PLEASE READ IF YOU OWN A DOG

As the weather increases in the upcoming weeks it's very important to understand the DO's and DON'TS.

Avoid enclosed and poorly ventilated areas such as cars and conservatories.

Avoiding strenuous exercise during hot weather by waiting until the cooler part of the day for their walks.

Making sure they have access to plenty of cold water and provide shade in gardens and outdoor

areas.

SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE:

• Heavy panting and difficulty breathing.

• Excessively drooling.

• The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated.

• Collapsed or vomiting.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE:

• Move the dog to a shaded and cool area.

• Immediately pour cool (not cold to avoid shock) water over the dog.

• Wet towels placed over the dog can worsen the condition, trapping heat.

• Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.

WHAT IS HEAT STROKE?

Heat stroke is when a dogs body cannot cope with an internal rise in temperature. As dogs can't deal with heat the same way humans can, they easily overheat especially being covered in so much fur! The only way dogs can cool down is through their paws or through panting but sometimes this isn't enough, humans can help by providing cooling mats, cool water and creating shaded areas. When a dogs body temperature rises it causes internal damage to their organs, tissue and makes them unwell. In very serve cases the dogs organs can fail and this can lead to death (when left untreated).

WHICH DOGS ARE AT MOST RISK?

Every breed is at high risk of heat stroke but there are a few that are at higher risk than others.

Bulldogs (all) and pugs are most at

risk due to the being brachycephalic (flat faced) which means they have a shortened muzzle as a result, air flow is restricted in and out of their mouth. This essentially makes it harder for them to exchange hot air for cool air - they can easily overheat.

Dogs that are obese, more energetic, older, have longer or thicker fur and having heath issue like heart or breathing problems are also at high risk. High energy dogs will suffer due to generating more heat by their muscles as they are the most active whereas older dogs are most likely to be less active but due to age related problems it can affect how well they can regulate their own body heat. Bigger dogs for example a new foundland were the breed itself is big and has a lot of fur will need more help from humans to cool down such as cooling mats, a fan or even a shave to the tummy- you do NOT want to shave their coat as their coat is to protect and provide insulation, if cut you can permanently cause damage.

A DOG HAS NEVER DIED FROM SKIPPING A WALK, BUT THEY HAVE DIED IN THE HEAT.