WHEN IS IT TOO HOT TO WALK YOUR DOG? RSPCA ISSUES ADVICE
Source: Manchester Evening News (Extract)
Posted: July 17, 2021
RSPCA has issued advice to pet owners on how to care for dogs in the hot weather.
Animal welfare charity RSPCA has issued advice on caring for dogs in the summer and has outlined worrying signs that owners should look out for.
When to walk your dog
The RSPCA iterates that even when it’s hot, dogs need exercise.
Yet they recommend walking your dog in the morning or evening when it’s cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement.
They also encourage owners to try the ‘five second test’ – where if it’s too hot to place your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it’s too hot for paws to walk on.
Signs of burned pads
RSPCA says to look out for the following:
- limping or refusing to walk
- licking or chewing at the feet
- pads darker in colour
- missing part of pad
- blisters or redness
Other tips to keep dogs safe in hot weather
RSPCA also advises the following in the hot weather:
Never leave animals in hot cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day, even if only for a short while.
When it’s 22C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47C in these environments, which can result in death, RSPCA warns.
You can use pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet’s skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose, to avoid sunburn.
This is especially important if your dog has white or light-coloured fur as they can be very vulnerable to getting burnt.
RSPCA also says to make sure pets always have access to shade and fresh drinking water to help keep them cool.
You could try putting ice cubes into your dog’s water bowl or making ice cube treats as another effective way of keeping your pet cool.
Another method to try is to provide damp towels for your pet to lie on, or if you have one to hand, putting out a paddling pool for your pooch to splash around in.
Meanwhile, regular grooming in warmer weather can help brush away any dead or excess hair, leaving your dog with a less dense coat.
More information can be found on the RSPCA’s website here.
