Summer’s here, so don't forget that dogs suffer from the same problems as ourselves in hot weather – dehydration, overheating, and even sunburn. If you keep a few things in mind and take action early, you and your dog can have a great summer!
If your dog is outside make sure that it always has an adequate supply of fresh clean water and a place to shelter from the sun. If possible, bring outside dogs inside on hot days.
Dog walkers should be aware than on a hot day of 25ºC with little wind and low humidity the paving and tarmac can reach a scorching 52ºC. Dog walkers should consider the “5 second rule” - this is a simple test where you place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for five seconds then it’s too hot to walk your dog. Dogs paws are just as sensitive as human feet and susceptible to getting painfully burned even on days that don’t appear overly hot.
Bringing your dog to the beach is fine, as long as you can ensure he will have shade when he needs it and plenty of clean, fresh water. If your dog likes to swim in the sea, be sure to wash him off with fresh water as soon as possible as salt water can be rough on the coat and skin.
Older and obese dogs, as well as dogs with medical problems should be kept inside if possible. Snub-nosed such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, and Shih Tzus can also be susceptible to hot weather problems and should be watched for signs of overheating.
The best time for walking or playtime with your dog is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is very hot and humid as dogs can dehydrate very quickly.
Cars can be death traps for dogs, even with the windows open. A car can go from comfortable to oven-like in minutes, so never leave your dog alone in a car. When it is 22°C (72°F) outside, the temperature inside the car can soar to 47°C (117°F) within 1 hour. Dogs pant to keep themselves cool, which also raises the temperature in the car. In a hot stuffy car leaving a window open or a sunshield on your windscreen won’t keep your car cool enough.
And don’t think that a cloudy day or parking in the shade reduces the risks. The sun moves during the day and clouds can actually magnify the heat. This can also occur in conservatories. If you are taking your dog along in the car for a long trip, always carry a container of cool water for them him.
Check that your destination is dog friendly. You won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined!
Heatstroke
If dogs are too hot and unable to reduce their body temperature, they will develop heatstroke. It doesn’t always have to be ‘hot’ for an animal to develop heatstroke. Exercising excessively in warm weather, or being left in a warm or humid environment that is poorly ventilated can cause animals, including cats, to quickly overheat
Avoidance is always best, but it’s important to know the signs of heatstroke:
Early signs include:
- Panting, this can progress to distressed or noisy breathing as the heatstroke worsens
- Restlessness or agitation, pacing, seeking shade or water
- Drooling (lots of saliva)
- Very red gums or tongue
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
Advanced stages of heatstroke include:
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Confusion
- Weakness or collapse
- Seizures or loss of consciousness in extreme circumstances
Treatment
- “Cool first, transport second” If your dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, you should act immediately, as heatstroke can rapidly become a life-threatening emergency. Move them to a shaded, cool area and seek immediate veterinary advice. Heatstroke can be fatal and should always be treated as an emergency.
- Immediately douse your dog with cool water (not cold), to avoid shock. You could put your dog in a shower and run cool water over them,
- Evaporation method: pour or spray filled cool water over your dog and combine with air movement from a breeze or fan. It’s important not to use ice-cold water as this can reduce blood flow to the skin, reducing their ability to cool down or even cause them to shiver, increasing heat generation
- Offer them small sips of water (do not force them to drink)
- Once you’ve started these steps, call your vet who will be able to advise you further even if your pet seems to be ok.
Prevention (in summary)
- Make sure that wherever your dog is, they are always able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if they’re feeling hot.
- If your dog is outside, you must provide a cool shady spot where they can escape the sun at all times of the day and an adequate supply of drinking water in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over.
- Restrict exercise on warm days by walking them early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Never allow your dog to exercise a lot in hot weather.
- Ensure that your dog is regularly groomed, particularly long coated breeds, to get rid of excess hair.
Duty of Care
Under the Animal Welfare Act, you have a legal duty to care for your animals and if you put them at risk, you will face prosecution. You would also have to live with the fact that your thoughtless action resulted in terrible suffering for your pet.
Don’t Forget
Summer also brings dangers in the form of insecticides, weed sprays, and snail baits, to name a few, so watch out for these hazards in gardens and on your walks.