WITH temperatures predicted to rise to almost 30°C in parts of the country this weekend, Dogs Trust West London at Harefield is warning that exercising dogs in hot weather can be fatal for our canine friends.
Dogs can’t regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken in hot weather.
If dogs are too hot and can’t sufficiently manage their body temperature, they may develop heatstroke.
While most of us know that leaving dogs in hot cars is incredibly dangerous, one study found that almost three quarters of heat-related illnesses in dogs were actually exercise-related.
Symptoms include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or unco-ordinated, vomiting and / or diarrhoea and collapsing.
Emergency first aid for dogs with heatstroke
If you suspect your dogis suffering from heatstroke, here are some things you can do:
- move the dog to a shaded and cool area
- place them in the breeze of a fan, or in an air-conditioned room
- offer them drinking water
- soaking their body with tap water, avoiding their face
- lie them on a cold wet towel or cooling mat, but don’t place a towel over them.
If you see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises you to call 999.
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