Dogs Trust Warns of Danger of Walking Dogs in Heat
Warmer weather poses risks for our furry friends who cannot cool down as effectively as we can.
With temperatures around the country set to reach into the twenties this week, Dogs Trust Ireland is issuing a warning to dog owners that too much exercise in hot weather can be dangerous and potentially fatal for dogs. The charity is also reminding the dog-loving public that warm, humid days are enough to cause heat-related problems for our furry friends, it does not necessarily need to be sunny.
Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs are especially vulnerable in hot weather and recent research found English Bulldogs are fourteen times more likely to suffer heat-related illness compared to Labrador Retrievers. The research, carried out by the Royal Veterinary College, in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University also found that over a third of owners of flat-faced dogs reported that heat regulation is a problem for their pet.
However, Dogs Trust is warning owners that any dog can suffer from heatstroke. The Pet Emergency Hospital in Dublin reported that each dog presented to them with heatstroke between June and August required hospitalisation and sadly, the fatality rate can be as high as 93%, depending on the severity of the case.
Dogs can really struggle to regulate their body temperature in the heat and are quite susceptible to heatstroke. Watch out for heavy or continuous panting even when they’ve stopped exercising, difficulty breathing, lethargy or drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, excessive drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, seizures, or collapse. If you notice any of these signs, immediately move your dog to a cooler area and call your vet as soon as possible for advice, as the faster they receive treatment, the better their chance of making a full recovery.
Niamh Curran-Kelly, Veterinary and Welfare Manager, Dogs Trust Ireland
While the warmer weather will have many of us thinking of fun outdoor activities to do, sometimes the safest option for your dog is to leave them at home where they can stay cool. Make sure your dog is hydrated and always has plenty of fresh water to drink, as well as a cool, shady spot to lie, even when indoors. If you must bring your dog out for a walk, please only do it in the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening and keep it as brief as possible. A missed walk won’t be fatal to your dog, but heatstroke can be. It’s a completely preventable but devastating condition, so we are urging owners to keep their dogs cool this summer.
Melanie Kevelighan, PR and Communications Officer
For more tips on keeping dogs safe and happy in warmer weather, go to DogsTrust.ie/HotWeather
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