DOGS Trust have issued a Hot Weather Warning for dog owners ahead of the return of the sunny weather.
As temperatures are set to soar into the twenties, Dogs Trust have reminded owners of the dangers posed to dogs during warm weather.
Dogs can’t handle the heat as well as people can and high temperatures can become highly dangerous and even fatal to dogs.
Heat stroke is one of the most common risks for dogs in the warm weather. Owners must be aware that exercise is one of the main risk-factors for dogs developing heat stroke. Two-thirds of cases occur from simply walking your dog in the heat.
Dogs Trust have recommended that owners should walk their dogs during cooler times of the day such as early mornings or later in the evenings. Owners should try to keep walks short, bring plenty of water for your dog to drink and allow your dogs to take breaks in the shade.
All dogs are susceptible to heatstroke, however, certain breeds with flatter faces such as Pugs and Bulldogs are up to fourteen times more susceptible.
Owners of older dogs, overweight dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions should be extra cautious during the Summer months as these dogs are more likely to struggle with the increased temperatures.
Niamh Curran-Kelly, Veterinary and Welfare Manager, Dogs Trust Ireland, advises: “Heatstroke, sadly, can be fatal if it isn’t treated in time, and while prevention is always better than cure, it’s important for dog owners to be aware of the signs and act swiftly if they spot them. Watch out for heavy or continuous panting, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, uncoordinated movements, lethargy or drowsiness, seizures, or collapse. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, immediately move them to a cooler area and contact your local vet to describe their symptoms. The sooner your dog receives treatment, and their body temperature returns to normal, the more likely they are to make a full recovery.”
Even if you have your dog indoors, Dogs Trust advises owners to always ensure their dog has somewhere cool and shaded to relax.
As well as this, owners must ensure they have access to plenty of cool, fresh water throughout the day to keep them hydrated.
The charity is also reiterating the ever-important message to never leave dogs alone in a hot car. On a 22-degree celsius day, the temperature in a car can rise by 11-degrees in just 10-minutes. They have warned that parking in the shade or rolling the windows down is still just as dangerous.
If you would like more advice on keeping pets safe and cool in hot weather go to DogsTrust.ie/HotWeather.
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