In the summer heat, top tips to help owners make sure dogs are safe, cool and happy as temperatures rise.
High temperatures, strong sunshine and several days of heat can impact all of us, to varying degrees. It also affects animals. The loudest message is about not leaving dogs in cars in hot weather but even that is sometimes ignored. People who 'just' popped into a shop, were only 5 minutes, left the window open. In the UK this message of not leaving dogs in cars applies from springtime onwards as the sun’s rays are strong enough by then. Being stuck in direct sunlight can see car interiors reach high temperatures in a short time.
However, dog walking in hot, sunny weather affects 10 times more dogs (Dogs Trust) and they are keen to spread the word about how to keep your pet safe and what to do for first aid if needed. #DogsDieOnHotWalks
Just as we might adjust our behaviour, slowing down, seeking shade and covering up on hot days there is now plenty of advice for dog owners in times of ongoing heat.
Ensuring pets have access to shade and fresh drinking water. Ice cubes in the water bowl, we’d add ice to our summer drinks
Using pet-safe sunscreen. This can be put on exposed parts such as tips of their ears and nose especially if a dog has light coloured fur.
A damp towel to lie on, or an ice pack wrapped in towel. Don’t place the damp towel over your dog. Just as parents are advised not to cover pushchairs, both trap heat and focus it in the wrong place whilst keeping out any cooling from airflow.
Groom them regularly We don’t wear our winter coats and putting long hair up away from your neck makes a great difference so the advice is to invest in regular grooming for dogs over the summer.
Depending on your dog they might fancy a swim in the sea or a splash in a paddling pool or sprinkler. They only need to get their paws and belly wet to make a difference.
It is recommended that in hot weather dog walking takes place early in the morning or later in the evening. Away from the heat of the day the risk of heatstroke and burnt paws decreases.
Different surfaces will be at different temperatures. In the weather world, we measure temperatures in many places. The main value you see on forecasts is air temperature. Taken in the shade at a set height above the ground in a ventilated space. Garden thermometers in direct sunlight can often show much higher values and car dashboard displays even hotter. Observation enclosures also include a measurement on the grass, soil temperatures at different depths and the council may have sensors out on rural roads recording the road surface temperatures, for their gritting crews.
On hot days try the five-second test on tarmac. If it is too hot for your hands, it is too hot for paws.
Black tarmac, concrete and artificial grass can get hot in bright sunlight when the heat is ongoing, as can sand.
Your dog may begin to limp or refuse to move (they may do that at times anyway or just be hot in themselves). Other signs include licking or chewing at feet, a change in colour or shape of pads with blisters.
Another concern is Heatstroke. Signs include heavy panting and difficulty breathing, excessive drooling. Appearing lethargic with less energy or out of sorts. Collapsing, being sick or diarrhoea. The earlier you can get your dog to shade and start the cooling process, the better.
Heatstroke is serious and the core body temperature needs to be lowered gradually. This is the same for humans and is life-threatening. The usual natural cooling actions aren’t enough. Flat-Faced (brachycephalic) breeds are at extra risk as their breathing is already under extra pressure.
“Dogs pant to cool down – without a nose, panting is simply less effective. In fact, brachycephalic dogs may even generate more heat simply gasping to breathe than they lose by panting.” Emily Hall
Get the dog into a shaded and cooler place.
Pour cool water over the dog but not cold water, it will induce shock. Again, do not drape wet towels over a dog, they trap heat. A damp towel underneath will help a little but what is needed is water to carry away the heat and air movement.
Drinking small amounts of cool water. Keep an eye on them, you are waiting for their breathing to settle but they may go unconscious. It is better not to pour water on a dog’s head, especially flat-faced breeds as they could inhale it.
After the first aid, take them to a vet urgently.
Some dogs are more likely to be affected by exertional heatstroke. Very old or young ones, overweight ones, those with thick coasts and flat faced pugs or bulldogs.
If you are heading out for the day or away on holiday, it will be work checking that dogs are welcome. Some parks and beaches have restrictions at certain times of the year. You can freeze a dog bowl or ice cream tub with a quarter amount of water. Once frozen you can fill the rest up with water and it is a lasting cold drink. It is worth taking sun umbrella on a day trip or journey and a cooling bed, often advertised on garage forecourts. Also, if you are travelling by car for longer distances this summer. Avoiding the heat of the day might be better for everyone. If you do see a dog in distress in a hot car you should call 999.
Diurnal temperature change for locations on Netweather Radar extra
Avoiding the midday sun is one thing but temperatures continue to climb through the afternoon, with maximum temperatures sometimes occurring around mid, even late, afternoon in the height of summer.
With our changing climate, global heating and the likelihood of more severe and frequent heatwaves, we need to prepare and be able to deal with the impacts of high temperatures and ongoing heat for ourselves, and for any animals we care for.
Thanks to Major and Esme
