As we fast approach the height of summer, dog owners may think it’s the perfect time to make the most of the warmer and drier weather by taking their pooch out for a long walk in the great outdoors.
But with summer heatwaves predicted, pet experts have warned that the high temperatures can be a “silent killer” for dogs. Even taking your four-legged friend for a short walk in the sunshine could prove deadly, particularly for dogs with thick coats, underlying health conditions, or flat-faced breeds.
Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, a serious illness in which they are unable to cool down that can prove fatal - and your dog can be affected even if they just sit in the sunshine for too long. Here’s everything that dog owners need to know about caring for their pet in the summer , from the warning signs of heatstroke to the top tips on keeping your pup cool.
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How hot is too hot for your dog?
According to VetsNow , the risk of heatstroke can begin when temperatures are as low as 20°C. Once the mercury climbs to 24° and above they advise pet owners to take “extreme caution” letting their dogs outside, while temperatures above 28° are considered dangerous and even life-threatening for dogs.
Owners of certain breeds should keep a particularly close eye on their pup. Flat-faced dogs such as pugs and bulldogs can especially struggle to keep themselves cool, so are more at risk of heatstroke even when temperatures are as low as 16°.
Spotting the signs of heatstroke in dogs and what to do next
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs can include excessive panting, drooling and restlessness, as well as more worrying symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea that may contain blood. Owners should check their dog’s mouth if they suspect they may be too hot - heatstroke can cause pale gums or a bright red tongue. Your dog might also appear drowsy and uncoordinated, and may even suffer from seizures.
If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, you should contact your vet immediately - but there is also some emergency first-aid you can carry out at home to help them cool down. The first thing to do is get them out of the heat and into a cooler spot.
Offer your dog small amounts of water, and wet their coat with cool water too - but use normal tap water and avoid ice-cold water, as this can make symptoms worse. You should also avoid putting a wet towel over your dog, the RSPCA warns, as this can trap heat in.
You can also fan your dog to help them cool down. Even if your dog seems to get better, the RSPCA urges owners to always call their vet in a case of suspected heatstroke.
Top tips to keep your dog cool in the summer
There are plenty of things that dog owners can do to help their pooch avoid the deadly effects of heatstroke. The Blue Cross advises staying away from the hottest parts of the day when it comes to walking your dog, instead taking them out first thing in the morning or in the evening.
Owners should also check that pavements and roads aren’t hot enough to burn their dog’s paws. You can do this by pressing the palm of your hand to the ground - if it’s too hot for you to keep it there for long, it will be too hot for your pup’s paws to handle.
Be sure to keep your dog hydrated, giving them access to water throughout the day and bringing a water supply for them out on any walks or trips - remember never to leave them alone in the car. You can also treat them to some snacks to help them keep cool such as giving them ice cubes to lick, or freezing some of their wet food and stuffing it into a puzzle toy.
The PDSA similarly suggests freezing dog-friendly pieces of fruit like apples, strawberries and bananas for a cold canine snack. Ensure that your dog has a shady spot to rest in away from the sun, and you could also consider setting them up with a paddling pool or cooling mat - a wet towel to lie on makes for a handy budget version.
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