THE rise in temperatures brings an increased risk of severe health problems for us all – and our canine companions are not immune either.
With the mercury set to rise to 30 degrees Celsius in parts, a Denton-based rehoming centre is urging owners to avoid walking their dogs during the hottest parts of the day.
As the UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat alerts for most of England, Dogs Trust Manchester is warning that exercising dogs in warm weather could lead to them developing heatstroke – which can, in some cases, be fatal.
Extra care is needed because dogs cannot regulate their body heat in the same way as humans. Indeed, breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs are especially vulnerable in hot weather.
Panting heavily; appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated; vomiting; diarrhoea; collapsing, and drooling excessively are all signs of heatstroke.
The dog welfare charity has shared the following advice for owners, if they suspect their dog is experiencing heatstroke:
Act immediately to prevent your dog’s condition getting worse.
Cool first, transport second.
Stop them from playing, walking or whatever activity they’re doing and move the dog to a shaded and cool area.
Start cooling them down urgently. For young, conscious, healthy dogs, this means immersing them in cold water, for example in a paddling pool if possible, keeping their head above water. Use any water available, provided it is cooler than your dog. If immersion is not possible, continuous dousing with cold water is an alternative.
For older dogs or dogs with health conditions, spray them with room temperature water, avoiding their face, and combine with air movement from a breeze, fan or air conditioning. Place ice, wrapped in a tea towel to prevent ice burns, in their groin and armpits.
Always closely monitor cooling and stop if you notice signs of shivering.
Don’t place a wet towel over them as this can raise their temperature.
Call your vet urgently for further advice and transport them there as quickly as is safely possible. Keep the air conditioning on in the car or the windows open.
If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your nearest vet immediately.