The nine dog breeds at greater risk of suffering heatstroke in the heatwave have been revealed by experts.
Dog owners are being urged to exercise caution in the soaring temperatures, with vets and the DSPCA issuing warnings to pet owners urging them to refrain walking dogs in the heat. Purebred dogs have twice the risk of crossbreeds - and according to experts, the nine dog breeds most at risk are varied.
Chow chow dogs lead the way, with a 17 times greater risk, followed by the bulldog at 14 times more likely to suffer heatstroke. French bulldogs and French mastiffs complete the top five with greyhounds, followed by King Charles spaniels, pugs, English springer spaniels, and then golden retrievers.
Read more: Top tips to take care of your cats and dogs during Dublin heatwave
Emergency animal care provider Vets Now also warned rising temperatures could increase the risk of heat stroke in dogs. The vet service sees a spike in callouts as the weather warms up and has warned that temperatures above 20C put dogs at risk, and that survival rates for dogs with heat stroke is just 50%, and one devastated pet owner spoke out this week saying her French bulldog had tragically died after a brief walk - despite showing no signs of illness after the walk was completed.
The DSPCA have given some excellent advice on how best to care for your pet during this period of hot weather . Pets can easily become over heated and dehydrated, so we need to make sure we pay special attention to them during the warm spell.
Speaking to Dublin Live, DSPCA spokeswoman Gillian Bird said that the warm weather can be tough on our pets. She said: "It's a hard time for pets, there's a lot of things people don't think to do when it comes to the warm weather and their pets."
So how can we help our pets be comfortable during the warm spell?
Water and Shade
Water is essential for all pets, and many need fresh water throughout the day especially when it is hot out.
Gillian said: "Cats prefer fresh water, they don't like the chemicals coming from the tap. So make sure to leave fresh bowls of water around the house in the kitchen etc, because even if they drink stagnant water they won't feel great."
For dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs, it is also important that they are given fresh water throughout the day to help them cool down and avoid heatstroke. Also, make sure to keep your pet in shady areas both when outside and inside.
Gillian explained: "For dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, it's so important that they have access to fresh water and shade even in the morning and especially later in the day. For guinea pigs and rabbits, make sure their hutches are in a shady area and you can move their hutches if need be."
One tip to help your pet keep cool is to soak a towel in cold water and place it on the ground for their paws. Add some ice cubes to their water bowl, or give them some frozen treats.
Sunscreen
Indeed, animals with fair fur are most at risk from getting sunburn which could even turn into skin cancer later in life. Gillian said: "Even indoor cats if they have fair fur, white or cream fur, it's important to have a chat with your vet about getting sunscreen for them because they can get repeatedly sunburned which could turn into cancer."
Lather up any exposed parts, their ear tips, the bridge of their snoot and their little nose. MooGoo do an organic range for pets or you should be able to find some pet friendly sunscreen from your vet or at your local pet shop.
Walks
If it's too hot, don't take your dog for a walk. Let them take a rest for a few days until the weather cools down a bit.
Meanwhile, walking on certain surfaces such as tarmac can burn your dog's paws. Gillian explained: "Tarmac can be very hot on paws, repeatedly standing on a hot surface can burn feet and also because dogs cool down through their feet, a hot surface won't help them cool down naturally by themselves."
If you need to walk your dog, avoid the heat of the day and get out either early in the morning or later in the evenings when it's cooled.
Cars and beach rules
If you put your pet dog in the back seat or the boot of your car, it can get overly hot. Gillian explained: "It's so hot for the next few days and it can be extremely hot in the car, if you put your dog in the boot or backseat the heat can come blaring in especially when stuck in traffic.
"Think to yourself, would you put a bar of chocolate in the car where it can melt? Dogs can overheat and get sunstroke in the car."
Also, it's important to check the local rules at beaches around Dublin this summer, as many beaches have restrictions or even bans on dogs going for walks on the beach.
Signs of Heat Stroke
Heatstroke in dogs usually starts with excessive panting, lying down and struggling to breath, these signs are often coupled with increased and excessive drooling. Make sure to bring you pet inside, to a cool and shaded area and give them some water; if they have not got a little more comfortable after 30 minutes, it's best to have a chat with your local vet.
For more tips and advice visit www.dspca.ie.
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