Things are still feeling pretty toasty for large parts of Scotland after the hottest day of the year so far was recorded on Tuesday.
And the sunny conditions are set to hang around, with summer just around the corner. Despite many of us humans enjoying the warm weather, it is often not the same for our beloved furry friends.
Dogs in particular can struggle with the heat and with most homes in Scotland lacking air conditioning, it can be pretty tricky to reduce the heat inside. Unlike humans, they are actually unable to cool themselves down easily as they are not able to sweat.
You may notice that our pets use panting to keep cool, but that may not be enough, especially for those with thick fur coats. It means that dogs are prone to overheating that can unfortunately lead to serious illnesses like heatstroke.
But there are some ways to help you cool your K9, with the PDSA issued some top tips to help. There are steps you can take before things heat up to stop your dog overheating, signs to look out for to figure out if your dog is far too hot and tricks to try to reduce the heat.
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Signs of overheating and heatstroke in dogs
It is important to know the signs to look out for if your dog is overheating as this can lead to serious issues such as heatstroke.
You should monitor your dog closely to see if you spot any signs they are feeling too hot -they may be panting or lying stretched out
Being aware of the symptoms of heatstroke is vital so you can help quickly if needed.
Common signs include:
- Panting heavily
- Dribbling
- Wobbling and having trouble standing up
- Bright red gums
If you think your dog is experiencing symptoms of heatstroke you should give first aid and contact your vet immediately.
First aid measures should include moving to a cool, shaded area, letting your pet drink small amounts of water, and pouring room temperature water on their body. You should not use freezing cold water as this can cause shock.
Tips to keep you dog cool as the weather warms up
There are lots of things you can try to keep your dog cool on. hot day from urging them to lay in the shade to keeping them groomed.
Some tips from the PDSA include:
- Encourage your pooch to stay hydrated
- Stick to the shade
- A paddling pool for paws
- Ice packs and cool pads/mats - you could simply dampen a towel for your dog to lie on
- Grooming - to thin out coats before summer
- Walk dog early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures dip
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