Summer Heat: Protect your pet from heatstroke

We’ve had quite a few hot days recently, so we’ve pulled together some important information you should know about how to keep your pet safe in this hot weather.

As the weather gets warmer, and hopefully our lives start to return to normal, we will soon be enjoying walks with our fur families or watching them play in our gardens. However, it is important to remember that the heat can have serious effects on our dogs, especially those breeds with short noses like pugs and bulldogs, with heatstroke being an all too common issue. Unlike us humans, dogs cannot sweat, and often find it difficult to properly regulate their body temperature during hotter weather. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye out for the signs of heatstroke , which include; heavy panting, excessive drooling, drowsiness, lack of coordination, vomiting and collapse.

If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, move them into a cool, shaded area, pour small quantities of cool (but not cold) water onto their skin – damp towels can help them cool down, but they can quickly absorb the heat, causing body temperature to increase, so must be replaced regularly – encourage them to drink small amounts of cool (not cold) water, and call your vet for further advice.

Heatstroke can be prevented by walking only at cooler times of day, and ensuring your dog always has access to shade and fresh water throughout the day. Pet-safe sun creams can be applied to vulnerable areas, such as their ears and nose. Never leave your dog in a car during warm weather, even if the window is open. A car can reach 47°C within an hour when the external temperature is only 22°C. If you see a dog in with signs of heatstroke in a car, dial 999.