies we see in summer, and it can come on frighteningly fast – a dog can go from happily playing, to a life-threatening emergency in a matter of minutes. It’s generally safe to walk dogs when the temperatures are up to 19°C. Once temperatures rise above this level, the risk of heatstroke increase.
“The tricky thing in the UK is how quickly our weather changes; dogs need weeks to acclimatise to the heat, so a sudden warm spell catches a lot of them out. With temperatures set to rise again, we’d urge every owner to take it seriously now, rather than waiting for the warning signs.”
Dogs cool themselves off by panting, but it’s not always enough (Image: Getty)
To help your dogs avoid getting too hot, Sadie recommends putting the back of your hand on the pavement outside for five minutes. If it’s too warm to handle, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws, so it’s best to keep them away from the hot surface.
It’s best to walk your dogs in the coolest parts of the day, such as the early morning and the evening, to minimise the risk of heatstroke.
But heatstroke in dogs isn’t always triggered by exercise. It can also happen when a dog is left in a poorly ventilated area, such as the car, which is why they should never be left alone in them – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes.
Some of the dogs which are most at risk are flat-faced breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs and shih tzus, along with overweight dogs, older dogs, those with underlying health conditions and breeds with thick double coats.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
Sadie has identified some of the key symptoms that your dog may have heatstroke, and they include:
- Heavy panting or drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Unsteady legs
- Glassy eyes
- A racing heart
- Excessive thirst
If a dog does show signs of heatstroke, owners should move them somewhere cool and shaded, dampen them with cool – but not ice-cold – water, offer small amounts of water to drink, and contact their vet straight away.
“Don’t wait to see if they improve,” Sadie said. “Start cooling them down and call us on the way – the sooner treatment begins, the better their chances. If you’re ever unsure, get in touch with your vet.”