EXPERTS ISSUE WARNING FOR DOG OWNERS AS UK IS HIT WITH 35 DEGREE HEATWAVE
Source: Heart Lifestyle (Extract)
Posted: July 31, 2020
And while we welcome the sunshine with open arms, heatwaves can be a nightmare for our furry friends – and sometimes even fatal.
When temperatures hit this high, dogs are at risk of falling ill and their owners should follow expert advice in order to save their canine friends.
The experts at PETA UK say that there are a number of things humans can do to ensure their dog is kept safe during the heatwave.
Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat through their footpads, or cool themselves down by panting, which means the experts advise you keep your pet indoors if you can.
They also say that you should be providing your pet with plenty of water and shade, especially if they are outside.
They warn that even “brief periods of direct exposure to the sun” can have “life-threatening consequences”.
It is advised you don’t walk your dogs in high temperatures, but if they are going out, make sure they walk and do not run.
PETA explain: “In very hot, humid weather, never exercise dogs by cycling while they try to keep up or by running them while you jog.
“Dogs will collapse before giving up, at which point it may be too late to save them. They can quickly become severely overheated, and an ‘exercise’ session can turn into a medical emergency.”
If your dog is going outside, make sure you avoid hot pavements as their footpads can easily burn.
Test the surface with your own feet to begin with, if it’s too hot for you, it will definitely be too hot for you pooch.
While people may be taking trips to their local supermarkets in order to stock up on suncream today, it is crucial that dogs are never left in a car – even if it’s for a short period or with a window open.
Dogs can die from heatstroke in a car in a matter of minutes, even if it’s not parked in direct sunlight.
