Dogs Trust Issues Hot Weather Warning for Dog Owners

With the sunny weather set to make a comeback this week and temperatures reaching into the twenties, Dogs Trust is reminding dog owners to protect their pooches during the summer months. Dogs aren’t able to handle the heat as easily as people can, and high temperatures can quickly become dangerous, and potentially fatal, for them. 

Exercise is one of the biggest risk-factors for dogs developing heatstroke with more than two-thirds of cases occurring from simply walking in the heat.* Dogs Trust recommends walking dogs in the cooler times of the day such as early morning or later in the evening when temperatures aren’t as high. The charity also advises owners to keep walks short, bring plenty of water for your dog to drink and take breaks in the shade if needed. 

While all dogs are susceptible to heatstroke, certain breeds with flatter faces such as Bulldogs and Pugs can be up to fourteen times more likely to be affected.** Dogs Trust is also warning owners with older dogs, overweight dogs, or dogs with underlying health conditions to remain extra vigilant during the warmer 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.” 

While exercising dogs in hot weather is the most common cause of heatstroke, dogs need to be kept cool while at home too. Dogs Trust advises owners to always ensure their dog has somewhere cool and shaded to relax both indoors and outdoors. Make sure they also 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-degress in just 10-minutes. Parking in the shade or rolling down the windows does little to alleviate this, so please, never take the risk. 

For more advice on keeping pets safe and cool in hot weather go to DogsTrust.ie/HotWeather  
 

Research Referenced: 

* ‘Dogs Don’t Die Just in Hot Cars—Exertional Heat-Related Illness (Heatstroke) Is a Greater Threat to UK Dogs’ by Hall, E.J., Carter, A.J. & O’Neill, D.G. July 2020 

** 'Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016' by Hall, E.J., Carter, A.J. & O’Neill, D.G. June, 2020.